Advancement of Pharmacy Accreditation in the Field of Chinese Higher Education

Abstract

Background: The last two decades have witnessed the advancement of accreditation of Chinese higher education, with pharmacy programs being one of the most important. The purpose of this research was to review and elucidate the evolution of the pharmacy accreditation system in China. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane databases and Google Scholar and CKNI databases, the website of the Working Committee for the Accreditation of Medical Education, and related university websites. Search terms used with each database were “accreditation” AND “pharmacy” AND “China”. The search strategy was designed to identify studies that report pharmacy program accreditation in China. Results: The primary outcomes indicate that the timeline of current Chinese pharmacy accreditation can be divided into four distinct chronological periods. Conclusion: After two decades of evolution, the qualification of the pharmaceutical program in China has significantly advanced its committees, criteria, methods, and systems, though with areas for refinement. As China embarks upon the process of pharmacy accreditation, it is simultaneously drawing upon lessons from the developed world, as well as infusing the process with its own distinct cultural identity. To effectively tackle current issues in the field of pharmacy accreditation, a commitment to continual quality advancement is required.