Empowering pharmacy students to address health inequalities to shape holistic and sustainable practice

Health inequalities are avoidable, unfair and systematic differences in health between different groups of people (NHS England, 2021). It is crucial to address this in healthcare education when reflecting on the implications of global health and the UK health system, to shape a sustainable future. Inclusion is a key component of person-centred care and our diverse cohort of Kingston pharmacy students have varied cultural experiences which may influence their practice. Three case studies were designed by people with lived experiences, to run as workshops for students in the penultimate year of MPharm, covering concepts of health inequalities and intersectionality within the themes of LGBTQ+, disability and ethnicity in maternal health. Small group discussions were facilitated within the workshop by three different tutors in a safe, controlled learning environment. As part of a service evaluation, pre- and post-surveys were conducted, and this talk looks to share the experiences of the students and staff involved.