Problem of Practice in Pharmacy

Overview of the Issue

Pharmacy education currently faces several significant challenges. There is a growing clinical readiness gap, as students must be equipped to navigate complex and constantly evolving healthcare environments and technologies. Traditional lecture-based teaching methods are becoming outdated and less effective, with active and experiential learning approaches proving more beneficial for student engagement and understanding. Additionally, changing student preferences favour task-based, technology-enhanced educational experiences that better align with modern healthcare practice. However, inconsistent practice opportunities, including variability in clinical placements and limited access to specialized labs, hinder the ability to provide all students with consistent and comprehensive hands-on training. (Coyne et al., 2019).

Split image comparing traditional and modern classrooms. Left side shows students in rows with notebooks and a teacher at a chalkboard. Right side shows students using tablets and digital screens in a futuristic classroom with a high-tech cityscape in the background.

Who is Impacted?

This issue affects pharmacy students, educators, academic institutions, and patients who rely on well-prepared pharmacists. Clinical preceptors and healthcare organizations are also impacted due to their role in providing experiential learning opportunities.

History and Causes

Historically, pharmacy education relied heavily on passive, lecture-driven instruction with minimal use of simulation or hands-on practice. However, the growing complexity of patient care and the demand for pharmacists with strong problem-solving and empathetic communication skills have highlighted the need for more immersive, patient-centred, and practice-oriented learning strategies. Resource limitations and inconsistent clinical site experiences further complicate high-quality, real-world training efforts. (Coyne et al., 2019).

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