Creating a pharmacy elective course in Indigenous health

• Published in: Currents in pharmacy teaching and learning Vol. 12; no. 8; pp. 1004 - 1013
• Main Authors: Min, Jason, Albon, Simon, Leung, Larry, Clarke, Allison
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.08.2020
• Subjects: Allyship; Cultural safety; Curriculum; Decolonize; Indigenize; Indigenous health; Curriculum; Cultural safety; Indigenous health; Decolonize; Allyship; Indigenize
• ISSN: 1877-1297; 1877-1300
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2020.04.010

There is a critical need for greater Indigenous health education and cultural safety training for pharmacists. The objective of this paper is to describe the creation, development, and impact of Canada's first offering of an undergraduate elective course specific to pharmaceutical care in Indigenous health. A three-credit elective course was developed and offered to bachelor of science pharmacy students at the University of British Columbia. A variety of pedagogical approaches including reflection, educational trips, video conferencing with Indigenous communities, and Indigenous community-based projects were used. Evaluation of student learning impact included quantitative and qualitative post-course survey data, student enrollment, and student work. From course inception in 2012 to 2017, 101 students participated. Survey respondents rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 on the five core elements of the curriculum design and pedagogical practice (i.e. learning objectives, instructional methods, assessments, organization, and workload). Thematic analysis identified three themes: 1) the qualities of the course instructors, 2) the unique curriculum design and pedagogical practices, and 3) significant personal and professional impact on students. This course is one of few opportunities for pharmacy students to learn about cultural safety as it relates to the pharmaceutical care of Indigenous peoples. Extensive engagement with stakeholders and utilization of various teaching and assessment techniques were beyond the expected requirements of course offerings. Students highly rated this course as having personal and professional impact. This course plays a critical role in the overall Indigenization of pharmacy curricula. •A culturally safe approach to course development was time intensive and complex.•Critical Indigenous consultation was extensive and benefited from prior relationships.•A variety of unique curriculum design and pedagogical practices were necessary.•The course was well-received and highly sought-after by students.•The course had significant student self-rated impact personally and professionally.