Collaborating to develop Clinical Pharmacy Teaching in Sri Lanka

Authors

  • Ian D Coombes Department of Pharmacy, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane & School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane
  • Gita Fernando University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo
  • D B Mahinda Wickramaratne Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya,
  • Nimali B Peters School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane & Department of Pharmacy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
  • Cathy Lynch School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane & Department of Pharmacy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
  • Elaine Lum School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane & Medication Services Queensland, Queensland Health, Brisbane
  • Judith A Coombes School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane & Department of Pharmacy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane

Keywords:

Australia, Education, Pharmacy, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Bachelor of Pharmacy programs were introduced in 2006 into two Sri Lankan universities - University of Peradeniya and University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Due to minimal clinical pharmacy experience in the country, these universities invited international colleagues to develop and teach the clinical pharmacy course.

Aims: To describe development, delivery and evaluation of both a clinical pharmacy undergraduate course and a "Train-the- trainer” program provided to local academics delivering undergraduate pharmacy programs.

Method: In 2009, Australian pharmacist academics developed and piloted an undergraduate clinical pharmacy course at University of Peradeniya. In 2010, this was refined and delivered at University of Sri Jayewardenepura, along with a “train-the- trainer” program for local academics. These were evaluated using surveys.

Results: Most students considered lecture delivery speed and use of audio visual aids appropriate, and lecture content relevant. Most academics found the “Train-the-Trainer” program increased their knowledge and improved their teaching skills.

Conclusion: Experienced pharmacist academics can improve the quality of clinical pharmacy teaching in developing countries such as Sri Lanka. 

Author Biography

Gita Fernando, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo

Professor of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology

References

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Published

17-09-2013

How to Cite

Coombes, I. D., Fernando, G., Wickramaratne, D. B. M., Peters, N. B., Lynch, C., Lum, E., & Coombes, J. A. (2013). Collaborating to develop Clinical Pharmacy Teaching in Sri Lanka. Pharmacy Education, 13. Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/217

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Section

Research Article