Chemistry Content in the Pharmacy Curriculum: Relevance to Develop Pharmacists Fit-to-work in Diverse Pharmacy Profession Sectors

Abstract

Background: The high employability of pharmacy graduates across varioussectors such as in the community pharmacies and hospital settings, thepharmaceutical industries and academia has lent credence to theversatility of their professional training. Therefore, the aim of thisstudy was to gauge the perception of International Medical University(IMU) pharmacy graduates on the applicability and relevance of thechemistry knowledge and practical skills acquired from theirprofessional education in their working place. Methods: The survey wasdesigned based on the pharmacy curriculum of IMU. Qualitative andquantitative responses were collected and analysed by three independentinvestigators who were not the respondents, and not lecturing in anypart of the Chemistry curriculum. The study was completed when thequalitative feedback from respondents reached saturation. Results:Almost equal numbers of pharmacists from the different pharmacydisciplines: (1) industrial and regulatory, (2) hospital and clinical,(3) community and (4) academia, participated in this study. Most of thechemistry topics were rated as essential by the graduates. Some topicswere rated very relevant (more than 80%) whereas only up to 30% of thegraduates agreed on the essentiality of some topics to their profession.Conclusion: The study concluded that most of the current chemistrycontent is still essential in nurturing competent pharmacists for theirrespective disciplines. The outcomes of this study will be used asevidence to support the need for conducting a curriculum review, tobetter prepare graduates for their future employment.