Pursuing additional pharmacy education among practicing pharmacists in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Authors

  • Diane N Ignacio The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus
  • Rian Marie Extavour The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus
  • Pamela Townsend The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus
  • Roy Dobson University of Saskatchewan

Keywords:

Pharmacists, Additional Pharmacy-Education, Benefits, Barriers

Abstract

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. 

Author Biographies

Diane N Ignacio, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus

School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences

Rian Marie Extavour, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus

School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences

Pamela Townsend, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus

School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences

Roy Dobson, University of Saskatchewan

College of Pharmacy and Nutrition

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Published

23-07-2013

How to Cite

Ignacio, D. N., Extavour, R. M., Townsend, P., & Dobson, R. (2013). Pursuing additional pharmacy education among practicing pharmacists in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Pharmacy Education, 13. Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/244

Issue

Vol. 13 (2013)

Section

Research Article

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