Pharmacist prescribing training models in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada: Snapshot survey

Abstract

Background: This study sought to identify the differences between training models for pharmacist prescribing across three countries according to the funding, model of prescribing the pharmacist will practice after training, training course framework, method of delivery, assessment, continuing professional development, and barriers and facilitators to enrolment. Methods: An online quantitative/qualitative snapshot survey was sent to academics of pharmacist prescribing courses and Deans of different pharmacy schools in the UK (n=49), Australia (n=12), and Canada (n=10). A narrative analysis was undertaken. Results: Seventeen pharmacy schools responded (24% response rate). The UK provides postgraduate training courses funded by the government. Canada incorporates prescribing competencies into entry-t- practice courses. Australia does not provide courses yet. Conclusion: Pharmacist prescribing is still under-utilised in many countries. Standardisation would reduce variation and improve uptake in countries implementing pharmacist prescribing roles. However, there is currently no international unified system or curriculum for pharmacists' prescribing courses.