Evaluating a first-exposure intercultural competence lecture in a Master of Pharmacy cohort: A cross-sectional survey
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2026.261.195206Keywords:
Cross-cultural healthcare, Cultural competence, Intercultural competence, Pharmacy educationAbstract
Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate an intercultural competency lecture delivered at the Reading School of Pharmacy and assess its impact on students’ self-reported knowledge and perceived relevance to practice.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among MPharm students from September to December 2023 after an intercultural competency lecture. Students completed an anonymised Online Surveys® questionnaire with five-point Likert items (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree) assessing clarity, learning outcomes, novelty, and relevance. The internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.942). SPSS (v. 25) was used for descriptive statistics, frequencies (%), and regression analysis.
Results: A total of 70 out of 226 students participated in the survey, resulting in a 31% response rate. The majority were female (65.7%) and of Asian background (55.7%), with over half in Year 3 (60%) and attending lectures in person (68%). Most were home students (72.9%). Feedback indicated clarity (x̄ = 3.86), achievement of learning outcomes (x̄ = 3.83), novelty (x̄ = 3.23), and relevance to practice (x̄ = 3.75). Suggestions for future sessions included topics on racial biases, religion, women's health, and disability.
Conclusion: Students found the intercultural competence lecture valuable but suggested enhancing it and integrating cultural competence more broadly into the MPharm programme.
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