Racial differences in interprofessional socialization and valuing in pharmacy students

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine interprofessional valuing and socialization in all four levels of pharmacy students and to ascertain differences including racial differences throughout the program.

Methods

Data were collected from students across the 4-year pharmacy programs at 2 schools at two time points: beginning in the Fall semester and at the end of the Spring semester. The online survey consisted of demographic questions along with Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS).

Results

Asian students had lower ISVS scores compared to White and African-American/Black students. There was a difference in all scores for beginning of year P1 and end of year P4 for all races, but the scores were not significantly different for Asian students.

Conclusion

Our study reports on multiple areas in which racial differences may exist in interprofessional socialization and valuing across all 4 years of pharmacy school.