Knowledge, attitudes and practice of final-year student pharmacists in public health in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe: an exploratory survey

Abstract

Final-year student pharmacists in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe express strong interest in public health education and involvement in public health activities. This interest and enthusiasm can serve as evidence for advancing public health education in the pharmacy curricula and for developing pharmacist opportunities in public health efforts that match the needs of the country.

Public health competencies for pharmacists: A scoping review

“…Competencies in upholding professionalism were described (Pfleger et al, 2008;Walsh et al, 2012;Bzowyckyj & Janke, 2013;Bryson et al, 2014;; J. R. Covvey & Ryan, 2018;Law et al, 2019). The display of professional and ethical behaviour, leadership, respect and understanding for others were described as important foundational attributes for pharmacists in public health roles (Walsh et al, 2012;Bzowyckyj & Janke, 2013;Bryson et al, 2014;Benzian et al, 2015;; J. R. Covvey & Ryan, 2018;Johnson & Traynor, 2018;).…”

“…It was identified that pharmacists are responsible for contributing to the community and its health and wellbeing (Jarvis et al, 2004;Pfleger et al, 2008;DiVall et al, 2013;Bryson et al, 2014;Jogerst et al, 2015;Interprofessional Education Collaborative, 2016;Scott et al, 2016;J. R. Covvey & Ryan, 2018;Johnson & Traynor, 2018;Law et al, 2019). The identification of factors that have impact on people's health and pharmacists contribution to community health assessments were described as important to inform appropriate pharmacy interventions (Boyle et al, 2004;Scott et al, 2016;Holden & Evans, 2019;Law et al, 2019).…”

“…R. Covvey & Ryan, 2018;Johnson & Traynor, 2018;Law et al, 2019). The identification of factors that have impact on people's health and pharmacists contribution to community health assessments were described as important to inform appropriate pharmacy interventions (Boyle et al, 2004;Scott et al, 2016;Holden & Evans, 2019;Law et al, 2019).…”

“…Knowledge and awareness of policy and policy processes was described as required by pharmacists (Boyle et al, 2004;Bryson et al, 2014;Saini et al, 2011;Benzian et al, 2015;Scott et al, 2016;Law et al, 2019;Little et al, 2019). Examples included having an understanding of national and state policies (Saini et al, 2011;Little et al, 2019) and using this knowledge to confidently participate in policy processes and advocacy on national and state issues affecting health (Benzian et al, 2015;Scott et al, 2016;Little et al, 2019), as well as professional activities such as emergency response (Crane et al, 2010).…”

“…Competencies identified in the communication and collaboration domain emerged in 32 papers (English et al, 2002;Jarvis et al, 2004;Patterson, 2008;Pfleger et al, 2008;Maffeo et al, 2009;Crane et al, 2010;Nichols-Packard et al, 2010;McCaig et al, 2011;Saini et al, 2011;Haddad et al, 2012;Bzowyckyj & Janke, 2013;Coleman et al, 2013;DiPietro et al, 2013;Um et al, 2013;Dean et al, 2014;NHS Health Check national competency and training working group, 2014;Fritsch et al, 2016;International Pharmaceutical Federation, 2016;Interprofessional Education Collaborative, 2016;Scott et al, 2016;Woodard et al, 2016;Dare et al, 2017;Kim et al, 2017;Johnson & Traynor, 2018;Earl et al, 2019;Holden & Evans, 2019;Law et al, 2019;Lee, 2019;Pontefract & Wilson, 2019;Healthy People Curriculum Task Force, 2020) with a broad range of required communication skills described. Communication skills were identified as being required for working in a culturally appropriate manner with individuals, patient/consumer groups and interprofessionally.…”