An Effective Training Program for Registered Sales Clerks Who Sell Over-the-Counter Drugs in Japan: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Purpose: The Japanese healthcare system has designated registered sales clerks to sell over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.Because of this, the AEON HAPYCOM Comprehensive Training Organization implemented an education programto train registered clerks in 2014. The program is unique; it consists of both lectures and hands-on workshopcomponents. We conducted this study as part of a self-evaluation designed to improve the program.Methods: Program participants were asked to respond to an evaluation form upon completion. The form wasdesigned to ascertain student perceptions of the program’s components (e.g., themes, lecturers, materials, and thehands-on workshop) as well as its applicability to their practice of selling OTC drugs.Results: We obtained a total of 6,776 responses from 3,388 participants. On average, each of the program’scomponents were rated highly, with the hands-on workshop being rated the highest. There was a weak relationshipbetween the scores for program preparation and its applicability to OTC sales practices.Conclusion: The program (especially the hands-on workshop component) was highly evaluated by participants.However, we determined that enhancements could be made to the hands-on workshop and other mechanisms toencourage participants to prepare before attending the program.