Identification of Key Business and Management Skills Needed for Pharmacy Graduates

Abstract

Objective. To identify key business, management, and human resources skills needed by pharmacy graduates. Methods. Pharmacy preceptors were recruited for inclusion in one of four focus groups. At each focus group, participants were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire and to identify key skills that new graduates need but do not have. Each focus group was audio-recorded, transcribed, de-identified, and categorized using a data dictionary. Results. Twenty-seven preceptors participated in the focus groups. Fourteen participants had a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Participants were involved in management positions for a median of 10.5 years (range 5-21 years) and 50% (median) of their time was devoted to management responsibilities (range 20%-80%). Seven themes were identified as being most critical: communication, business skills, decision-making and time management, conflict resolution, leadership and professionalism, personnel management, and computer software techniques. Conclusion. Communication was the most prominent skill identified, followed by decision-making and business knowledge. These skills should be addressed in pharmacy curricula. Future research should focus on how to best teach these skills.

Investigation of the Effect of Financial Literacy on Management Skills: Adiyaman Health Sector Example

“…Accordingly, it can be stated that it would be beneficial for managers at various management levels in the health sector to participate in finance-related trainings. However, this result was found in other studies in the literature (Aktar, 2021;Paarima et al, 2021;Hamid & Loke, 2021;Ceylan, 2020;Ofei et al, 2020;Rangchian et al, 2020;Yücedağ Erdinç & Kahyaoğlu Yaman, 2020;Naranjee et al, 2019;Augustine et al, 2018;Mospan et al, 2017;Toygar & Akbulut, 2013;Supic et al, 2010).…”

“…Studies in the literature on the subject Paarima et al, 2021;Ceylan, 2020;Ofei et al, 2020;Rangchian et al, 2020;Yücedağ Erdinç & Kahyaoğlu Yaman, 2020;Naranjee et al, 2019;Augustine et al, 2018;Mospan et al, 2017;Toygar & Akbulut, 2013;Supic et al, 2010), the following information was obtained about financial literacy and management skills:…”

Exploring Hidden Messages About Pharmacist Roles in Student-Designed Orientation T-Shirts

“…While some suggest industry influences could be problematic by biasing pharmacist decision-making and career choice, others emphasize improving student business acumen and describe sponsorship positively. [29][30][31][32] Our results also indicated mixed thoughts and feelings about the possible negative influences of the retail business logo. With sponsorship came an expectation of acknowledgment on the t-shirt, but a few participants suggested a smaller image would be less obvious.…”

Does Team Based Learning (TBL) in the Pharmacy Classroom Foster Leadership Skills in the Workplace?

“…In a healthcare environment, regardless of practice setting, it is paramount that a pharmacist be able to communicate with all individuals around them to ensure patient safety and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. 19 Student pharmacists, from P1s to P4s, spoke to the importance of communication in healthcare. Student pharmacists related their perception of TBL developing their communication skills.…”