COEPA ready: Innovative pedagogy for integrating social determinants of health in PharmD curricula.

Abstract

Background: The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes and Entrustable Professional Activities (COEPA) recognize the need for social determinants of health (SDH) education for pharmacy learners. However, there is a dearth of published strategies for incorporating comprehensive SDH education in Doctor of Pharmacy curricula. The objectives of this study were to: 1) highlight unpublished exemplars of SDH teaching models and 2) propose strategies for teaching SDH.

Methods: A survey was distributed to relevant AACP Special Interest Groups and Sections soliciting previously unpublished exemplars of SDH teaching models. The survey collected descriptions of the teaching model, relevant SDH domains as outlined in Healthy People 2030, and the level of influence on health outcomes according to the socioecological model. Deidentified survey submissions were analyzed and categorized by type (didactic, IPPE/APPE, or both), course type (elective or required), year taught, interprofessional education components (if applicable), innovation, assessment domains and tools, course structure, SDH domains, and the socioecological model.

Results: Eight programs submitted diverse exemplars of which six (75 %) were part of required didactic courses for P1-P3 learners. Teaching models included individual lectures and activities, didactic and experiential courses, and implementation of longitudinal curricular experiences. Seven (87.5 %) of the exemplars covered all five SDH domains, and seven (87.5 %) covered all levels of influence within the socioecological model. Exemplars featured simulations (50 %) and case-based learning activities (62.5 %). Three (37.5 %) featured interprofessional education and research components.

Conclusion: These exemplars provide faculty with varied models for implementing SDH-related teaching opportunities within their institutions.