(241) Use of Photovoice to Educate Student Pharmacists on Structural Factors that Impact Health Outcomes.

Objective : The aim of this teaching innovation was to provide student pharmacists an educational structure for deeper reflection on social determinants impacting health outcomes, and inspire them to engage in a systems-based approach to solve complex problems.

Methods: Students enrolled in a public health elective course were asked to capture a photograph of their surroundings that reflected one of the 5 social determinants of health (SDoH) domains discussed in class. Through application of the photovoice methodology, students 1) Responded to prompts that described the photograph; 2) Researched one evidence-based resource reported to address the problem; 3) Wrote a critical reflection commenting on the ethical distribution of healthcare resources, educational impact of the exercise, what they learned about themselves, and how might this learning experience change their approach to pharmacy practice. Descriptive analysis was utilized to characterize each photograph. Through the inductive process, thematic analysis of the reflective statements was performed.

Results: Ten PY3 pharmacy students were enrolled in the course. Photos captured revealed: littering, demolished businesses, graffiti, memorials for victims of gun violence, obstructed bike lanes in the city, mini market advertisements, homelessness, and a community center for minorities. Critical analyses of various local, state and federal programs were described. Themes that emerged from the reflective statements were "emotional", "thought provoking", "anger", "driven to be a part of the solution", and "privilege".

Conclusions: This photovoice assignment provided an educational format for students to share their perspective through deeper reflection on structural factors that may contribute to health disparities which negatively impact health outcomes. The project raised awareness about existing social programs. Students overwhelming reflected on their privilege, and willingness to be champions for change through advocacy.