Pharmacy students’ experience of an inaugural lecture on intercultural competence

Naqvi, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2637-0424, Samsom, M., Watson, L. and Nguyen, H. (2025) Pharmacy students’ experience of an inaugural lecture on intercultural competence. Pharmacy, 13 (5). 122. ISSN 2226-4787 doi: 10.3390/pharmacy13050122

Abstract/Summary

Background: Pharmacy schools in the United Kingdom (UK) are required by the regulator to train pharmacy students to be culturally competent. To meet this requirement, the Reading School of Pharmacy (RSoP) incorporated an inaugural, stand-alone, introductory session on intercultural competency. This study aimed to gather students’ experiences of the lecture. Methods: A qualitative study documented the experiences of students in Years 2 and 3 of the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) at the RSoP from September 15 to December 31, 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online via Microsoft Teams®. A de-mographic form was prepared and sent as an online survey link on the Online Surveys® platform. All eligible students were invited to participate in the study via student mailing lists. An interview guide was prepared. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes related to students’ awareness, the perceived importance of the subject in healthcare, and students’ preferred learning methods. The transcripts were coded, and similar codes were grouped to form sub-themes and themes. The study was approved by a research ethics committee. Results: A total of 11 students attended the interviews. Three major themes emerged: (1) awareness of and reflection on cultural competence, (2) under-standing cultural competence and its importance, and (3) student-preferred pedagogy. The students suggested incorporating workshops and simulation-based assessments. Conclu-sion: MPharm pharmacy students at the RSoP appear to be receptive to new educational interventions aimed at enhancing cultural competence. They prefer practice-based learn-ing and assessment methods when it comes to developing this skill.