Article Gold Open Access 2021

Postgraduate pharmacist development-an evaluation of Jordanian pharmacist experiences to inform and shape an evidencebased professional development policy

PLOS ONE
Journal · Vol. 16 · Issue 7 July · Art. e0255026
Abstract

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. © 2021 Odeh et al.

Keywords

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Index Keywords

Skill adult female human male psychology questionnaire Humans Surveys and Questionnaires Article communication skill workplace young adult reliability controlled study leadership health care system postgraduate education professional development Study design middle aged professional standard Jordan pharmacist evidence based practice validation study counseling education program aged probability health promotion Professional Role continuing education medical service Education, Continuing sampling incentive policy Pharmacists community pharmacist drug information drug research job experience Jordanian online analysis personal development skill pharmacist attitude toxicology
Author Affiliations
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
School of Pharmacy, Middle East University Jordan, Amman, Amman, Jordan
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
Royal Medical Services, Amman, Amman, Jordan
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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