title: A course-based cross-cultural interaction among pharmacy students in Qatar and Canada.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop, implement, and evaluate a course-based, cross-cultural student interaction using real-time videoconferencing between universities in Canada and Qatar.
  
  
  METHODS
  A professional skills simulation practice session on smoking cessation was run for students in Qatar (n=22) and Canada (n=22). Students role played cases in small group situations and then interacted with colleagues from the other country regarding culturally challenging situations and communication strategies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students were assessed on analytical content and communication skills through faculty member and peer evaluation. Cultural competency outcomes were assessed using a postsession survey. Overall, 92.3% of respondents agreed that learning was enhanced through the cross-cultural exchange, and 94.9% agreed that insight was gained into the health-related issues and needs of people from another culture.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A course-based, cross-cultural interaction was an effective method to incorporate cultural competency principles into student learning. Future initiatives should increase direct student interaction and focus on culturally sensitive topics.
authors: Qatar University College of Pharmacy, Doha, Qatar.
authors: Kyle John
authors: KJ
authors: Wilby
authors: University of Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
authors: Jeff
authors: J
authors: Taylor
authors: Qatar University College of Pharmacy, Doha, Qatar.
authors: Sherief I
authors: SI
authors: Khalifa
authors: University of Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
authors: Derek
authors: D
authors: Jorgenson
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D054521:Cultural Competency / Q000193:education*; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005178:Faculty; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D007858:Learning; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011780:Qatar; D012525:Saskatchewan; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D049269:Videoconferencing
keywords: cultural competency; culture; pharmacy education; technology