Use of a modified delphi process to determine course objectives for a model global health course in a pharmacy curriculum

Abstract

Objective. To define course objectives for a model global health course in a pharmacy curriculum. Methods. A modified Delphi process was used to determine a consensus among proposed course objectives. A three-round email panel was sent to members of three special interest groups (SIGs) within the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (Public Health, Global Pharmacy Education, and Health Disparities and Cultural Competence) to recruit educators broadly interested or engaged in this area of education. An initial list of 80 potential course objectives across 11 domains was proposed for inclusion. Objectives that were cumulatively rated as either “extremely important” or “very important” by at least 75%, 80%, and 85% of respondents in each of the three rounds, respectively, were moved forward (first and second rounds) or accepted (third round). Results. Responses were received from 87, 73, and 70 faculty panel members in the three consecutive rounds. The initial list of proposed objectives was narrowed to 65 objectives (19% reduction), and 38 objectives (53%) after the first and second rounds, respectively. The final list was composed of 20 objectives from seven domains. Global burden of disease and social/environmental determinants of health contained the most objectives selected by consensus. Conclusion. The process identified a consensus for course objectives for a model global health education course. These objectives can be used by pharmacy faculty to align global health education in the profession.