Assessing implementation of cultural competency content in the curricula of colleges of pharmacy in the United States and Canada

Am J Pharm Educ. 2007 Apr 15;71(2):24. doi: 10.5688/aj710224.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the presence of curricular and organizational content related to cultural competency within colleges of pharmacy in the United States and Canada.

Methods: Curriculum committee chairs (n = 87) and student leaders (n = 54) in colleges of pharmacy in the United States and Canada were surveyed via an e-mailed assessment tool.

Results: Forty-nine (56.3%) curriculum committee chairs and 27 (50%) student leaders returned usable responses. Respondents reported that cultural competency was mentioned in 61.2% of their mission statements, and half had made curricular changes with respect to diversity within the past 5 years. Almost 94% felt the necessity to add cultural competency topics to required courses in the curriculum, and 42.9% wanted to add a course specific to cultural competency into the curriculum.

Conclusion: Curriculum committee chairs recognize the need to add curricular content related to cultural competency, but not all of the respondents have implemented changes in their college's curriculum.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Canada
  • Competency-Based Education / standards*
  • Competency-Based Education / trends
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Curriculum / standards*
  • Curriculum / trends
  • Education, Pharmacy / standards
  • Education, Pharmacy / trends
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • United States
  • Universities / standards*
  • Universities / trends