(230) Implementation and assessment of an elective DEI course for pharmacy students

Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness of an elective course on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that was designed to address the lack of existing DEI training and awareness in the PharmD curriculum.

Methods: A three-course series was developed and implemented to address DEI topics. The courses were designed to enhance students’ knowledge of DEI topics (“DEI 1: Power and Privilege”); to highlight the importance of DEI within health care and clinical practice (“DEI 2: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare”); and developing individual student projects to address health inequities (“DEI 3: Community Engagement Project”). Instructional methods included in-class discussions based on pre-assigned readings and videos, reflection statements, pre- and post-surveys, and development community engagement proposal. Student comments were analyzed for common themes. This project focuses on the first course.

Results: Post-class survey results of the DEI class showed increased understanding of the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion, and increased comfort in sharing background and cultural experiences. Student reflection comments referenced increased knowledge of DEI concepts, awareness of inequities in society, acknowledgement of privilege and intersectionality in their own lives, the importance of sharing experiences with others, and ways to create change.

Conclusions: A DEI elective course for pharmacy students not only increased their knowledge of DEI but also increased their awareness of DEI issues in their own lives and society.