Care Aware prepares pharmacists to work in different settings

Of the 100 counties in North Carolina, 78 are considered rural and 22 urban. Patients in both kinds of communities can have very different needs, and the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is committed to supporting them all.

“Taking a patient-centered approach to understanding the unique needs of an individual or a community enables the pharmacist to connect patients to resources that may ease their burden and ultimately improve patient health outcomes,” said Phil Rodgers, associate professor and director of interprofessional education and practice at the pharmacy school.

To help students learn about social and ethical dilemmas encountered by patients and pharmacists, the pharmacy school created Care Aware modules and embedded them within a patient care experience course. Connecting the modules within this course also facilitates the students’ practice of patient interview skills and training in mental health first aid.

The four modules, made possible by a McKesson Foundation grant, focus on education around health disparities and addressing the social determinants of health that impact the care of patients and communities.

Students take the course during their third year of pharmacy school to prepare them before embarking on their fourth year of direct clinical patient care.

“We’re hoping this gives students the tools they need to navigate patient challenges and refer them adequately,” said Stephanie Kiser, professor of the practice at the pharmacy school and the executive director of the rural pharmacy health initiative.

In the modules, practicing pharmacists from across the state share their stories to show future pharmacists how they can impact their patients and serve North Carolina.

Module 1 explores health care disparities, looking at where patient outcomes are different depending on different populations and geographic location. Module 2 unpacks social determinants of health, introducing pharmacists to the factors that impact a patient’s care as well as strategies for navigating those determinants in day-to-day experiences.

These social determinants of health range can make it hard for patients to get their medication. Some don’t have the money or insurance to cover the cost. Others can’t get transportation to the pharmacy.

“We have many patients, populations and communities in need who struggle with these social determinants of health, things that get in the way of them fully capitalizing on their health care,” said Mary McClurg, pharmacy school professor and executive vice dean-chief academic officer.

The school wants to serve the state by reaching out to all communities, she added. “Our hope is that by educating the students who graduate from our program we are providing them with the knowledge and skills to better recognize these factors and ultimately improve care for the patients and communities they serve.”

Module 3 looks at creating solutions in pharmacy practice and how to provide care across a variety of settings. Module 4 focuses on community partnerships, highlighting success stories, advances in pharmacy practice and helping pharmacists find a starting place in the community where they practice.

“Pharmacists are busy no matter what role they’re in. But they do have that moment to say, ‘Let me look at this patient holistically and put processes in place that allow me to learn about things my patient might be experiencing,’” said Kiser. “They can be more aware of issues, direct their patient and make sure they’re connected to resources. They’re taking care of the patient in front of them but also considering how they can improve and advance their own practice.”