Purpose This study aims to clarify changes in the understanding of halal foods and international affairs in Japan from 2015 to 2020. Based on the results of this survey, the authors will extract variables for promoting awareness of halal foods in the future. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an Internet (Google) survey on tourism and halal-related initiatives implemented between 2012 and 2025. A field survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires targeting university students in the Faculty of Pharmacy in 2015 (452 respondents) and 2020 (510 respondents). The comparison of results between 2015 and 2020 was performed using the chi-square test (IBM SPSS ver. 27.0). Findings Between 2012 and 2025, the Japanese Government implemented 24 measures. The halal-related measures were aimed at service providers, companies and government agencies rather than the general public. According to a questionnaire survey, around 90% of respondents were aware of Muslim dietary restrictions, but only around 30% of students were aware of the term “halal.” Awareness of prohibitions such as pork and alcohol increased over the five-year period, but awareness of details such as halal logos and slaughter methods remained low. Awareness of Japan’s tourism policies and its position in the international community was also low, with no progress made over the five-year period. Respondents desired neutral institutions or countries as sources of information on Islam and halal. Research limitations/implications As this survey was conducted in 2015 and 2020, it does not accurately reflect the current situation following the subsiding of the Coronavirus pandemic. The number of foreign visitors to Japan for employment or tourism purposes is currently increasing. Consequently, a new survey is required to reflect the situation in 2025. Furthermore, the survey should not be limited to pharmacy students, but should be expanded to include respondents from other departments. To clarify the level of awareness of halal food among Japanese people, ongoing surveys are necessary. Practical implications This study reveals the current level of awareness of halal among Japanese people. As the number of foreign tourists and workers is expected to increase, continued surveys are important to support the development of the halal-related industry. The results indicate that Japanese people prefer receiving information from private third-party organizations, which would be a positive step for future outreach. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the government should also play a role in providing information to the general public. Social implications Between 2015 and 2020, it became clear that the awareness of halal and halal foods among Japanese people had not significantly improved. It was also revealed that young people in Japan lacked a sufficient understanding of their country’s tourism policies and the global distribution of the world’s population. As communication networks continue to develop and globalization progresses, greater attention must be paid to domestic and international circumstances. The Japanese Government also needs to provide the general public with information. The fact that these issues have been clearly identified is a significant social achievement. Originality/value This paper provides valuable and rare insights by comparing the perception of halal in Japan in 2015 and 2020. There have been few studies addressing how Japanese people perceive halal. This study reveals that the information provided by the Japanese Government to the general public is limited. As the number of foreign residents in Japan continues to increase, ongoing research is essential to avoid cultural misunderstandings. The findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of multicultural coexistence in Japan.

Advocating for action: Recognizing experiential education educators across academia.

Introduction: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines dietary supplements (DS) as products distinct from conventional foods, intended to supplement or complete the diet. This study aims to examine the relationship between the use of DS and attitudes towards healthy eating among 1 st - and 5 th -year students of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Trakya University. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1 st - and 5 th -year students from the Faculty of Pharmacy. Participants completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and DS usage, along with the ‘Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition’. Results: Of the 160 students who participated in the study, 25.0% were male and 75.0% were female, and 56.0% were 1 st -year pharmacy students. Fifth-year students were found to have significantly higher rates of awareness, usage and training on DS compared to 1 st -year students ( P < 0.005). Most participants received education on DS through faculty courses. A total of 92.9% of 5 th -year students and 71.1% of 1 st -year students reported using DS. The most commonly used DS were multivitamin preparations (32.9%). The average scores on the attitude scale for healthy nutrition (ASHN) were significantly higher among 5 th -year students, those who primarily consumed home-prepared meals and those who exercised regularly, compared to 1 st -year students, those who frequently consumed ready-made foods and those who did not exercise regularly ( P < 0.005). No significant difference was observed between DS usage and the average scores on the ASHN ( P > 0.005). Conclusion: DSs are widely used among the participants. No statistically significant relationship was found between DS usage and scores on the ASHN.

Rational nutrition is one of the key factors determining the general state of human health, and during pregnancy it becomes especially important due to the increased need of the woman's body for micronutrients. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals during this period can lead to serious complications for both mother and fetus. One of the critically important nutrients is folic acid, which plays an important role in the prevention of neural tube defects, normal hematopoiesis, DNA synthesis, regulation of cell growth and fetal development. Its deficiency is associated with severe congenital defects, in particular hydrocephalus, heart defects, urinary system disorders, reduction defects of the limbs, preeclampsia and anemia of the pregnant woman. Despite the clinically proven effectiveness of folic acid, the level of awareness of women about its role remains insufficient. According to domestic treatment standards, folic acid is recommended for women at the stage of pregnancy planning and during its first weeks or throughout the entire pregnancy, depending on the level of risk. From August 2025, folic acid will be included in the "Affordable Drugs" program as a drug necessary for the prevention and treatment of anemia during pregnancy and after childbirth. The aim of this study is a comprehensive assessment of the pharmacy assortment of drugs and dietary supplements containing folic acid, as well as a study of the level of awareness of pharmacy students regarding its functional significance and standards of regulation of its use by women. The object of the study was the data from the State Register of Drugs of Ukraine and the Tabletki.ua platform as of January 1, 2025, as well as the results of a survey of 37 students of the 4th–5th years of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Danylo Halytskyi Lviv National Medical University. It has been established that the pharmacy assortment of folic acid includes both prescription and non-prescription drugs. These drugs are produced by Ukrainian enterprises in dosages of 1 mg (over-the-counter) and 5 mg (prescription). Folic acid is also registered as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine in the amount of 4 product lines. In addition, according to the online platform Tabletki.ua, Ukrainian pharmacies have a wide range of dietary supplements containing folic acid in the form of tablets, capsules and powders. The main producing countries are the USA, Ukraine, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. The results of a survey of senior students of the Faculty of Pharmacy showed insufficient awareness of the preventive role of folic acid, since almost half of those surveyed (48.6%) are not aware of the optimal timing of its intake, and a number of respondents noted the effect of folic acid on the immune system (32.4%), regulation of thyroid function (16.2%) and improvement of vision (2.7%), which is not among its established properties. In fact, the majority of those surveyed (over 70%) assessed their own awareness of the use of folic acid as insufficient. This indicates the need for in-depth study of the topic within the framework of education and professional development and confirms the appropriateness of the chosen strategy - informing students after the survey about domestic and international standards for folic acid consumption, which has a positive effect on increasing their level of awareness.

Door handles are high-contact surfaces that can serve as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, a significant cause of community- and hospital-acquired infections. Increasing antibiotic resistance among E. coli strains poses a public health challenge, necessitating local surveillance. This study investigated the prevalence of E. coli contamination on door handles within the Faculty of Pharmacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, and assessed the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates. A total of 100 swab samples were collected from door handles across offices, classrooms, hostels, laboratories, clinic, and other locations. Samples were cultured in nutrient broth, subcultured on MacConkey agar, and pure isolates identified using Gram staining, cultural characteristics and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar with 12 commonly used antibiotics. Data were analyzed using CLSI breakpoints and Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) was used to assess multidrug resistance. Seventeen E. coli isolates were recovered, with the highest prevalence from hostel door handles (59%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to β-lactams, including Ampicillin/Sulbactam (94%) and Piperacillin/Tazobactam (88%), as well as third- generation cephalosporins such as Cefotaxime (82%). Conversely, 100% susceptibility was observed for Gentamicin, Azithromycin, and Chloramphenicol, while Ofloxacin and Levofloxacin retained significant activity (88% susceptibility). Twelve isolates (71%) exhibited multidrug resistance, with MARI values >0.2, suggesting exposure to high antibiotic pressure. The findings highlight the role of fomites in harboring multidrug-resistant E. coli, underscoring the need for improved hygiene practices, routine surveillance, and rational antibiotic use within academic environments.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide, which motivates researchers to investigate risk factors involved, its symptoms and screening methods essential for early detection and prevention. This study examined fourth and fifth year pharmacy students' awareness regarding CRC to achieve the purpose of collecting data to guide and shape curriculum adjustments and improve community-based educational initiatives. An online cross-sectional survey was administered between January 6th and March 9th, 2025 with fourth- and fifth-year pharmacy students from five pharmacy faculties located in Türkiye who agreed to participate in the study. Within the scope of the study, knowledge of CRC risk factors, symptoms, screening and barriers to colorectal cancer screening were explored. The participants of the study included 532 students attending five pharmacy faculties located in different parts of Türkiye. The mean score for "knowledge about CRC risk factor" was (± SD) 11.54 (± 3.58), and 85.2% (n = 453) of the participants had "good level of knowledge" about risk factors. The mean "CRC symptom" score (± SD) was 4.39 (± 2.10). In addition, 60.7% (n = 323) of the participants were found to have poor level of knowledge about the symptoms of the disease. The mean score for "CRC screening" (± SD) was 1.44 (± 0.70). 93.2% (496) of the participants reported poor level knowledge about screening. "Worrying about a bad result" was identified as the primary barrier to getting fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy. More than half of the participants (n = 318, 59.8%) stated that they acquired the information about CRC from the curricula most. This study indicated that students' knowledge about CRC symptoms and screening was poor while their knowledge about CRC risks was good. Females and nonsmokers had remarkably more CRC risk information. Sociodemographic variables did not significantly affect CRC symptom and screening knowledge. "Worrying about a bad result" was the biggest FOBT and colonoscopy barrier. According to these findings, it is recommended that faculties should integrate CRC awareness courses into their curricula. Additionally, more emphasis should be placed on other educational interventions such as social media, television and brochure distribution.

Pharmacy education in Jordan has expanded in response to national growth and increasing healthcare needs. As an upper-middle-income country, Jordan depends on pharmacy programs to supply a workforce for community, clinical, academic, industrial, and regulatory sectors. To review the current setting of pharmacy education and practice in Jordan, including training paths, accreditation, licensure, and career opportunities. A narrative review of national regulations, institutional documents, literature, and professional reports was conducted. Jordan hosts 18 pharmacy faculties offering BPharm degrees, with two also providing PharmD programs. Admission is centrally regulated, and training includes extensive coursework and required practice experience. Postgraduate opportunities include MSc and PhD programs, and CPD. Accreditation and licensure involve national regulatory bodies. Graduates work across community, hospital, academic, industry, and regulatory settings, though challenges include limited clinical positions, misalignment between curricula and labor-market needs, and insufficient support for advanced services. Research activity is increasing, served by curricular reforms and funding. Pharmacy education in Jordan is expanding, but strengthening clinical training, specialization, research capacity, and workforce planning remains essential.

Introduction The DEW (Diabetes Education and Wellness) Clinic is an interprofessional, student-led initiative that provides diabetes care through both in-person and telehealth formats. This model offers a unique platform to explore the effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration while enhancing student learning and addressing patient care needs in a community-based setting. Methods This article synthesizes findings from three mixed-methods studies conducted between 2022 and 2024. Study 1 evaluated the effectiveness of hybrid (telehealth and in-person) care delivery in diabetes management. Study 2 assessed patient satisfaction, perceived care quality, and outcomes. Study 3 explored student and faculty experiences in the clinic through surveys and focus groups. Participants included adult patients with diabetes, student providers from medicine, pharmacy, etc., and interprofessional faculty mentors. Results The hybrid care model was found to improve access and continuity of care for patients with diabetes, with telehealth appointments providing flexibility and convenience. Patients reported high satisfaction, particularly noting the personalized education and supportive interprofessional approach. Students described enhanced confidence, communication skills, and understanding of interprofessional roles. Faculty mentors valued the opportunity to guide learners in real-time collaborative care. Across all studies, the interprofessional model was viewed as effective in promoting both high-quality patient care and meaningful educational experiences. Conclusion The DEW Clinic exemplifies a scalable, interprofessional approach to chronic disease management that benefits both learners and patients. Integrating telehealth with in-person services enhances accessibility and patient engagement while offering a dynamic educational environment for health professions students. These findings support the continued development and replication of similar interprofessional models in community-based chronic care settings.

Silent Struggles in Health Care Education: Eating Disorder Risk and Awareness Among Future Pharmacists.

Qualitative Study Exploring Perceptions of Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Future Pharmacy Objective Structured Clinical Examinations.

Background: In Moroccan medical schools, several teachers and students complain about the limits of transmissive education. The problem-based learning (PBL) has been introduced in many medical schools around the world but not yet in Moroccan medical schools. Aim: The aim of this work is to experience PBL in basic medical training at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Fez; and assess its impact on student satisfaction and short-term performance. Materials and methods: in 52 participating students, we compared the acquisition of knowledge by the PBL versus transmissive teaching. We also used a questionnaire to assess their level of satisfaction with PBL. Results: Compared to formal education, students reported better satisfaction with PBL, regarding their motivation, level of concentration and understanding; but also on the development of "soft skills": Communication, cooperation in the group and autonomy. The knowledge assessment test objectified that the average score of the groups (out of 10) is respectively 7.9 and 7.63 for PBL versus 4.88 and 4.08 for transmissive teaching (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Our results confirm the advantages reported in the literature of PBL over conventional education and have motivated the partial implementation of this method in our faculty.

Introduction: Occult primary urothelial carcinoma is an extremely rare entity that may present as isolated lymph node involvement without visible bladder or ureteral lesions, making diagnosis particularly challenging.Case Presentation: We report the case of a 91-year-old man presenting with a left inguinal swelling evolving over four years. Examination revealed a necrotic, fistulized mass with no urothelial lesions on cystoscopy. Biopsy showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma (CK7+/CK20+/p63+/p40+/GATA3−), initially suggesting squamous differentiation, but the lymphatic distribution and suspicious ureteral thickening supported an occult urothelial origin.A multidisciplinary management approach was undertaken. Systemic chemotherapy was not initiated due to age and comorbidities. Local wound care and antibiotic therapy led to partial improvement and clinical stabilization without visceral progression.Discussion: This case illustrates the diagnostic complexity of dedifferentiated urothelial carcinomas with atypical immunohistochemical profiles. Loss of GATA3 expression, though uncommon, does not exclude urothelial origin, especially in high-grade tumors. Presentation as isolated inguinal lymphadenopathy is exceedingly rare.Conclusion: Diagnosis of occult urothelial carcinoma requires multidisciplinary collaboration and careful integration of clinical, radiological, and pathological data. In elderly or frail patients, a conservative, symptom-oriented approach is often the most appropriate. Reporting such rare cases is essential to improve understanding of the atypical presentations and dissemination pathways of urothelial carcinoma.

INTRODUCTIONPracticing smoking cessation counseling with real patients is often limited in pharmacy education. To address this gap, artificial intelligence (AI) was employed to simulate patient interactions for role-playing, providing a flexible and pressure-free learning experience. This study aimed to evaluate the use of an AI-simulated patient (ChatGPT) for smoking cessation counseling in pharmacy education by assessing students’ satisfaction, perceived learning impact, benefits, and difficulties encountered.METHODSA quasi-experimental one-group post-test design was conducted with fourth-year pharmacy students enrolled in the smoking-cessation skills course at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, during the first semester of 2024 academic year. All students registered and attending the course were eligible and invited to participate. Case scenarios based on the 5As framework were developed and implemented in ChatGPT to simulate real-time counseling. After completing the AI session, students completed a self-administered questionnaire.RESULTSAmong 145 fourth-year pharmacy students, 66% reported satisfaction with the AI activity, and 84.4% indicated improved understanding of smoking cessation. Reported benefits included enhanced self-assessment and adaptability in the learning process, while common challenges involved technical limitations and limited understanding of how AI functions.CONCLUSIONSOverall, students expressed satisfaction with the AI-based activity, reported improved learning, and identified both benefits and areas for improvement. These findings support the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT as a student-centered, scalable approach in smoking cessation education, aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education.

Pharmacoeconomics is an important branch of science that should be taken into account by countries' social security institutions in order to rationally manage drug expenditures within healthcare budgets for the aging population. Pharmacists trained in pharmacoeconomics make a great contribution to this field. This study aims to draw attention to the inclusion of pharmacoeconomics education as a compulsory course in the curricula of pharmacy faculties in Türkiye. Fifty-one pharmacy faculties in Türkiye were analysed. The pharmacoeconomics courses and their contents in the curriculum of these faculties were evaluated. The course contents, European Credit Transfer System and credits, weekly and meeting hours of the faculties offering pharmacoeconomics courses were analyzed. There are 51 pharmacy faculties in Türkiye. Of these pharmacy faculties, 33 are operating under state universities and 18 under foundation universities. There is no pharmacoeconomics course in the curriculum of 82.35% of the pharmacy faculties (n=42). In the other 17.65% (n=9) of the faculties, there is a pharmacoeconomics course in the curriculum. The course contents of the faculties are similar, and basic pharmacoeconomics information is generally given. There are no faculty members who have completed their PhDs in this field. This study, the first to systematically evaluate the situation in all pharmacy faculties in Türkiye, has revealed that pharmacoeconomics education is limited. Making pharmacoeconomics courses mandatory in the curriculum of pharmacy faculties is necessary to comply with international standards and enable pharmacists to contribute more effectively to rational drug use and the sustainability of healthcare systems.

Background and aim In Indonesia, the adoption of digital game-based education in pharmacy education is still limited. This study evaluates the impact of Pharmatopia, a digital game-based learning (GBL) developed by Monash University, on third-year pharmacy undergraduate students’ understanding and perceptions of solid pharmaceutical dosage form courses at Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Andalas. By exploring its effectiveness, we aim to address the gap in GBL adoption in Indonesian pharmacy education and provide recommendations for its integration. Intervention Students accessed Pharmatopia via the university’s Moodle platform, engaging in a one-hour autonomous activity simulating direct compression tablet manufacturing. A survey using a 5-point Likert scale was used to evaluate student perceptions of Pharmatopia in learning solid pharmaceutical dosage form design. Methods The study involved 120 students, with mixed methods to measure their understanding of tablet formulation optimization and excipient functionality. A sample of 27 students were asked to complete both pre-test and post-test assessments. Results between pre-test and post-test were analyzed using paired t test. Results and Discussion A Likert-scale survey revealed positive student perceptions with an average mean score of 4.4. Most students agree that Pharmatopia improved their understanding of tablet manufacturing and excipient roles and recommend its integration into the curriculum. Pre-test and post-test results showed improvement in average scores from 46% to 96% ( p < 0.05), indicating enhanced understanding of tablet formulation processes. Pharmatopia enhances pharmacy students’ understanding of tablet formulation and fosters positive perceptions of GBL. Qualitative feedback highlighted increases in engagement and motivation. Limitation of this study are limited prior exposure to digital learning tools and the absence of a control group. Recommendations include broader implementation of GBL in pharmacy education and further studies with control groups to validate efficacy.

Background and aims: The symmetrical shape of the nasolabial folds and both nose alae, along with a natural-looking philtrum and Cupid's bow in both static and dynamic phases, as well as a buried scar, are characteristics of the perfect lip restoration. The study's goal was to evaluate the Millard rotational advancement technique and the Fisher anatomical subunit approximation technique for unilateral cleft lip repair. Methods: Prospective study for 30 patients submitted to Palestine Hospital in Sana’a City, Yemen, with unilateral cleft lip deformity between December 2022 and August 2024. The Millard rotational-advancement approach was used to correct fifteen patients with unilateral cleft lip deformity, while the Fisher anatomical subunit approximation technique was used to fix the remaining fifteen. NIH ImageJ software was used to evaluate the patients' postoperative photos using the Steffensen grading criteria. The normal side and the corrected side were compared in terms of lip length, cutaneous line symmetry, vermillion symmetry, scar appearance, Cupid's bow, nostril symmetry, and alar base. Results: A study involving 69.2% males and 38.8% females aged 5-180 months with 30 unilateral cleft lips undergoing Millard and Fisher techniques found that patients with Millard techniques showed better cutaneous line symmetry, vermillion symmetry, and lip length compared to Fisher techniques. However, only 7.7% of patients with Millard procedures showed good Cupid's bow, scar appearance, nasal symmetry, and alar base compared to Fisher techniques. The study suggests that Millard techniques may be more effective in certain cases. Conclusion: In conclusion, there was no discernible change in the anthropometric measurements between the two methods used for unilateral cleft lip repair. According to the study, there are several situations in which applying Millard approaches might be more successful. Peer Review History: Received 7 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 20 October; Available online 15 November 2025 Academic Editor: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, gehankandeel9@yahoo.com Reviewers: Dr. Sheikh Abdul Khaliq, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, drwadhsheikh1974@gmail.com Dr. Taiwo O Elufioye, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, toonitaiwo@yahoo.com

The global demographic shift towards an aging population has led to a marked increase in the incidence of refractory leukemias, posing significant challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. Older adults are disproportionately affected by leukemias that are resistant to conventional therapies, resulting in poorer prognoses and increased morbidity. This review explores the multifaceted impact of population aging on the epidemiology and management of refractory leukemias, highlighting the urgent need for tailored public health interventions. Effective surveillance systems are critical to monitoring trends in leukemia incidence, treatment resistance, and outcomes among elderly populations. Enhanced data collection and integration of molecular and clinical markers can improve early identification of high-risk individuals and inform resource allocation. Additionally, risk-based screening strategies adapted to the unique needs of older adults have the potential to facilitate earlier diagnosis and improve responsiveness to treatment, ultimately reducing the progression to refractory disease. Strategic health planning that incorporates multidisciplinary care models, public health policy initiatives, and community engagement is essential to address the complex care needs of elderly leukemia patients. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, provider training, and supportive services will improve quality of life and clinical outcomes. Collaborative efforts to integrate surveillance and screening into comprehensive health plans can help mitigate the growing public health burden of refractory leukemias in aging populations. Peer Review History: Received 9 August 2025; Reviewed 14 September 2025; Accepted 23 October; Available online 15 November 2025 Academic Editor: Dr. Nuray Arı, Ankara University, Turkiye, ari@ankara.edu.tr Reviewers: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, maafayed@gmail.com Dr. Mohammad Bayan, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, P.O. Box: 1 Philadelphia University 19392 Jordan, mbayan01@qub.ac

Hazardous Chemical Waste Management in Teaching Laboratories: A Case Study of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir in Tunisia

Incorporating Community Health Workers (CHW) into interdisciplinary teams can reduce disparities in care and promote health equity. Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education standards reference social determinants of health (SDOH). SDOH are financial, social, and environmental conditions that influence a patient’s health outcomes. Therefore, strategies to teach pharmacy students about SDOH and the importance of providing equitable care to patients should be explored. The objective of this study was to assess changes in pharmacy students’ perceived understanding and knowledge of SDOH after a CHW-led activity on an ambulatory care experiential rotation. Ambulatory care clinical pharmacy faculty developed a novel partnership with a CHW and built an interprofessional experience for pharmacy students focused on SDOH. Students completed a pre-, post-, and 1-month post-activity survey assessing their knowledge and perceived understanding of SDOH. Fifty-one students participated in the study over two academic years (2021–2023). After a CHW-led activity, there was an improvement in students’ perceived understanding of the roles of pharmacists and CHW in addressing SDOH and how SDOH impact care. The scores on knowledge assessment questions also increased post activity, although the changes were not statistically significant. Changes in perceived understanding of SDOH persisted at 1 month follow up. This pilot study showed that an interprofessional experience with a CHW improves pharmacy students’ perceived understanding of SDOH, which may better prepare students to provide equitable care to patients in future practice.

Abstract Introduction As the NHS moves towards integrated care, multi-sector training for foundation trainee pharmacists is becoming essential to building a flexible workforce that can meet evolving healthcare needs. National guidance and forthcoming legislation support this transformation, with multi-sector placements set to become a requirement for professional registration [1,2]. However, implementing such models poses challenges including funding, workforce capacity, and operational coordination. These issues must be explored to enable successful roll-out aligned with priorities such as the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan [3]. Aim To explore barriers and facilitators to implementing multi-sector foundation trainee pharmacist placements. Methodology A cross-sectional self-completion questionnaire was disseminated to pharmacists across Birmingham and Solihull (BSol) and extended nationally via SurveyMonkey®. The survey included open and closed questions assessing awareness of mandated multi-sector placements, current training provision, perceived benefits, barriers, and enablers. Responses were analysed both quantitatively and thematically. As this was a service evaluation, ethics approval was not required. Results Of 45 respondents, 25 worked in primary care, 12 in community pharmacy, and 7 in secondary care. Nine reported no familiarity with multi-sector placements, while only seven were very familiar; most (29) were somewhat familiar, reflecting a significant knowledge gap. Reported barriers included low awareness, unclear funding, limited numbers of Designated Prescribing Practitioners (DPPs), and increased operational workload. Facilitators included strong local leadership, system-level strategic direction, and collaborative cross-sector networks. Respondents highlighted the value of structured frameworks, resource provision, and shared templates to reduce administrative burden. The preferred model was a 52-week 50:50 split-week placement, balancing exposure across sectors. Discussion The mandatory multi-sector foundation year will begin in 2027/28, yet current awareness among pharmacists remains limited. Targeted communication and education are essential, with Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) expected to lead planning and coordination. Respondents called for a system-wide framework to standardise placements and promote consistency, but sustainable implementation will require national funding solutions. Collaborative leadership at ICB level, alongside workforce leads and project managers, was seen as critical. Practical tools such as shared document templates could reduce duplication and support engagement across organisations. Limitations include the small sample size; however, responses were consistent with national themes, suggesting findings are transferable. While questionnaires provided breadth, future qualitative interviews may offer richer insights. In BSol, raising awareness through the Pharmacy Faculty and NHS Futures platform [4] could support preparation and alignment with wider NHS reforms. This study highlights knowledge gaps, funding concerns, and workforce constraints as barriers to implementing multi-sector placements, while strong leadership, collaboration, and structured frameworks are key facilitators. A coordinated system-wide approach, underpinned by national support, will be essential for successful delivery of this mandatory training reform.