Evaluation of Kidney Diseases Content in Doctor of Pharmacy Curricula Across United States Pharmacy Programs

Abstract

Objective: Pharmacists improve outcomes in the care of patients with kidney diseases. Current guidelines advocate for pharmacist involvement in multidisciplinary care. There is guidance for curricular design for Doctor of Pharmacy programs, but pharmacist training within nephrology at degree completion is not well characterized.

Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study assessed current practices and trends in kidney diseases education within Doctor of Pharmacy curricula at accredited programs in the United States through an electronic survey.

Results: Forty-three percent (n=61) of all ACPE-accredited pharmacy institutions were represented by the survey. Kidney diseases-related content was found to be taught in both required and elective coursework, and one-third of responding institutions offered kidney diseases-focused advanced pharmacy practice experiences. Variation was found in the amount of time allotted for the teaching of kidney diseases topics in pharmacy curricula and the types of experiential training offered. Six respondents reported offering post-graduate education that focused on kidney diseases. Most respondents were clinical faculty who had completed residency training and board certification.

Conclusion: Given the complex interplay between kidney diseases and other health conditions, the increasing incidence and prevalence of kidney diseases, and the potential expansion of pharmacists’ roles in the care of patients with kidney diseases, a review of current Doctor of Pharmacy curricula is necessary to guide any future optimization efforts to ensure practice-ready pharmacists.