Taking Action Towards Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Pharmacy Curriculum and Continuing Professional...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Pharmacy Education
• Health Equity

Background:

• Growing awareness of social injustices underscores the need for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in healthcare.
• Pharmacy graduates often lack sufficient knowledge of DEIA principles, including unconscious bias, impacting patient health outcomes.
• Key DEIA areas in pharmacy include race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, and political beliefs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical need for enhanced DEIA education in pharmacy.
• To underscore the link between DEIA knowledge gaps and health disparities.
• To advocate for the integration of DEIA as essential in academic pharmacy and professional practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of current DEIA educational standards in pharmacy.
• Examination of the impact of DEIA deficiencies on health outcomes and disparities.
• Policy analysis and recommendations for academic institutions and professional organizations.

Main Results:

• Pharmacy graduates demonstrate persistent knowledge deficits in crucial DEIA topics.
• These knowledge gaps contribute to health disparities and inequities, posing public health challenges.
• The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) recognizes DEIA as a priority, yet gaps remain.

Conclusions:

• Academic pharmacy institutions and professional organizations must prioritize and integrate DEIA education.
• Licensing boards should mandate continuing education in DEIA for pharmacists.
• Elevating DEIA is essential for achieving health equity and improving care for underserved populations.