Open AccessAn assessment of oncology pharmacy educational needs among community pharmacists in Zimbabwe
Author(s) -
Maudy Chido Manyau,
Wilfred Gurupira,
Dexter Tagwireyi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pharmacy education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.198
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1477-2701
pISSN - 1560-2214
DOI - 10.46542/pe.2021.211.546554
Subject(s) - pharmacy , medicine , family medicine , bachelor , specialty , pharmacy practice , oncology , clinical pharmacy , community pharmacy , nursing , bachelor degree , medical education , archaeology , history
Background: Oncology pharmacy is a specialty that is central to provision and use of anti-cancer medications. In Zimbabwe, pharmacists rely on a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree (B.Pharm.) and in-house training in the provision of oncology services. This study sought to assess knowledge, perceptions, current practices and prior education in oncology pharmacy among community pharmacists.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Harare.Results: A response rate of 93.0% was achieved. The mean knowledge score was 4.0%. Up to 96.8% of pharmacists thought that prior training in oncology was inadequate. Only ten pharmacists in the sample actually dispensed chemotherapy regularly. Of these, none comprehensive measures for the safe handling of hazardous drugs.Conclusion: A B.Pharm. degree does not provide pharmacists with adequate scientific knowledge and competencies required for the provision of oncology pharmacy services. Structured educational programmes for pharmacists in oncology should be implemented.