(84) Improving Cultural Competency in Pharmacy Education: A Focus on Diabetes Management During Religious Fasting

Objective : A quality improvement initiative was designed to implement and evaluate a cultural competency activity within a pharmacy skills-based course, focusing on increasing students’ confidence in managing patients’ diabetes medication during religious fasting.

Methods: A patient case study focusing on the management of diabetes medications during the religious fasting period of Ramadan was developed for integration into a pharmacy skills-based lab course for second-year students. Two content experts from separate pharmacy colleges were consulted to develop the case. Guided discussion points were developed regarding the religious significance of Ramadan, its impact on diabetes care, and the pharmacist's role in medication management during fasting. To measure students’ self-efficacy, a 5-item instrument was developed to assess their confidence levels in communication, identifying challenges, practicing patient-centered care, and devising therapeutic plans for diverse cultures. Students will rate their confidence on a five-point scale, from 'not at all confident' to 'extremely confident,' before and after the activity. A composite score for self-efficacy will be calculated and analyzed for differences between the pre- and post-activity.

Results: The session was mapped to curriculum outcomes and entrustable professional activities 2.1, 2.3, 2.4. The survey will be conducted in late March 2024 to determine the value of this improvement to the course. The survey will be completed prior to the AACP annual meeting.

Conclusions: Despite increasing cultural competency efforts in Pharmacy Colleges, literature on training students for culturally competent care during religious fasting remains limited. As diabetes treatment options evolve, enhancing pharmacy curriculums becomes essential. This patient case study activity may present a practical solution to bridge this educational gap.