Ko au tēnei: This is me - Exploring the lived experience of underrepresented groups with pharmacy services to inform...

Demographic and social characteristics of underrepresented groups are often poorly described in pharmacy case-based learning, leading to poor representation of these groups in the pharmacy curriculum. This research project aimed to understand the lived experience of underrepresented groups with pharmacy services and to use this to inform the development of pharmacy case-based student learning materials.

This was a single centre, grounded theory, qualitative study. Focus groups were undertaken with six underrepresented groups: Māori, Pacific, Asian, LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual), disability, and refugee. These focus groups were conducted in Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand from July to August 2022. Focus group sessions were recorded and analysed to identify beliefs, ideas, and themes shared between participants and groups.

Participants in all focus groups had a strong desire to be seen and represented in pharmacy cases, however this was conditional on the learning being delivered in a way that upholds their beliefs, values, and voices. From these lived experiences, cultural, environmental, personal, and social factors were identified as being critical for inclusion in pharmacy case-based learning materials.

The lived experience of underrepresented populations provides critical insights that will enhance pharmacy case-based learning. The key factors that could be included in case-based learning are: ethnicity, personal beliefs, language, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, and family. To achieve health equity and improve cultural awareness and intelligence of our future pharmacy workforce, these experiences need to become more present in curricula.