Creating, Implementing, and Assessing an Elective Queer-iculum: Creating Change Agents Through Pharmacy Education.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to detail the creation and implementation of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) health elective course at a Hispanic-serving institution and assess its preliminary impact on Doctor of Pharmacy student attitudes and perceptions of LGBTQIA+ health care.

METHODS

An 8-week course covering various topics related to LGBTQIA+ health care was designed and delivered to second- and third-year Doctor of Pharmacy students who voluntarily enrolled in the course from June to July 2023. As part of an institutional review board-approved pilot study, the enrolled students completed an electronic survey before and after the elective, assessing student pharmacists' perceptions of personal capabilities and attitudes as well as curriculum exposure for several LGBTQIA+ health care-related topics.

RESULTS

Several strong correlations emerged in the current study, ranging from -.87 to .90. In the assessment of personal and pharmacist capabilities toward providing LGBTQIA+ health care, there were no significant differences identified in perceived capabilities before and after the elective course; however, several promising themes emerged, including professional identity formation, allyship, and existing concerns and challenges.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the importance of effectively utilizing a didactic curriculum to increase exposure to LGBTQIA+ health to address knowledge gaps, increase confidence, and reduce stigma toward the LGBTQIA+ community. Schools and colleges of pharmacy should increase capacity for building elective courses that address health equity in marginalized communities through multiple modalities, including community engagement, advocacy, clinical simulation, and pharmacotherapy.