Pharmacy education, workforce, practice, and sciences in Lebanon: Benchmarking with the FIP Development Goals

Abstract

Background: In 2020, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) published a set of 21 global development goals (DGs) that bring together workforce/education [W], practice [P], and science [S] in a transformative framework, defining an improved and more advanced pharmacy profession for the next decade. This paper aims to benchmark the context of the Lebanese pharmacy profession with the respective elements of the FIP DGs to optimise the previously suggested strategic plan. Methods: A group of pharmacy researchers with extensive academic, professional, and post-educational experience endeavoured to map the FIP DGs with the work produced in Lebanon, describing the current situation. The documents mapped were sought from published literature and white papers developed by academia and the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon (OPL), the national pharmacists’ association. Results: This study found that efforts are necessary to bridge the gap between the current situation of the pharmacy profession in Lebanon and optimal practice. In the short term, existing projects should be immediately implemented, e.g. pharmacy curricula reforms and accreditation, post-graduate training, recognising pharmacy specialities, organising the profession, and assessing advanced competencies. In parallel, related policies and regulations should be updated. Cultural changes, involving closer ties between education and practice, are required to reform the pharmacy profession. In the medium term, a national research strategy, including early-career scientists mentoring and assessment tools validation, is necessary. Digitalising the patient profile and medication safety reporting and updating the pharmacists’ database through appropriate platforms are also essential steps toward modernising pharmacy. Conclusion: Authorities and stakeholders should combine and coordinate efforts to implement existing plans and develop necessary strategies for optimizing pharmacy education, workforce, practice, and research, which is expected to bridge the gap between the challenging current situation of the profession in Lebanon and its optimal future development, for the best of the pharmacist and the patient’s health.

A pilot assessment of the career and job satisfaction of the pharmaceutical workforce in Lebanon

“…Moreover, despite comprehensive, evidence-based strategic plans, including surveys and epidemiological research, previously developed and endorsed by the OPL, none has yet been implemented by health authorities, such as the MOPH [ 27 ]. Existing projects should be implemented in the short term; policies and regulations regarding pharmacy curricula reforms, accreditation, post-graduate training, recognition of pharmacy specialties, organizing the profession, and assessing advanced competencies should all be updated and applied [ 28 ].…”

Pharmacy education and workforce: strategic recommendations based on expert consensus in Lebanon

“…A detailed GAP analysis was later conducted for pharmacy education, workforce, practice, and sciences, through a benchmarking exercise with the FIP 2020 Development Goals that bring together workforce/education [W], practice [P], and science [S] in a transformative framework [ 22 ]. The cited document stated that in the short term, projects already developed by the OPL and suggested to the relevant authorities should be implemented immediately, e.g., pharmacy curricula reforms based on updated accreditation standards, the recognition of postgraduate training and pharmacy specialties, the organization of pharmacy education and practice, and the assessment of advanced competencies in different pharmacy areas.…”

“…Of note, complementary aspects related to research and practice have already been tackled. In the medium term, a national research strategy was recommended, including early-career scientists, mentoring, and validation of assessment tools [ 22 ]. A recently developed Pharmaceutical Research Strategy was suggested subsequently [ 23 ].…”

IPSF collaborations with FIP and other global entities impacting pharmacy education

“…The main objective was to discuss how FDGs aim to increase the integration of pharmaceutical sciences, practice, and education globally. On top of that, it aimed to highlight how pharmacy students and young pharmacists/pharmaceutical scientists can take part with FIP to affect the outcomes of the FIP Development Goals, as well as to discuss how to increase the applicability of these goals (Sacre et al, 2021). (Fitzgerald, Pinto & Kos, 2007).…”