An exploratory mixed-methods evaluation of continuing education opportunities related to the care of sexual and gender minority patients from ACPE-accredited providers

Purpose: The objective of this analysis was to describe trends in continuing education opportunities for pharmacy professionals across the US related to the care of sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients.

Methods: Continuing education programs offered by Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited providers from 2012 through 2022 were identified by searching the ACPE database for titles containing SGM terminology. Data including ACPE provider classification, activity type, format, audience, ACPE topic designator, interprofessional accreditation, contact hours, and learning objectives were collected. Content analysis was used to categorize activities.

Results: Following removal of duplicates and non-SGM-focused programming, 726 programs were identified. The most commonly observed program characteristics included a live format (67.6%, n = 491), a pharmacist audience (77.1%, n = 560), knowledge-based activities (90.8%, n = 656), a college or school of pharmacy provider (21.6%, n = 157), an ACPE topic of pharmacy administration (50.6%, n = 367), and a focus on pharmacy rather than interprofessional audiences (87.1%, n = 632). The median program length was 1 hour (interquartile range, 1-1.25 hours). The qualitative analysis identified programs focused on topics of gender-affirming care (pharmacotherapy) (32.1%, n = 233), general SGM (26.7%, n = 194), gender-affirming care (nonpharmacotherapy), sexually transmitted infections (7.2%, n = 52), and health disparities (3.9%, n = 28).

Conclusion: Advancement has occurred in the number of available continuing pharmacy education programs focused on the care of SGM patients. Further information regarding specific content and effectiveness of continuing education is necessary to determine strategies to better prepare pharmacy professionals to care for this growing patient population.