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Hajj A, Zeenny RM, Sacre H, Akel M, Haddad C, Salameh P. Pharmacy education and workforce: strategic recommendations based on expert consensus in Lebanon. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:1. [PMID: 36593528 PMCID: PMC9807099 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacy in Lebanon has been taught for years, and the profession has known the golden ages in previous years. However, with the recent graduation of hundreds of pharmacists, without prior workforce planning, the oversupply of non-specialized pharmacists caused a mismatch with the needs of the market. The context of severe socioeconomic and sanitary crises has further exacerbated the situation, with hundreds of pharmacists leaving the country. A group of pharmacy experts joined to suggest strategic solutions to face such challenges, suggesting a clear strategy for education and the workforce, overarched by educational and professional values and based on six main pillars: (1) implement a national competency framework (including the core and specialized competency frameworks) to be used as a basis for licensure (colloquium); (2) implement a national pharmacy program accreditation, encompassing standards related to competencies adoption and assessment, curricula, teaching methods, research and innovation, instructors' and preceptors' skills, and experiential training; (3) organize training for students and early-career pharmacists; (4) optimize continuing education and implement continuous professional development, fostering innovation and specialization among working pharmacists; (5) develop and implement a pharmacy workforce strategy based on pharmacy intelligence, job market, and academic capacities; (6) develop and implement a legal framework for the above-mentioned pillars in collaboration with ministries and parliamentary commissions. Under the auspices of the relevant authorities, mainly the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the suggested strategy should be discussed and implemented for a better future for the pharmacy profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Hajj
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.42271.320000 0001 2149 479XLaboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité Des Médicament, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada ,grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Oncology Division, CHU de Québec Université Laval Research Center, Québec, Canada
| | - Rony M. Zeenny
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Pharmacy, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.444421.30000 0004 0417 6142School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.512933.f0000 0004 0451 7867Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon ,grid.444428.a0000 0004 0508 3124School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon ,grid.411324.10000 0001 2324 3572Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon ,grid.413056.50000 0004 0383 4764Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
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Akel M, Hajj A, Sacre H, Zeenny RM, Haddad C, Salameh P. Developing a national pharmaceutical research strategy in Lebanon: opportunities to bridge the gaps and reach the goals. J Pharm Policy Pract 2022; 15:83. [DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00485-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPharmaceutical research can be structured into clear national strategies that optimize patient health and foster innovation. The objectives of this document are to assess the need for a national pharmaceutical research strategy based on the current situation in Lebanon, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of pharmaceutical research in Lebanon, and to suggest a pharmaceutical research strategy for Lebanon, including goals and objectives. In Lebanon, in the absence of a national health research policy, pharmaceutical research is conducted in academia or hospitals, although projects are the result of personal or team initiatives that should be organized to better serve the needs of the country. Many strengths of pharmaceutical research were identified, such as the pharmaceutical workforce and academics who are willing to contribute to research, while the implementation of the national pharmaceutical strategy represents an important opportunity to promote research. Among the weaknesses is the lack of research culture in some institutions and interinstitutional/interprofessional collaborations. Thus, the suggested strategy aims to structure pharmaceutical research in Lebanon, including the priorities towards which research is directed, the process by which research is conducted, and the workforce conducting research. It will mainly rely on the World Health Organization's interrelated goals (organization, priorities, capacity, standards, and translation). The implementation of the suggested pharmaceutical research strategy will only be achieved through the leadership of the pharmaceutical authorities and the collaboration of stakeholders.
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Bou-Saba AW, Kassak KM, Salameh PR. The current trends and challenges towards good community pharmacy practice and the way forward. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2022; 6:100152. [PMID: 35782690 PMCID: PMC9241085 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2022.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The practice of pharmacy continues to evolve. Comprehensive research to monitor and assess the development of the practice is needed. Good Pharmacy Practices (GPP) have been adopted by many countries to enhance the quality of services. Little information is available concerning how pharmacy practices are being implemented in developing countries. Lebanon being a developing country is a good example where community pharmacy practice doesn't follow clear guidelines and no evidence of good clinical practice. Objectives This study aims to highlight GPP implementation, to identify obstacles impeding implementation, and to suggest how its application could be facilitated in Lebanon. Methods The review included studies published in English during the last five years covering aspects of pharmacy practice in relation to GPP standards. The search excluded research related to hospital pharmacy practice and primary health care centers since they have their own quality standards. Results The research identified 20 recent studies that covered aspects of community pharmacy practice in Lebanon in relation to GPP standards. Eight of the studies related to research and professional development,5 related to the provision of medicines,4 related to interaction and communication,1 related to trainees,1 related to pharmacotherapy monitoring, and 1 related to documentation systems. An additional 6 studies provided insight into factors that affect the pharmacy practice in general. It is apparent that the pharmacy practice would benefit if pharmacists were better supported with financial incentives and a readjustment of their working conditions as this would have a positive impact on their productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. The review indicated that the standard of research and professional development was the most studied topic and it was recommended that pharmacists develop their research capabilities. It was observed that there is a tendency towards implementing Continuous Education for pharmacists and obstacles primarily included work and family commitments, lack of interest, lack of time, difficulties in commuting, and lack of competence in the use of technology. This standard is aligned with the FIP's developmental goal of continuing professional development strategies. The search also identified only one pilot study to assess GGP compliance among community pharmacies in Lebanon. This pilot study was limited and showed low adherence of community pharmacies in Lebanon to GPP standards.Barriers to implementation are lack of enforcing laws,inadequate dissemination of the standards among the community pharmacists, poor public perception, and the financial and soscioeconomically crisis facing Lebanon. Conclusion Collaborated efforts are needed to implement GPP standards in Lebanon.It is recommended to undergo training and awareness sessions to community pharmacists thus enhancing their commitment and motivation. It is also recommended to establish key performance indicators to monitor the implementation. İndicators should include structure indicators for regulating the storage of medications, process indicators for regulating the dispensing, and outcome indicators for reporting patient safety incidents, measuring public satisfaction and the provision and use of medicines.These recommendations can be used by Health authorities and Pharmacy educational institutions in Lebanon and in all similar low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alein W. Bou-Saba
- Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Corresponding author at: Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon.
| | - Kassem M. Kassak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale R. Salameh
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie - Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
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