The Implementation of Pharmacy Competence Teaching in Estonia
Background: The PHAR-QA, “Quality Assurance in European Pharmacy Education and Training”, project has produced the European Pharmacy Competence Framework (EPCF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the existing pharmacy programme at the University of Tartu, using the EPCF. Methods: A qualitative a...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2017-03-01
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| Series: | Pharmacy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/5/2/18 |
| _version_ | 1811185941459501056 |
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| author | Daisy Volmer Kristiina Sepp Peep Veski Ain Raal |
| author_facet | Daisy Volmer Kristiina Sepp Peep Veski Ain Raal |
| author_sort | Daisy Volmer |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: The PHAR-QA, “Quality Assurance in European Pharmacy Education and Training”, project has produced the European Pharmacy Competence Framework (EPCF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the existing pharmacy programme at the University of Tartu, using the EPCF. Methods: A qualitative assessment of the pharmacy programme by a convenience sample (n = 14) representing different pharmacy stakeholders in Estonia. EPCF competency levels were determined by using a five-point scale tool adopted from the Dutch competency standards framework. Mean scores of competency levels given by academia and other pharmacy stakeholders were compared. Results: Medical and social sciences, pharmaceutical technology, and pharmacy internship were more frequent subject areas contributing to EPCF competencies. In almost all domains, the competency level was seen higher by academia than by other pharmacy stakeholders. Despite on-board theoretical knowledge, the competency level at graduation could be insufficient for independent professional practice. Other pharmacy stakeholders would improve practical implementation of theoretical knowledge, especially to increase patient care competencies. Conclusions: The EPCF was utilized to evaluate professional competencies of entry-level pharmacists who have completed a traditional pharmacy curriculum. More efficient training methods and involvement of practicing specialists were suggested to reduce the gaps of the existing pharmacy programme. Applicability of competence teaching in Estonia requires more research and collaborative communication within the pharmacy sector. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T13:39:06Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-b488d6a4332e483d93333238daf4c444 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2226-4787 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T13:39:06Z |
| publishDate | 2017-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Pharmacy |
| spelling | doaj.art-b488d6a4332e483d93333238daf4c4442022-12-22T04:21:23ZengMDPI AGPharmacy2226-47872017-03-01521810.3390/pharmacy5020018pharmacy5020018The Implementation of Pharmacy Competence Teaching in EstoniaDaisy Volmer0Kristiina Sepp1Peep Veski2Ain Raal3Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, EstoniaEstonian Pharmacies Association; Vae 16, Laagri, 76401 Harju County, EstoniaInstitute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, EstoniaInstitute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, EstoniaBackground: The PHAR-QA, “Quality Assurance in European Pharmacy Education and Training”, project has produced the European Pharmacy Competence Framework (EPCF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the existing pharmacy programme at the University of Tartu, using the EPCF. Methods: A qualitative assessment of the pharmacy programme by a convenience sample (n = 14) representing different pharmacy stakeholders in Estonia. EPCF competency levels were determined by using a five-point scale tool adopted from the Dutch competency standards framework. Mean scores of competency levels given by academia and other pharmacy stakeholders were compared. Results: Medical and social sciences, pharmaceutical technology, and pharmacy internship were more frequent subject areas contributing to EPCF competencies. In almost all domains, the competency level was seen higher by academia than by other pharmacy stakeholders. Despite on-board theoretical knowledge, the competency level at graduation could be insufficient for independent professional practice. Other pharmacy stakeholders would improve practical implementation of theoretical knowledge, especially to increase patient care competencies. Conclusions: The EPCF was utilized to evaluate professional competencies of entry-level pharmacists who have completed a traditional pharmacy curriculum. More efficient training methods and involvement of practicing specialists were suggested to reduce the gaps of the existing pharmacy programme. Applicability of competence teaching in Estonia requires more research and collaborative communication within the pharmacy sector.http://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/5/2/18competencecompetencypharmacy educationEstonia |
| spellingShingle | Daisy Volmer Kristiina Sepp Peep Veski Ain Raal The Implementation of Pharmacy Competence Teaching in Estonia Pharmacy competence competency pharmacy education Estonia |
| title | The Implementation of Pharmacy Competence Teaching in Estonia |
| title_full | The Implementation of Pharmacy Competence Teaching in Estonia |
| title_fullStr | The Implementation of Pharmacy Competence Teaching in Estonia |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Implementation of Pharmacy Competence Teaching in Estonia |
| title_short | The Implementation of Pharmacy Competence Teaching in Estonia |
| title_sort | implementation of pharmacy competence teaching in estonia |
| topic | competence competency pharmacy education Estonia |
| url | http://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/5/2/18 |
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