An international survey of health literacy education within schools of pharmacy

Background: Health literacy (HL) influences patients’ health status, use of the healthcare system and medication-related behaviours. However, the concept is relatively new to pharmacy and its incorporation in academic curricula has not been examined. Aims: To explore HL training in pharmacy schools...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Swinburne, G., Duncan, G., McNamara, K., Stewart, K., Emmerton, Lynne, Hussainy, S.
Format: Journal Article
Published: International Pharmaceutical Federation 2014
Subjects:
Online Access:http://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/198
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/21803
Description
Summary:Background: Health literacy (HL) influences patients’ health status, use of the healthcare system and medication-related behaviours. However, the concept is relatively new to pharmacy and its incorporation in academic curricula has not been examined. Aims: To explore HL training in pharmacy schools internationally, and academics’ opinions in regards to how it should be taught and assessed. Methods: An anonymous, online survey was administered to academics who teach within pharmacy degree courses from countries where English is the main language. Results: Responses were received from 21 pharmacy schools in seven countries; 20 stated that HL was taught within their pharmacy degree, in four as a stand-alone topic. Small-group tutorials were thought to be the most beneficial form of teaching health literacy, best assessed using oral and objective structured clinical examinations. Conclusion: The majority of pharmacy schools taught health literacy and had similar opinions regarding best practice teaching and assessment.