Teaching and learning health literacy in a doctor of pharmacy program

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the impact of health literacy (HL) activities incorporated into a required, first professional year (P1), patient-centered communication course on pharmacy students’ knowledge, abilities, confidence, and attitudes related to HL. Design. Integrated, active-learning HL activities were incorporated into the course. Students’ knowledge and abilities were assessed with course evaluations. Students’ knowledge, confidence levels, and attitudes were evaluated by a precourse and postcourse survey. Third professional year (P3) students who did not complete HL activities were also surveyed. Assessment. Almost all students “met” or “exceeded” expectations (the top 2 levels of achievement on the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) grading rubrics) on HL course evaluations. Survey results showed significant improvement in P1 students’ knowledge, confidence, and attitudes related to HL after completing the course. First year students (postcourse) rated their confidence levels and attitudes higher than P3 students. Conclusion. The use of integrated, active-learning activities is effective at improving P1 pharmacy students’ knowledge, abilities, confidence levels, and attitudes related to HL.