Pharmacists’ Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health in Post-Graduate Pharmacy Residency Programs
Document Type
Master's Culminating Experience
Publication Date
10-23-2018
Abstract
Background: Clinical pharmacists and their training programs can play a key role in helping to address social determinants of health (SDoH) by transforming healthcare beyond the traditional clinical approaches. Pharmacists’ knowledge of SDoH in post-graduate residency programs are key skills necessary for creating an impact in healthcare outcomes.
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to assess U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) post-graduate residency program directors’ and residents’ knowledge about SDoH. Methods: An IRB exempt questionnaire was created via Survey Monkey (™) and administered to postgraduate pharmacy residents (N = 618) and residency program directors (RPDs) (N = 235) employed by VA Medical Centers.
Results: Sixteen percent (n = 100 of 618) of pharmacy residents and 24% (n = 58 of 235) of RPDs completed the survey. Population health was part of didactic work in pharmacy school for 46% of residents and 8% of RPDs. Nine percent (9%) of residents and 7% of RPDs were very familiar with Healthy People 2020. One percent (1%) of residents and 4% of RPDs had training in Healthy People 2020 in their residency program. None of the residents and only 4% of responding RPDs asked patients about food insecurity, a critical social determinant of health.
Discussion: Pharmacy Residency training and RPD’s experience with SDoH is limited. Residency Programs should expand curriculum and incorporate training to address SDoH (such as food insecurity) in chronic care management.
Repository Citation
Chandra, R. N. (2018). Pharmacists’ Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health in Post-Graduate Pharmacy Residency Programs. Wright State University. Dayton, Ohio.
