Recommendations for implementing work-integrated learning in South African schools of pharmacy

Abstract

Aim: Pharmacy schools in South Africa need to prove compliance with work-integrated learning (WIL) as articulated in the Good Pharmacy Education Standards (GPES). This study aims to determine the current status of WIL in South African schools of pharmacy. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with heads of pharmacy schools regarding the challenges experienced with the implementation of WIL. Results: Four of the possible nine heads of South African schools of pharmacy participated in the study. Categories and subcategories were identified under the theme ‘challenges of WIL’. Conclusion: Findings showed that pharmacy schools in South Africa comply partially with WIL requirements. Possible reasons for partial compliance are challenges experienced relating to resources, campus-based infrastructure and service providers. Based on this study’s findings, the authors present several recommendations for the implementation of WIL in South African pharmacy schools.