Cultural Sensitivity and Global Pharmacy Engagement in the Arab World

Abstract

Objective. To create a resource on cultural sensitivity for schools and colleges of pharmacy that are currently engaged or considering future outreach opportunities in the Arab world. Methods. A literature review (2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018) of databases and Internet searches with specific keywords and terms were conducted. Authors who had experience in travelling to and hosting students and professionals from the Arab world and authors with local work experience in the Arab world were solicited. Results. General information about the Arab world, including unique aspects of individual countries, is presented. Stereotypes and misconceptions regarding the region and the people are discussed. Specific information about the government and infrastructure of each country, including their health care system is provided, with emphasis given to pharmacy education and practice in the region. In addition, recommendations for culturally sensitive engagement for pharmacy and other health care practitioners are discussed. Finally, recommendations for culturally sensitive engagement when hosting students and/or faculty members from the Arab world are also addressed. Conclusion. Global engagement between schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States and those in the Arab world is increasing. For an enriching and fruitful engagement, sensitivity toward the cultural and clinical needs of the people, and in particular, the professionals of that region is critical.

Cultural Sensitivity and Global Pharmacy Engagement in the United States

“…The general methodology used in gathering information for this paper was discussed in the introduction to this special issue. 6 The keywords and terms used in this search included: United States, US, USA, Bureau of US Census, US regions, and individual state names. Websites of the US government, schools and colleges of pharmacy, and professional pharmacy organizations also were reviewed.…”

“…5 The PharmD degree is the entry-level degree required to practice pharmacy in the United States. As shared in the introduction paper to this special issue, 6 since the United States is home to more than 60% of the world's top 100 universities, it is a major destination for international students and faculty members who wish to pursue higher education and further training opportunities. 7 In addition, because of internal regulations, international programs are increasingly seeking external validation and quality assurance, often looking to establish associations with US pharmacy organizations to enhance the quality and credibility of their own programs.…”

COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: testing frequency, cumulative cases and mortality analysis

“…The EMR Member States are Arab nations (3), in addition to Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Pakistan. From a cultural perspective, the Region is primarily Islamic (90% of the population), and the vast majority of the population lives in low-to middle-income countries, with the notable exception of the high-income Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.…”

“…From a cultural perspective, the Region is primarily Islamic (90% of the population), and the vast majority of the population lives in low-to middle-income countries, with the notable exception of the high-income Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Health care systems vary from one country to another according to gross domestic product and the size of the private versus public health sector (3). Although conditions in low-to middle-income countries theoretically increase the risk of exposure to the highly infectious coronavirus (overcrowding, low socioeconomic status and health care system preparedness), it appears there are in fact lower incidences of related infections (4).…”

Positioning global pharmacy research partnerships to advance health equity

“…Within pharmacy-specific collaborations, important conversations around issues such as cultural sensitivity are happening, and scholars have provided guidance specific to countries and regions of the world. 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 These must be broadened to provide a historical context and a deeper understanding on the complexities of the global health space, including issues related to power imbalances across collaborating partners. Recent calls to decolonize global health 28 speak to these power imbalances and are important reminders for working towards a more equitable and just global health partnership in program design, implementation, knowledge production, and many related issues.…”