Pharmacy Career Research Articles

Development of a critical care pharmacist career coaching and professional development program at an academic medical center

AbstractContinuing professional development is a lifelong process that is multifaceted, holistic, self‐directed, and is not a replacement for continuing education. Through ongoing professional development, pharmacists can improve their skill set in a broad range of clinical, educational, research, and administrative activities. Not only does development of this growth benefit the individual pharmacist, but also the institution and pharmacy profession. In 2020, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, and the American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists published an updated position paper on critical care pharmacy services. A new recommendation in the update was to create mechanisms for critical care pharmacists to develop their career and professional development. Herein, we describe our experience with the development and implementation of a critical care pharmacy career professional development program using peer‐to‐peer coaching within a large academic medical center. Professional development is not a one size fits all and should be individualized. We initially focused on developing research skills based on initial surveys. Afterwards professional development was varied we created new resources such as journal referee “how‐to” and teaching in a flipped classroom.

Longitudinal analysis of PharmD program students' satisfaction and stress

IntroductionThe University of Utah College of Pharmacy conducted an annual survey to gauge the relationship between multiple dimensions of students' satisfaction, and stress, with the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program and perceptions of future career plans. MethodsAn online survey of professional year one (P1) through professional year four (P4) students was conducted from 2015 to 2019. ResultsThere were a total of 953 non-unique survey respondents. The overall response rate was 86.8%. The study population was 51% female and 49% male with a mean age of 26.7 ± 3.3 years. Students were moderately to very satisfied with the curriculum across the four years of the program. Students were highly to moderately likely to recommend the program. Likelihood to recommend the pharmacy career was similar for the P1 and second professional year 2 (P2) but declined over the four years. Students were moderately to neutrally affected by stress, highest in the P2 and third professional year. Financial issues were rated as the highest stress across the four years. Gender was not statistically associated with satisfaction, although women had higher stress impacting their health than men. Likelihood to recommend the PharmD program and pharmacy career was rated higher by younger students. ConclusionsStudent satisfaction with the PharmD program should be a priority since higher education is a service industry. Academic pharmacy should consider whether pedagogical and social mechanisms are in place to ensure that their programs are helping students manage stress and promote satisfaction.

Students' experience and evaluation of community pharmacy internship in Iraq

Background: Pharmacy internship programmes are driven by most developed countries to outweigh the ongoing growth in the pharmacy career which encourages pharmacists to play a significant role as healthcare providers. Objectives: This study examines pharmacy students' perception, satisfaction, challenges, and limitations with the internship curriculum. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey with different elements to examine students' perceptions of various aspects. Result: Most students reported a positive impression regarding their internships, however, they were less satisfied with the allowance for filling prescriptions and compounding also, the college's follow-up was inadequate. Finding a pharmacy and devoted time for the training were the most reported challenges. Whether the preceptor is a pharmacist or not, the duration of the training and the pharmacy type have been demonstrated as important factors in the training outcomes. Conclusion: Students have acquired experience and knowledge. However, there are still improvements needed in the interns' perception towards the programme.

Rethinking the Pharmacy Workforce Crisis by Exploring Unconventional and Emerging Career Pathways and Training

Given the limited availability of conventional pharmacy positions, pharmacy programs face a challenge in ensuring that all graduates obtain jobs that fulfill their goals and ambitions. Thus, it is imperative to explore and discuss unconventional but promising positions, specifically regarding their availability and needs. In exploring these positions, it is important to recognize technical and nontechnical skill sets that pharmacy graduates possess at graduation, identify unique pathways to help students explore job alternatives, and educate faculty and students about employment opportunities beyond the traditional setting if desired or necessary. Students must become aware of the opportunities that exist in both conventional (pharmacist clinician) and unconventional (pharmacist innovator) pharmacy careers and be able to articulate the translational skills from their training. Pharmacy programs and faculty can better support students by fostering the development and marketing of their skills.

Education and Training Research Policy in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences,2022,11,2,48-55.DOI:10.5530/ijpcs.2022.11.10Published:June 2022Type:Review ArticleAuthors:Yousef Ahmed Alomi, Amal Hassan Al-Najjar, Maha Hussein Almadany, and Abeer Hussin Almasoudi Author(s) affiliations:Yousef Ahmed Alomi*, BSc.Pharm, MSc. Clin Pharm, BCPS, BCNSP, DiBA, CDE Critical Care Clinical Pharmacists, TPN Clinical Pharmacist, Freelancer Business Planner, Content Editor, and Data Analyst, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Amal Hassan Al-Najjar, BSc, MSc,Drug and Poison Information Center, Security Forces Hospitals, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Maha Hussein Almadany, BSc. Pharm. Health Care Quality Management Professional Diploma (HCQM), Pharmacy Quality Department, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Medical City, Al Madina Al Monwarah, SAUDI ARABIA. Abeer Hussin Almasoudi, BSc.Pharm Director, Administration of Research and Studies, Ministry of Health, Tabuk, SAUDI ARABIA. Abstract:Objectives: This study explores the Research policy of Research Education and Training in pharmacy practice as a new initiative in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The current topic is a narrative review of education and training procedures in pharmacy research. Litterateur was searched in various databases. That includes PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and academic Microsoft. The period covered for the search is from the 1960s to October 2021. The terms used are in the English language and encompass narrative reviews, systemic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines. The search keyword includes all hospital and community pharmacy-related services. Moreover, there are national and international guidelines for conducting general research in research in pharmacy practice. The committee of pharmacy research was formed and comprised numerous expert members, including clinical pharmacists, drug information pharmacists, and clinical research specialists. A member drafted the policy’s guidelines, which were then reviewed and corrected by another member. The research specialist made the third revision. The topic emphasizes the Pharmacy Research policy of Research Education and Training. Results: Pharmacy Research’s policy on Research Education and Training covered various topics, including the program objectives, admission requirements, teaching, educational methodology, and steps in pharmacy practice involving research, education, and training. Five models were used in research education and training. For instance, skills in searching for and reviewing the literature, research design and methodology, survey design, biostatistics, and research proposal writing. In addition, each model included a description of the module and Learning Objectives, Module Outlines, and Competency Items. Conclusion: The pharmacy research policy is a new initiative and a component of the pharmacy strategic plan. The Research Education and Training pharmacy policy aims to enhance pharmacists’ research abilities and encourage pharmacists to conduct various types of research in multiple settings within the public and healthcare sectors. Therefore, the Research Education and Training policy are critical for the pharmacy career in Saudi Arabia. Keywords:Education, Pharmacy, Policy, Research, Saudi Arabia, TrainingView:PDF (152.94 KB) PDFClick here to download the PDF file. Images Education and Training Research Policy in Pharmacy Practice

Research Policy of the Research Data Management in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences,2022,11,1,20-24.DOI:10.5530/ijpcs.2022.11.5Published:April 2022Type:Review ArticleAuthors:Yousef Ahmed Alomi, Amal Hassan Al-Najjar, Hamidah Qasim Ali Abushomi, Maha Hussein Almadany, and Abeer Hussin Almasoudi Author(s) affiliations:Yousef Ahmed Alomi*, BSc.Pharm, MSc. Clin Pharm, BCPS, BCNSP, DiBA, Critical Care Clinical Pharmacists, TPN Clinical Pharmacist, Freelancer Business Planner, Content Editor, and Data Analyst, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Amal Hassan Al-Najjar, BSc, MSc, Drug and Poison Information Center, Security Forces Hospitals, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Hamidah Qasim Ali Abushomi, BSc, MSc. Clin Pharm Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, SAUDI ARABIA. Maha Hussein Almadany, Bsc. Pharm. Health Care Quality Management Professional Diploma (HCQM), Pharmacy Quality Department, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Medical City, Al Madina Al Monwarah, SAUDI ARABIA. Abeer Hussin Almasoudi, Bsc. Pharm Director, Administration of Research and Studies, Ministry of Health, Tabuk, SAUDI ARABIA. Abstract:Objectives: This study aims to declare the research policy of Data management in pharmaceutical care services as a new initiative in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This article is a narrative review of pharmacy research. Litterateur researched specific research policies and procedures in pharmacy practice using a variety of databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. The period covered for the search is from the 1960s to October 2021. The terms used are in the English language and encompasses narrative reviews, systemic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines. The search term includes all hospital and community pharmacy-related services. Besides, there are national and international guidelines for conducting general research in hospital practice. The pharmacy research committee was formed and comprised numerous expert members, including clinical pharmacists, pharmacists specializing in drug information, and clinical research specialists. A member drafted the policy’s guidelines, which were then reviewed and corrected by another member. The research specialist made the third revision. The subject emphasizes the Research policy of Data management in pharmaceutical care services. Results: The data management policy for research at pharmaceutical care services was established. That includes the design of the data collection, the data resources, and the data collector. Additionally, the data preparation for analysis, the data’s reliability and validity, and storage data. Conclusion: The Data management policy for research in pharmacy practice is a new initiative as part of pharmacy departments’ research and development efforts. Data management in pharmacy care services may increase the documentation of pharmacist research and activities. The basic foundation of pharmacy analytics is the new vision of pharmacy career professionals. Keywords:Data management, Pharmaceutical Care, Policy, Research, Saudi Arabia, ServicesView:PDF (141.57 KB) PDFClick here to download the PDF file. Images

Brighter horizons: The necessity of concentrated sponsorship targeted toward minoritized student pharmacists

Due to the effects of structural racism, disproportionately lower numbers of Black, Hispanic or LatinX, American Indian, and Alaska Native students pursue a career in pharmacy and successfully matriculate into the profession. Despite these disparities being present for many years, little progress has been achieved in diversifying the pharmacy profession, resulting in a persistent lack of diversity within pharmacy leadership across employers and pharmacy organizations. Consistent with recent recommendations for improving diversity in pharmacy, the PharmGradWishlist (PGWL) initiative was created as a way for practicing pharmacists and organizations to provide direct financial sponsorship to racially and ethnically minoritized trainees to offset costs incurred during training and during the transition from student to practicing pharmacist. Many of these costs, such as residency and fellowship application fees, job interview travel costs, board exam and licensing fees, and moving expenses, are not typically subsidized by federal student funding. Offsetting these costs is an important way to reduce barriers to entering the profession and postgraduate training, the latter of which may be particularly important in trainees’ pursuit of academic and leadership positions in pharmacy. The initial development and advertisement of the initiative occurred through social media and the grassroots efforts of the PGWL team, a group of 10 volunteer pharmacists from across the country, and resulted in generous donations from a small proportion of practicing pharmacists nationwide. It is now time for the profession as a whole to embrace the role of direct sponsorship in improving diversity in the profession. We call upon pharmacists and pharmacy organizations to advocate for and participate in financial sponsorship of racially and ethnically minoritized trainees and pharmacists as a way to increase diversity and promote health equity.

Gul Root (1950–2022)

Having completed her preregistration year at the Westminster Hospital in London, Gulanar (Gul) Root joined the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in 1974 after graduating from the University of Brighton with a BSc (Hons) in pharmacy. She spent the first 20 years of her career in paediatric pharmacy, before going on to join East Surrey Health […]

'Working during the COVID-19 pandemic has broken me'

I feel compelled to write my first letter to The Pharmaceutical Journal. I have had a 33-year career in community pharmacy. I have worked full time for the majority of that time; however, by December 2022 I was done — burnt out. I had pushed myself through the COVID-19 pandemic to be the ‘rock’ in […]

A pharmacy career path towards an innovative competency-based role in a multidisciplinary team

The role of the pharmacist in any setting can be extensive and diverse, and as healthcare increases in complexity, there is a rapidly growing range of roles and specialisms emerging within the profession. At Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, we have been exploring the research and leadership opportunities for pharmacists in interstitial lung disease […]

Creation and implementation of a drug discovery and development game

Background and purposeGamification is a commonly employed active-learning technique to increase student engagement and learning. Few games teaching the drug discovery and development process exist. Educational activity and settingA six hour component of the elective course Non-traditional Pharmacy Career Routes focused on drug development. Four of the six hours were devoted to a game designed to mimic the drug discovery and development process. The 17 enrolled students were split into smaller groups designated to represent large pharmaceutical, start-up, or generic companies. The number of resources each group began with varied depending on the type of company they were assigned. Students worked to develop and bring to market the most drugs and gain the most money. To reinforce the reflective and innovative learning process, students created “failure” cards before the game started that had reasons for failures during the drug development process. FindingsTwo questions about the drug discovery and development process were on a pre−/post-assessment. The first question was answered correctly by 12 of 16 students on the pre-assessment, while 15 of 17 students answered correctly on the post-assessment. The second question was answered correctly by 13 of 16 students on the pre-assessment and all students on the post-assessment. The students enjoyed playing the game and felt that it helped them to understand the drug development process. SummaryA novel, role-play game that allows students to learn the drug discovery and development process has the potential to be implemented in similar courses.

An innovative General Practice based Pharmacy Longitudinal Clerkship: using theory to characterise its development, implementation and initial evaluation

ABSTRACT Background Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships exist in undergraduate medicine courses. A pilot Pharmacy Longitudinal Clerkship (pPLC) was funded to investigate delivery of this model of clinical education for student pharmacists. Objective(s) To investigate the development, implementation and initial evaluation of a pPLC. Methods The 11-week pPLC was delivered to two students in two GP practices in Scotland. Mixed theory-based methods were used to gather information on the pPLC structures and processes required and qualitative semi-structured Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) based interviews explored outcomes with key stakeholders. Informed written consent was obtained. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. University Ethics approval was granted. Results Data were generated on resources and processes required for a pPLC including funds budgeted for and actually spent on staffing, student travel/subsistence and student clinical ‘Kit Bags’, learning outcomes, curriculum and training timetable, GP Practice/University contracts. Interviews were completed with the two students, three linked GP clinical supervisors and two Regional Tutors involved. The seven themes were identified and mapped to seven TDF domains including: increased levels of student confidence, and increased student enthusiasm for a career in pharmacy, need for definition of the role of the Regional Tutor for the PLC and GP positivity towards the expected outcomes of clerkship model versus traditional placements. Conclusion Findings are limited by the small number of participants and settings, but evaluation was positive and the work garnered information on requirements for resources and processes. This will inform ‘roll out’ of the PLC.

Assessment of awareness of pharmacy profession as a career among secondary school students in Kaduna state, Nigeria

Background: Pharmacists play prominent roles in the health care system and enjoy a wide variety of inter-related careers, placing them among the high-ranking health professionals. Aim: To assess the awareness of pharmacy as a career among secondary school students in the Zaria and Giwa educational zones of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in secondary schools located in the Zaria and Giwa educational zones in Kaduna state, Nigeria; a sample of 278 students completed a 26-item questionnaire. Results: The respondents displayed a fair knowledge of pharmacy (mean score of 9.8 out of 20), with significant differences in awareness observed between males and females (p=0.026), students from private and public schools (p<0.001), and those from schools located in urban and rural areas (p<0.001). Conclusion: The students had a fair knowledge of pharmacy careers and pharmacists' roles and characteristics.

The decline in graduating student pharmacist positivity for the profession of pharmacy

BackgroundThe pharmacy marketplace has shifted considerably in recent years. The decline in job openings and stagnant growth in wages, along with public reports about adverse working conditions for some pharmacists, may have tarnished the optimism of young pharmacists toward the profession of pharmacy. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyze the trend among graduating student pharmacists regarding their positivity toward a career in pharmacy. MethodsData for this study were extracted from the Graduating Student Survey that is maintained by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. This set of analyses focused on respondents’ agreement with the statement “If I was starting my college career over again, I would choose to study pharmacy.” Descriptive statistics are reported for this item across 2014 to 2021, and chi-square analyses were used to compare the trend in agreement rates across years and to compare responses between public and private colleges of pharmacy. ResultsSurvey response rates ranged from 71.1%-80.2% across years and categories (public vs. private). Across 2014-2021, there was an overall decline in the percentage of graduating student pharmacists who indicated that they would choose pharmacy again if they were starting over in college with the greatest decline occurring after 2016. Across all colleges, agreement declined from 81.8% (2014) to 72.2% (2021) (χ2 = 398.2; P < 0.001). The percentage of agreement responses for private college graduates declined from 80.7% (2014) to 74.8% (2021) whereas the percentage of agreement responses for public college graduates declined from 83.0% (2014) to 69.8% (2020). In 2021, public college graduates had lower agreement than private college graduates (χ2 = 33.8; P < 0.001). ConclusionThe positivity of graduating student pharmacists toward a career in pharmacy has deteriorated since 2014. Further investigation of this phenomenon is warranted.

Measuring the immediate impact when first year pharmacy students are introduced to diverse career pathways

Background and PurposeTo assess if exposure to diverse pharmacy career pathways influences the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student's career plans within the first month of an academic curriculum. Educational Activity and SettingFirst year PharmD students were enrolled in a four-week course with a focus on introduction to core practice areas of pharmacy: community, hospital, and managed care. Guidance was provided with resources and a pharmacist panel to aid in both self-learning and direct sharing about diverse areas of pharmacy practice extending beyond the core course practice areas. A survey was given at the beginning and at the end of the course to measure the influence of course activities on first year students' aspirations for varied pharmacy careers. All students completed the survey but needed to opt into the research for data to be collected. Chi-square, Fisher's Exact Test, and descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. FindingsIn this study of 508 first year pharmacy students, we found that 50.8% reported a change in their pharmacy career plans at the end of the course. Student interest in non-traditional career paths increased from 38.2% at the beginning of the course to 47.6% at the end of the course. As a result, students reported that they would select different electives (P < .001), pursue different pharmacy organizations (P = .0003), and explore new internship opportunities (P < .001). Overall, 98% found the course introduced them to pharmacy career paths they were previously unaware existed. SummaryEarly exposure to diverse pharmacy career pathways influences students' career plans.

How pharmacy can start to solve the inequity puzzle

How pharmacy can start to solve the inequity puzzle

Postgraduate pharmacist development- an evaluation of Jordanian pharmacist experiences to inform and shape an evidence-based professional development policy.

Building capacity for developing skills as leadership, teamwork, and continuous academic support has become essential for fulfilling a successful pharmacy career. This study aims to assess Jordanian pharmacists’ views on professional development, namely: the continuous education infrastructure, strategies and programs for personal development, leadership skills, incentive schemes, drug information resources and digital services. As well as exploring options for better academic support delivered to pharmacists. To capture participant’s views, an online validated and reliable survey was developed. Non-probability sampling design was used. Participants were qualified pharmacists working at Royal Medical Services (RMS) and Community Pharmacists (CP). Comparison and descriptive statistics were used to report the results. A total of 271 pharmacists participated, 144 from RMS (8% more than the needed sample) and 127 CP (7% more than the needed sample). There was a strong desire amongst both RMS and PC groups for continuous educational training particularly in the following areas, first: Advanced counselling and communication skills (means = 8.99±0.145, CI 95% = 3.70–4.28 and 9.37±0.096, CI 95% = 4.18–4.56). Second: Personal development skills (mean = 8.92±0.142, CI 95% = 3.64–4.20 and 9.02±0.145, CI 95% = 3.73–4.30). Third, Pharmaceutical health promotion (mean = 8.05±0.180, CI 95% = 2.70–3.41 and 8.57±0.159, CI 95% = 3.26–3.89). Only 19.4% and 18.1% of the RMS and CPs respectively reported the presence of a written policy for personal development and leadership in their workplace. There were few incentives for pharmacists to participate in research. Few pharmacists used the available drug information and toxicology centers. The professional and continuous personal development of pharmacists support an evolving healthcare system. This study emphasizes the need for a tailored and documented postgraduate educational strategy, personal development, and leadership skills training in Jordan. Implementing a well-defined scheme of incentives should be encouraged to engage pharmacists in continuous professional development programs and pharmaceutical research. Such strategy and training should enhance both professional and personal performance.

Girls scouting out pharmacy: A story about youth empowerment

IntroductionThe American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy's vision statement is part of a national strategic endeavor to elevate pharmacy's professional profile. Community populations lack awareness of the unique roles and responsibilities of pharmacists. To positively influence the pipeline of future pharmacists, it is necessary to promote pharmacy as a career path. Proactively targeting younger age groups to engage in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health (STEM+H) educational activities will increase knowledge and understanding of the profession of pharmacy. Educational engagement is most successful when a positive relationship is established with a community alliance. PerspectiveDoctor of pharmacy students established a community partnership to create the inaugural “Girl Scouting Out Pharmacy” event. Over forty pharmacy students and faculty created and led an interactive event to advocate for the betterment of our profession while simultaneously educating on various pharmacy topics. Four unique, hands-on sessions incorporated pharmacy activities for girl scouts and their parents. These activities engaged youth to imagine their future while promoting an appreciation of pharmacy careers. ImplicationsCreating unique events to promote STEM+H education grants early opportunities to explore pharmacy-related concepts. The combination of healthcare professional students and community outreach produces the greatest potential to spark interest. Pharmacists have a duty to inspire young individuals, ensuring the next generation meets the needs of the nation's workforce. It is the responsibility of today's pharmacists to foster intellectual curiosity and instill a progressive drive in the following generation, lest we fall behind the curve on an ever-evolving healthcare culture.

A minute with …

A minute with …

Cardiovascular disease risk prevention services by pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: what do policymakers and opinion leaders think?

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is an emerging contributor to national morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia. CVD risk prevention services are limited, particularly with an over-utilised public health sector and an under-utilised and under-resourced primary care sector. Globally, there is evidence that community pharmacists can play a key role in CVD prevention within primary care. However, the perspectives of policymakers and opinion leaders are critical to successful translation of evidence into practice. Thus, the aim was to engage policymakers and professional leaders in discussions about implementing high-quality CVD risk prevention services in community pharmacy.MethodsQualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. All transcripts were thematically analysed.ResultsA total of 23 participants (87% male) from government and non-government sectors were interviewed. Of these, almost 65% had pharmacy qualifications. Limited provision of CVD risks preventative services in primary care was acknowledged by most participants and building community pharmacists’ capacity to assist in preventive health services was viewed favourably as one way of improving the status quo. The data yielded four key themes: (1) future pharmacy CVD health service models; (2) demonstrable outcomes; (3) professional engagement and advocacy; and (4) implementability. CVD health services roles (health screening, primary and secondary prevention services), pragmatic factors and tiered models of care (minimal, medium, and comprehensive pharmacist involvement) were discussed. The need for humanistic, clinical, and cost effectiveness outcomes to be demonstrated and active involvement of professional bodies were deemed important for such services to be sustainable. Professional pharmacy governance to develop pharmacy careers and workforce, pharmacy curricular reform and ongoing education were posed as key success factors for novel pharmacy roles. Practice policies, standards, and guidelines were seen as required to adhere to stringent quality control for future pharmacy services provision. Participant’s implementation vision for such services included scalability, affordability, access, adoption and health system reform. Most discussions focused on the need for structural improvement with limited input regarding processes or outcomes required to establish such models.ConclusionsMost participants favoured pharmacy-based CVD risk prevention services, despite the variability in proposed service models. However, prior to developing such services, support structures at the health system and health professional level are needed as well as building public support and acceptability for pharmacy services.