ISOPP CAPhO 2025 Symposium: Considerations of Indigenous Care in Pharmacy Practice

Pharmacists can play an important role in delivering culturally responsive patient-centered care. Cultural competence in pharmacy practice can enhance cross-cultural communication skills, help to break down potential barriers, augment medication therapy management recommendations, and bridge gaps in effective patient care strategies. Customer-owned, relationship-based health care requires effective, open communication and demonstrates respect for cultural values. This presentation will explore strategies in Indigenous health care and traditional healing methods that augment Western biomedical treatment approaches. By building trust and relationships with patients and families, pharmacists can help navigate the complexities in cancer care, improve medication adherence, and enhance health outcomes for diverse patient populations.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the role culturally responsive approaches in pharmacy practice when working in communities outside of your culture, including Indigenous communities.
• Compare traditional healing practices with Western biomedical approaches, highlighting differences and similarities.
• Explore how cultural competence in pharmacy practice can enhance cross-cultural communication skills and ensure respectful, inclusive, patient-centered interactions.
• Identify clinical pearls from an Alaska Native-owned and operated health care system’s approach to cancer care.