The pharmacist as entrepreneur: Whether, how, and when to educate?

Abstract

Introduction: Policy and funding changes are transforming how community pharmacists deliver services, with a level of entrepreneurship required to fulfil their dual roles as retailers and health care professionals. This study explored pharmacists' own entrepreneurship skill development, their views on the need for entrepreneurship training, and how and when this should be delivered.

Methods: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 New Zealand practising community pharmacists and key pharmacy sector stakeholders known for having an entrepreneurial mindset.

Results: Thematic analysis revealed five broad themes in relation to the study aim. Pharmacists had gained skills in entrepreneurship via training and education in a range of settings, including 'on the job'. While views were divided regarding the feasibility of training individuals to be entrepreneurs, most felt that some form of training was required to address shortfalls in the current workforce. There was support for this being delivered as part of the undergraduate pharmacy degree, although some felt that clinical learning should remain the core focus at this level. There were also mixed views regarding the timing of education in entrepreneurship.

Conclusions: This study adds to the literature addressing the pharmacists view of when and by whom education in entrepreneurship should be delivered. The divergence of opinion has implications for educational leaders, policymakers and practitioners. Findings highlight the important role of education and training in developing pharmacists with entrepreneurship skills. However, the format of this in terms of delivery, timing, appropriate training providers, and training content, needs to be better understood.

Keywords: Community pharmacy; Education; Entrepreneurship; Health policy; New Zealand; Training.