The Importance of Cultural Competency for Pharmacists, Technicians

In part 2 of his interview with Pharmacy Times, Shane Desselle, BSPharm, PhD,

PhD, a professor at Touro University, California College of Pharmacy, discussed some specific business skills for modern pharmacists and how they can be improved.

Cultural competency is a vital skill for pharmacists, Desselle said, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout. Working with colleagues or patients from different cultural backgrounds requires an open mind, especially when addressing common issues such as vaccine hesitancy. Desselle said that although this skill cannot be learned from a textbook, asking patients about how to provide the best care can be an important way to improve cultural competence.

Desselle also spoke about the important role that technicians play in pharmacies, especially as pharmacists take on more responsibilities outside of their traditional roles. Many studies and anecdotal papers have noted how technicians provide vital patient care, so Desselle said pharmacists must recognize their value and work with them effectively.