Abstract:

Background:
Pharmacists have a critical role in health promotion and acute and chronic disease prevention and management. However, there is a need for greater diversity amongst pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as Black and Indigenous communities, continue to be underrepresented in these professions. Thus, these professions and the communities they serve would benefit from applicants that represent these communities.

Summary of Work:
We set out to develop three virtual immersive simulations (Phase 1) which feature topics relevant to youth (i.e., sexual health, immunization, sports injury management) and reflect diversity in the professions of pharmacy, followed by 10-20 in-person experiential opportunities (Phase 2). In addition, as part of the profession as well as campaign materials and an introductory video that highlights diverse personal stories/ journeys in choices to study pharmacy and experiences in the professions.

Summary of Results:
Three registered pharmacist and pharmacy technician pairs from different community settings collaborated to develop the case scenarios. The cases on which the virtual scenarios are built were reviewed and feedback was incorporated into the final versions prior to production.

Discussion and Conclusion:
We forged new partnerships, with a post-secondary college (non-pharmacy program) and the Toronto District School Board TDSB, in effort to better reach and understand secondary and post-secondary students. These collaborations went beyond our initial expectations as it resulted in the development of a survey to gather student input and the development of a campaign to draw interest to our virtual simulations.

Keywords:

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, simulation, Pharmacy, Education.