My poster for the 2015 Iowa Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting in Coralville, IA
My abstract for the 2015 Iowa Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting in Coralville, IA
Student Pharmacist-led
Medical Spanish Learning and Service Program
Shiny Parsai, M.S.,
Pharm.D. Candidate, Susan Vos Pharm.D.
The University of Iowa
College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science
Objectives
It is estimated that Latinos
will comprise over a quarter of the US population by 2050. Pharmacist and student pharmacists play and
important role in the healthcare team and should possess the communication
skills necessary to care for this large patient population. The objectives of the project were to:
1.
Design and
implement a Medical Spanish Educational Program tailored to student pharmacists;
2.
Assess the
effectiveness and future interest of the Medical Spanish Educational Program;
3.
Provide service
opportunities for students to utilize their newly gained skills.
Methods
Student pharmacist leaders
identified the need for education related to medical Spanish. Previously, no Spanish language training was
available for student pharmacists at the University of Iowa that specifically
focused on the pharmacist’s role in patient care. Resources needed to conduct the program were
identified (e.g. instructor, classroom space, time, materials, funding) and the
program was approved by the college for student involvement. Students participated
in the six-week program for two hours per week followed by a simulated
medical Spanish clinic. Students did not
receive academic credit for completing this program. Following
the conclusion of the program, students were surveyed. The details of the
program will be described.
Results
Thirty student pharmacists participated
in the Medical Spanish Educational Program in the spring of 2013. Half of the
students were in their first year of the doctor of pharmacy curriculum with the
remaining half of the students in the second and third year of school. The completion rate of the post-assessment
survey was 66%. Three-quarters of survey respondents felt that medical Spanish
was important or very important in their career. When asked if students were
interested in taking a future medical Spanish course for elective credit at the
university, 95% of survey respondents were interested or very interested. Following the program, a summer service event
was organized in collaboration with Proteus, Inc. through a grant awarded by
the Association of Prevention Teaching and Research. The service event involved student
pharmacists promoting medication adherence to Spanish speaking migrant farm
workers in Iowa. Medication list pocket cards
and educational materials developed in English and Spanish and were provided to
patients at this service event.
Conclusion
The Medical Spanish Educational Program was well received by
student pharmacists and provided opportunity for language learning and
service. Medical Spanish training helps
to advance the profession of pharmacy through development of unique
competencies and delivery of patient-centered care. Due to the strong student interest in this
program, college of pharmacy faculty has designed a 2-credit hour elective
course that will be offered for the first time during the fall of 2015.
Reference:
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb11-ff18.html
