Evaluating the Impact of an Innovative Integrative Health-Focused Elective in a Doctor of Pharmacy Program

Objective: To assess knowledge and perceptions of integrative health principles. Methods: This was a retrospective, pre-post observational cohort study evaluating Doctor of Pharmacy students following completion of an innovative elective course that was offered between 2020–2022. This Integrated Health in Pharmacy elective was created at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Spring of 2020. The primary objective was to assess student knowledge of integrative health principles. The secondary objective was to assess student confidence and perceptions of integrative health principles. Results: Students completed a pre-course assessment (n = 80/81) and a post-course assessment (n = 73/81). Overall, the mean (SD) performance on the assessment questions increased between the pre-post assessment groups (57.59 [12.98]% vs 65.46 [14.43]%). Survey results indicated that students’ perceptions and confidence pertaining to integrative health increased after completing this elective course offering. Conclusion: Participation in this innovative elective course was associated with improved knowledge and perceptions of integrative health principles.