Abstract
IntroductionLittle research has been conducted on training students of different health professions to deliver culturally appropriate care to patients observing religious fasting. This study aimed to formulate an online educational module on caring for patients with diabetes observing religious fasting and evaluate the module's impact. MethodsThird-year doctor of pharmacy students participated in an online module at the end of their core pharmacist-patient communication class. The module involved discussions and case scenarios addressing Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu patients with diabetes considering fasting. Students were provided with Ramadan Communication (RAMCOM), a tool designed to facilitate counseling of patients on religious fasting and were encouraged to use principles of motivational interviewing in addressing cases. A 13-item questionnaire was administered before and after the module. Answers provided on an open-ended item addressing students' experiences with the module were analyzed qualitatively using conventional content analysis. ResultsOf 140 students taking the class, all students completed the module and 135 completed both questionnaires. The module elicited a statistically significant improvement in confidence across all 13 survey items. The computed aggregate score increased from 2.65 (0.56) to 3.66 (0.50) (P < .001), with 71% of students finding the module to be useful or extremely useful. Qualitative analysis provided insight into students' experiences, including how the module produced an improvement in student confidence as well as opportunities for module improvement. ConclusionsA brief online module significantly improved pharmacy students' confidence in working with patients from different cultures and religions considering religious fasting.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
