Communication skills in Brazilian pharmaceutical education: a documentary analysis

The academic formation challenges: what does retail expect from higher education institutions in pharmacy?

BACKGROUND

The drug retail represents the main area of activity for pharmacists worldwide. In Brazil, this sector is responsible for employing around 80% of professionals. Before this reality, the academic training of pharmacists requires specialized skills and knowledge so they can fulfill their tasks. In this sector, considering the influence of managers and mentors on the model of pharmaceutical practice, their perceptions about the demands of the market can help discussions related to the training of pharmacists.

AIM

To analyze the academic training of pharmacists for the drug retail market from the perspective of managers and mentors.

METHOD

This is a qualitative study conducted with managers and mentors of the drug retail market. A semi-structured interview guide was prepared and applied to the intentionally selected participants. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under the number 4,169,752. The interviews were conducted through videoconference by an experienced researcher. The data obtained were analyzed using Bardin's analysis technique, following the steps of categorical thematic content analysis using the ATLAS.ti software.

RESULTS

19 interviews were carried out. Among the reports, the interviewees highlighted the importance of retail in the employability of pharmacists, as well as inconsistency in the academic training for this sector, originating the following categories: curriculum reform to include the market demands, follow-up and career plan, training for entrepreneurship and sales, practical application of knowledge, and encouragement of experience.

CONCLUSION

Pharmaceutical academic training is linked to several challenges, whether organizational, structural, or budgetary. To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to unite the interested parties in the formulation and implementation of a strategy for the professionalization of pharmacists, considering their social role in patient care, aligned with the company's sustainability, so that both coexist.

Communication Apprehension Among Health Professions Students in Brazil

Objective. To determine the levels of communication apprehension experienced by health professions students in Brazil.Method. A cross-sectional study of dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, and nursing students at a Brazilian university was conducted from December 2019 to May 2020. The students were invited to complete the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24) and provide demographic data. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted.Results. A total of 644 health students answered the survey, and 25.5% were classified as having high communication apprehension. Male participants had significantly lower PRCA-24 scores than female participants. No significant differences were found between PRCA-24 scores by age category or academic year. Medical students had significantly lower mean PRCA-24 scores than pharmacy students.Conclusion. The prevalence of communication apprehension was high among health professions students. Women and pharmacy students had the highest communication apprehension scores. Health educators should consider the effects of communication apprehension on students and use adequate interventions during communication skills training to alleviate this apprehension.