[How do Pharmacy Students and Pharmacists Perceive Their Graduation Research?]

Abstract

As the role of pharmacists expands from product-focused to patient-focused care, the development of pharmacist scientists with a balanced clinical and research mindset is expected in Pharmaceutical education. The 2022 revision of the Model Core Curriculum for Pharmacy Education emphasizes scientific inquiry as a fundamental competency for pharmacists. Although graduation research is crucial in promoting this exploration, the current approach to the 6-year pharmacy education program that began in 2006 needs to be re-evaluated. We surveyed undergraduate pharmacy students and practicing pharmacists to investigate their perspectives on graduation research. Those who value the cognitive and methodological skills gained through research have a positive view, whereas those who judge it based on its direct applicability to practice are more critical. The 2022 revision of the Model Core Curriculum for Pharmacy Education aims to develop the ability to identify and solve unknown problems through scientific thinking and appropriate research activities from a pharmaceutical perspective. Graduation research is the only opportunity in undergraduate education for students to experience the full research process-formulating clinical questions into research questions, planning studies, collecting and analyzing data, examining results, and presenting findings-thereby cultivating logical thinking skills and an understanding of research ethics. Universities are responsible for training pharmacists in the research capabilities needed to contribute to future healthcare. Hence, this issue requires collective consideration with clinical pharmacists. It is expected that all stakeholders will share a common understanding that the goal of graduation research is to cultivate a research mindset that pharmacists should naturally possess.