Pursuing additional pharmacy education among practicing pharmacists in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Keywords:
Pharmacists, Additional Pharmacy-Education, Benefits, BarriersAbstract
Background: When pharmacists across The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago were asked whether they were interested in additional pharmacy education, a large proportion responded positively.
Aims: To identify the perceptions of registered pharmacists regarding the potential benefits of pursuing additional pharmacy education and factors that may affect decisions to do so.
Method: A cross-sectional survey using a paper questionnaire, along with an invitation letter and a pre-stamped return envelope, were mailed to all registered pharmacists in November 2010. This was followed two weeks later by a reminder letter.
Results: Two-thirds of pharmacists who held BSc pharmacy degrees indicated interest in obtaining an additional degree. Perceived benefits of pursuing additional pharmacy education that were rated the highest were: (1) not wanting to remain with current knowledge, (2) improving clinical and research skills and (3) providing better patient care.
Conclusions: A large proportion of registered pharmacists in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, particularly those with a BSc pharmacy degree were interested in additional university-level education.
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