Perspectives on Leadership Development and Learning Needs of Pharmacy Leaders in Canadian Health Care Systems: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Background: Strong leaders are essential for driving progress in pharmacy practice, yet some professionals believe that pharmacy leadership in Canada is facing a crisis. While leadership training is important for developing the next generation of leaders, there is limited understanding of the skills most valued by current health care-systems pharmacy leaders, as well as uncertainty about the effectiveness of existing training pathways.

Objectives: To identify the leadership skills most valued by Canadian health care-systems pharmacy leaders and to explore perceptions of existing leadership training.

Methods: As part of a mixed-methods study, virtual focus groups, based on a semistructured interview guide, were conducted with health care-systems pharmacy leaders from across Canada. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Three focus groups (involving a total of 17 participants) were held in July 2024. The leadership skills most valued by participants were strong interpersonal skills, systems thinking, relationship-building, ability to prioritize, ability to delegate, self-awareness, and ability to coach others. Most participants had learned leadership skills on the job or through workplace-based training programs; however, these methods were considered inadequate to meet development needs. Enablers for improving leadership development included pharmacy-focused leadership training programs, mentorship, peer-support networks, guidance from professional organizations on training resources, encouragement of leadership potential in others, and provision to staff members of projects that challenge them beyond their current level of knowledge or skill.

Conclusion: Improving health care-systems pharmacists' preparedness for leadership appears to require a comprehensive strategy. Suggested key approaches include increasing access to formal pharmacy-specific leadership training programs, providing mentorship, offering "stretch" opportunities, and strengthening support from professional organizations to guide development of the next generation of pharmacy leaders.