A Spanish Language and Culture Initiative for a Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum

Abstract

Objective. To implement a Spanish language and culture initiative in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum that would improve students' Spanish language skills and cultural competence so that graduates could provide competent pharmaceutical care to Spanish-speaking patients. Design. Five elective courses were created and introduced to the curriculum including 2 medical Spanish courses; a medical Spanish service-learning course; a 2-week Spanish language and cultural immersion trip to Mexico; and an advanced practice pharmacy experience (APPE) at a medical care clinic serving a high percentage of Spanish-speaking patients. Advisors placed increased emphasis on encouraging pharmacy students to complete a major or minor in Spanish. Assessment. Enrollment in the Spanish language courses and the cultural immersion trip has been strong. Twenty-three students have completed the APPE at a Spanish-speaking clinic. Eleven percent of 2010 Butler University pharmacy graduates completed a major or minor in Spanish compared to approximately 1% in 2004 when the initiative began. Conclusion. A Spanish language and culture initiative started in 2004 has resulted in increased Spanish language and cultural competence among pharmacy students and recent graduates.

A Comparison of Educational Interventions to Enhance Cultural Competency in Pharmacy Students

“…For example, the only significant change for students who were in the case-scenario group was in the cultural awareness component, whereas in the simulation and lecture groups, significant changes occurred in the cultural desire, empathy, and skills components. With respect to the length of the intervention, previously assessed interventions that show significant improvements in cultural competency are often intense and of a longer duration; [26][27][28] however, the time length of these interventions make them less accessible for colleges and schools of pharmacy. Whereas ideologies and behaviors that have been held and practiced for years require time to change; short experiences, when built over time, could effectively change these beliefs.…”

“…[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Some colleges and schools of pharmacy have elected to integrate cultural competency content throughout the entire PharmD curriculum. [25][26][27] Activities have included assigned readings, classroom lectures, documentaries, case discussions, and portfolio reflections.…”

A Spanish Language Module in a First-Year Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory Course

“…For example, a 2011 article reported on a large, multifaceted elective opportunity that encompassed creation of 5 courses and hiring a dedicated faculty member to oversee the program. 11 Although our module was much smaller in scope, it is, to our knowledge, the first study of a required laboratory learning module on Spanish language and culture in a PharmD program. As demonstrated by our study, exposure to Spanish language and culture once in a 4-year PharmD curriculum will not create fluency.…”

“…10 Several pharmacy, nursing, and medical schools have implemented successful elective courses in Spanish culture and language for their students. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17] In light of the 2000 UNC study findings and in order to better meet the needs of students and patients in North Carolina, 2 curricular changes were instituted at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy starting in 2008. The Curriculum Committee approved for students to receive credit for the Spanish for Health Care Professionals elective courses (introductory, intermediate, and advanced) offered by the UNC School of Public Health.…”

The Sustained, Positive Impact of a Native American Cultures and Health Course on Students’ Education and Practice-Related Choices

“…1 Around and since that time, articles reinforcing the importance of exposing students to experiences that hone cultural competency have appeared in print. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Examples of the centrality of cultural competency to contemporary practice include the ongoing work of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Caring for the Underserved Curriculum Task Force, the inclusion of cultural sensitivity in the Approach to Practice and Care domain of the 2013 CAPE Educational Outcomes, and cultural awareness and sensitivity elements within Standards 3, 25, and Appendices 1-3 of the draft ACPE Standards 2016. [10][11][12] However, a review of the literature indicates that, while some programs incorporate a brief immersion into their cultural enrichment experiences, the elective courses in Native American cultures and health are relatively unique with respect to their emphasis on career discernment within the studied population.…”