Investigating the management training needs of responsible pharmacists under 35 years in South Africa

Abstract

Background: In South Africa, current legislation allows for the appointment of a young pharmacist post-internship to the position of a responsible pharmacist (RP) without taking into consideration the competency level, as established by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). The competency standards differentiate between the level of practice expected for entry (less than 3 years), intermediate (between 3 and 7 years) and advanced (more than 7 years) pharmacists. Several managerial and organisational competencies are listed in the competency standards. RPs are accountable to the SAPC for all activities performed in the pharmacy and by the pharmacy personnel, increasing the accountability and responsibility of such positions significantly. Aim: The objective of this survey was to investigate the management training needs of responsible pharmacists under 35 years in South Africa. Methods: A quantitative approach, utilising a cross-sectional design within the positivist paradigm was followed. Ethical clearance was obtained prior to the distribution of a self-developed questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered demographic data as well as the participant’s current level of competency and management training needs. This questionnaire was disseminated to all RPs in South Africa who were under the age of 35 (N=956) and delivered a response rate of 18% (n=188), of which only 123 questionnaires were suitable for further analysis. Core findings: Two core findings were derived from this study. Firstly, young pharmacists appointed as RPs rated their current level of competency lower than what is needed to effectively function as an RP or what compares with their years of experience. Female RPs, who, despite possessing more than three years of experience as pharmacists, predominantly rated their competency as entry-level. Male respondents rated their competency levels between intermediate and advanced competency levels. Secondly, young pharmacists indicated a variety of management needs across human, financial, pharmaceutical infrastructure, change and policy development management. The data indicated that young pharmacists are often appointed to RP positions without being on the adequate competency level to successfully execute the duties expected of them. This study recommends that a training course be developed for RPs to ensure they are suitable prepared for the role.