Messaging preferences for the role of pharmacists in pharmacy education recruitment material

Abstract

IntroductionApplications to pharmacy programs are declining worldwide. Previous research suggests that positioning of recruitment material according to prospective students' preferences may increase interest in the profession and entry-to-practice programs. The aim of this study was to determine messaging preferences for the role of the pharmacist. MethodsThis was a best-worst choice survey conducted at one institution in one country. Participants included prospective students, current pharmacy students, and others representing the general public. Thirteen statements (plus one control) describing the role of the pharmacist were extracted from pharmacy program websites. Survey participants completed the best-worst choice analysis, and a conditional logit model was used to estimate statement preference coefficients. ResultsA total of 150 complete survey responses were collected. The top ranked statement was, “Pharmacists are health care professionals who are experts in medicines” and the least ranked statement was the control statement, “Pharmacists are experts in dispensing medications and counting tablets.” No differences were observed between the different groups of survey respondents. Other highly ranked statements spoke to the expertise of the pharmacist and promoted a well-defined role. Catchy statements, such as “Pharmacists are medicines superheroes,” were not ranked highly. ConclusionsThis study found that current and prospective pharmacy students preferred descriptive and explicit messages that align with pharmacists' professional identity for promotion of the pharmacist's role.