Presented by: Anita Jacobson, PharmD
Supported by: The Rhode Island Department of Health, Health Equity Institute
Home Study
Register – FreeOverview
This program is adapted from the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS).
Effective communication is one of the most critical components of safe and equitable healthcare. In community pharmacy practice, where counseling is often brief and high-volume, even small communication gaps can lead to significant medication errors.
Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) or sensory impairments (vision or hearing) face unique barriers when navigating medication instructions, counseling, and healthcare systems that are primarily designed for English-speaking individuals without disabilities.
These barriers are not simply inconveniences; they are well-documented contributors to medication errors, adverse events, and disparities in health outcomes.
Pharmacists and technicians are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and play a pivotal role in ensuring that every patient, regardless of language or ability, can understand how to safely use their medications.
This module will explore:
- The scope and impact of language and accessibility barriers
- How breakdowns in communication lead to medication errors
- Practical, evidence-based strategies to improve safety in community pharmacy practice
Target Audience
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in all practice settings.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:
Pharmacists
- Describe the ethical and professional responsibilities of pharmacists, including those outlined by the American Pharmacists Association, related to ensuring patient understanding of medication therapy
- Explain federal requirements, including Title VI (HHS CLAS) National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services, as they apply to language access in pharmacy practice
- Assess risks to medication safety associated with limited English proficiency (LEP) and inadequate translation of prescription information
- Apply best practices for counseling patients with LEP, including the use of interpreter services, translated labels, and teach-back methods
- Develop workflow and practice strategies to improve language access and reduce disparities in the pharmacy setting
Pharmacy Technicians
- Recognize the importance of language access in supporting safe and effective medication use for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP).
- Identify legal and workplace requirements related to language assistance, including the role of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act in pharmacy settings
- Demonstrate appropriate use of available tools, including translation software and interpreter services, within the technician’s scope of practice
- Assist in identifying patient language needs and facilitating communication with the pharmacist
- Incorporate best practices into workflow to support accurate labeling, patient understanding, and team-based care
Technology
A computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection is required to complete this activity. For best performance, learners should use the most current version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Browsers should be configured to allow cookies, JavaScript, and pop-ups as required by the learning platform. Please review current system requirements for supported browsers and minimum technical specifications. https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/7100626?hl=en
Faculty
Program Support
This program is being supported by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Health Equity Institute and is adapted from the National Standards of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS). For more information on CLAS, please visit: https://health.ri.gov/health-equity/culturally-and-linguistically-appropriate-services-clas-standards
Contact information:
RIDOH.CLAS@Health.RI.Gov
(401) 222-5960
Requirements for Credit
Completion of the online modules, post-test assessment questions, and a program evaluation are required to earn credit. No partial credit is available for this program. Evaluations must be completed at www.uripharmacycpd.org.
Evaluation
All participants will have the opportunity to review the educational sessions and speakers and to identify future educational needs.
Registration
Register for Free
- Login or create an account in URI’s learning management and CE reporting system using your email address and professional license number. Complete all required account set up fields to ensure accurate CE reporting.
- Select “Available On-Line Activities” or “Home Study Programs” to find the educational activity.
- Select Take Post-Test
- Registration for this program is free.
Statement of Disclosure
The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy requires all planners, faculty, and others in control of educational content to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy has reviewed these disclosures and determined that no planners, faculty, or others in control of educational content have relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.