Pharmacoeconomic Education in US Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy: An Update

Abstract

Results. Of the 90 colleges and schools of pharmacy that completed the survey, 7 colleges and schools did not currently have someone teaching pharmacoeconomics (eg, new school or looking for instructor). For the 83 colleges and schools that had an instructor who taught pharmacoeconomics, 69 covered pharmacoeconomic-related topics in a required course only; 5, in an elective course only; and 9, in both a required and elective course. The number of hours of pharmacoeconomic-related topics presented in required courses ranged from 1 to 48 hours (mean 5 21 6 14; median 5 19). Conclusions. Pharmacoeconomics education courses are offered at the majority of US colleges and schools of pharmacy. There was a wide range of hours devoted to pharmacoeconomic-related topics and the topics covered in these colleges and schools varied. Although the majority of US colleges and schools of pharmacy offer pharmacoeconomics courses, official guidelines are needed for the specific aspects and topics that should be covered in the classroom.

Pharmacoeconomics Education in US Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy

“…9 In 2007, 83 (92%) of 90 schools were offering pharmacoeconomics education, with a median of 19 hours spent on pharmacoeconomic-related topics. 6 The present study analyzed pharmacoeconomics education in US colleges and schools of pharmacy, with a greater focus on the topics covered and experiential education opportunities offered in pharmacoeconomics.…”

“…This includes assessing the cost-effectiveness of treatment options. Specific guidance on the PharmD curriculum (Appendix B of the AFPE Guidelines) includes the following topics for economics/ pharmacoeconomics (unchanged from 2007) 7 : economic principles in relation to pharmacoeconomic analysis; concepts of pharmacoeconomics in relation to patient care; and applications of economic theories and health-related Previous studies have investigated the extent of pharmacoeconomics education in US colleges and schools of pharmacy in 1997 9 and 2007, 6 the same year that the new ACPE standards and guidelines became effective. As of 1997, of the 79 US colleges and schools of pharmacy, 63 (82%) were offering at least some pharmacoeconomics education, with a median of 16 classroom hours on the topic.…”

“…5 Pharmacoeconomic analysis allows pharmacists to make critical decisions about formulary determination, disease management, and assessment of therapeutic and biotechnology drugs. 6 Hence, awareness of pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research is critical for pharmacists. This raises questions about the extent of pharmacoeconomics education for PharmD students and its standardization.…”

Eczacılık fakültelerinde farmakoekonomi eğitimi ve öğrencilerin farmakoekonomi ile ilgili bilgi düzeyleri

“…Yapılan bir diğer çalışmada da Amerika dışındaki dünya ülke-lerinde farmakoekonomi eğitiminin eczacılık lisans eğitiminde müfredatta ortalama 48,5 saat, lisans sonrası eğitimde ise ortalama 22,6 saat yer aldığı vurgulanmıştır (12). Amerika'daki eczacılık fakültelerinde yapılan bir çalışmada da farmakoekonomi eğitiminin zorunlu olarak müfredatta ortalama 21 saat, seçmeli olarak ise ortalama 31 saat yer aldığı belirtilmiştir (14). Türkiye'ye baktığımızda, diğer ülkelerle kıyaslandığında eczacılık fakültelerinde verilen farmakoekonomi eğitiminin müfredatta yeterli yoğunlukta yer almadığı söylenebilir.…”

The Status of PhD Education in Economic, Social, and Administrative Sciences Between 2005 and 2008

“…1 In addition, the number of faculty members with expertise in economic, social, and administrative sciencesrelated topics has increased as the number of pharmacy schools and colleges offering education to PharmD students in pharmacoepidemiology 2 and pharmacoeconomics has increased. 3 Similarly, pharmaceutical companies, managed care companies, governmental agencies, and others have experienced an increase in the need for employees with expertise in pharmaceutical economic, social, and administrative sciences research, indicating a greater need for qualified applicants to PhD programs in these areas. 4,5 An annual survey conducted by AACP to assess vacancies in US colleges and schools of pharmacy suggests significant concerns over retention and recruitment into pharmacy faculty positions.…”