Gibson CM, Gordon S, White A, Borja-Hart N, Santee J. An assessment of patient experiences as teachers of cultural sensitivity in an interprofessional setting.
CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2022;
14:1032-1039. [PMID:
36055693 DOI:
10.1016/j.cptl.2022.07.011]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The importance of cultural sensitivity training in pharmacy education is well-recognized, though best practices are not well described. Traditional teaching approaches such as faculty lectures may result in overgeneralization, lack of nuance, or tokenization. Utilizing patients from diverse special populations as teachers of cultural sensitivity may mitigate these risks. However, faculty must ensure patients feel comfortable, empowered, valuable, and prepared to serve as partners in education.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING
Patients were used as teachers of cultural sensitivity in an interprofessional education panel activity at two colleges of pharmacy over two years. Patient experiences with training and preparation for the activity as well as their perceived benefits of partnering in student education were assessed.
FINDINGS
Overall, patients reported that training was adequate, and the educational activity provided a sufficient platform for sharing their knowledge with students. Patients felt they provided meaningful contributions to student education, learned valuable information in the process, and formed sincere relationships with each other and faculty.
SUMMARY
Faculty at other institutions may wish to adapt this activity to meet the needs of their own institution and empower patients to contribute to the education of health professions students. Practical recommendations are provided for promoting a positive patient experience. A comprehensive training program prepared and empowered patients to teach cultural sensitivity principles to an interprofessional group of health care students.
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