Developing and validating development goals towards transforming a global framework for pharmacy practice.

Abstract

Introduction: In light of the expanding role of pharmacy in addressing global health challenges of Universal Health Coverage, advancing pharmacy practice to provide more effective pharmaceutical services has become imperative. This study aims to develop and validate a global goals-oriented pharmaceutical development framework to support and guide a systematic practice transformation that can widen access to better health for all.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used to conduct a series of exploration, development, and consensus phases. The exploratory stage included desk research focused on innovative pharmaceutical provision globally. Focus groups with 14 international pharmacists were held, selected via convenience sampling, to obtain primary data on perceptions of the proposed global FIP "Development Goals" framework. The consultation stage was followed by a modified nominal group technique (mNGT) with 61 global pharmacy leaders from 35 countries across six WHO regions, selected through purposive sampling, to further develop the content of the framework's first iteration. Lastly, an online two-round modified Delphi approach with 28 global pharmacy leaders, also selected via purposive sampling, was used to ensure the credibility and content validity of the outputs, generating consensus on the final framework matrix.

Results: The exploratory stage produced a draft set of 13 unvalidated FIP Practice Development Goals (DGs) Framework (v0). Initial analysis of the mNGT showed complex intersections between the proposed set of goals, necessitating further modifications by embedding the previously published global Pharmaceutical Workforce Development Goals framework. This resulted in an amended FIP DGs Framework (v1) with 21 DGs. The evidence-led adjustment and distinctive format of the global consensus stage helped generate the validated, systematic FIP DGs Framework (final version), comprising 21 discrete global development goals ready for policy deployment.

Conclusion: A systematic goals-oriented development framework was developed to respond to pharmaceutical development needs and support a needs-based roadmap for a sustainable pharmacy practice transformation globally, regionally and nationally.