Pharmacy competencies for interprofessional integrative health care education

Jeannie K. Lee, The University of Arizona
Anne L. Hume, The University of Arizona
Robert Willis, The University of Arizona
Heather Boon, The University of Arizona
Patricia Lebensohn, The University of Arizona
Audrey Brooks, The University of Arizona
Ben Kligler, The University of Arizona

Abstract

Objective. To address the gap in evidence-based knowledge among pharmacy students and practicing pharmacists regarding complementary and integrative health approaches due to insufficient education and a lack of standardized training. Methods. The National Center for Integrative Primary Healthcare (NCIPH) developed 22 pharmacy competencies linked to a set of 10 interprofessional “metacompetencies” in integrative health care. Results. The NCIPH pharmacy competencies are well-aligned with the current educational standards and Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) outcomes for pharmacy programs. Therefore, the NCIPH competencies may provide a foundation for the incorporation of interprofes-sional integrative health care education into pharmacy curricula. Conclusion. The NCIPH pharmacy competencies in integrative health care, linked to the interprofes-sional “metacompetencies,” are aligned with educational standards and outcomes, and may serve as a basis for pharmacy curriculum.