An international review of the use of competency standards in undergraduate pharmacy education

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Pharmacists are self-regulating health professionals. There is currently international attention on pharmacyeducation, competency standards, advanced level frameworks and integrated pharmacy programmes.</p><p><strong>Aims:</strong> To review the programme-wide use of competency standards within undergraduate pharmacy curriculainternationally.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A systematic review of the literature was undertaken between 2000-2013. An iterative process using constantcomparative analysis was utilised to theme the final 19 papers. These papers were then characterised based on theirprogramme level use of competency standards.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Of 948 articles identified, 19 were included. Competency standards were used multiple ways in pharmacyprogrammes including curriculum design, mapping and were reflected in assessment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Across the globe the professions competency standards (CS) have been utilised to design, develop andreview pharmacy curricular. Use of CS to inform outcome-based education (OBE) in pharmacy programmes provides aquality assurance mechanism and may enhance the accountability and flexibility of the profession for its public.</p>