American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education (03/23) Arif, Sally A.; Butler, Lakesha M.; Gettig, Jacob P.; et al.

Academic pharmacy institutions and continuing pharmacy education organizations should promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in their curriculum and continuing professional development activities, according to the authors of this commentary. "Many colleges of pharmacy [have] recognized a need to further integrate cultural competence, implicit bias and related topics into their curriculum," they note. However, there are some gaps in knowledge regarding topics such as unconscious bias. The authors urge the Center for Advancement in Pharmacy Education (CAPE) to embed DEIA within the CAPE 2022 Educational Outcomes and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards 2025 and incorporate it into the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum as an educational outcome and mandate. "Academic pharmacy institutions and pharmacy professional organizations must provide more continuing professional development opportunities to practicing pharmacists on DEIA topics as well as interprofessional opportunities to improve public health," they advise. The authors cite new ACPE guidance directing continuing education providers to add DEIA to activities to better prepare pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to serve marginalized and underrepresented minorities. "It is also essential to recognize that DEIA improvements remain ongoing, and all stakeholders should be engaged in this iterative process to truly promote equity for all," they conclude.

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