How are groups of early career pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists contributing to global health and policy development: A cross-sectional survey

Sherly Meilianti; Raquel Oliveira; Funmbi Okoya; Lucas Ercolin; Deanna Mill; Onyeka Obidiegwu; Nilhan Uzman; Renly Lim

doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.11.012

How are groups of early career pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists contributing to global health and policy development: A cross-sectional survey

Res Social Adm Pharm. 2023 Apr;19(4):615-621. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.11.012. Epub 2022 Dec 6.

Authors

Sherly Meilianti¹, Raquel Oliveira², Funmbi Okoya³, Lucas Ercolin⁴, Deanna Mill⁵, Onyeka Obidiegwu⁶, Nilhan Uzman⁴, Renly Lim⁷

Affiliations

¹ International Pharmaceutical Federation, The Hague, the Netherlands; School of Pharmacy, University College London, United Kingdom.
² Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal.
³ International Pharmaceutical Federation, The Hague, the Netherlands; Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
⁴ International Pharmaceutical Federation, The Hague, the Netherlands.
⁵ Division of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia.
⁶ Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
⁷ International Pharmaceutical Federation, The Hague, the Netherlands; Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Australia. Electronic address: Renly.lim@unisa.edu.au.

PMID: 36528538
DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.11.012

Abstract

Background: Early career pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientist groups (ECPGs) can make valuable contributions to addressing global health challenges and policy development. There is limited information describing their contribution to this topic. This study describes initiatives and activities related to global health and policy development led by ECPGs.

Methods: An online questionnaire was disseminated between July and October 2020 through the International Pharmaceutical Federation Young Pharmacists Group (FIP YPG) mailing list and its social media network. The survey consisted of questions about ECPGs' involvement in global health and policy development activities. In addition to groups or organisations, the FIP YPG also invited individual pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists to explore their needs and views on the role of the ECPGs, and themselves as individuals in global health. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results: Thirty national ECPGs across six regions of the World Health Organisation (WHO) participated in the survey. Most of the initiatives led by ECPGs focused on health and wellbeing, quality of education and partnership. The most common activities were webinars, social events and partnerships with other organisations. In terms of global health challenges listed by the WHO, the most common initiatives led by ECPGs were related to medicines access and medicines safety. There was some involvement of early career pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, and ECPGs in the policy and regulation in their countries across various topics.

Conclusion: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first global study exploring initiatives conducted by ECPGs. This study informed initiatives that have been implemented across regions, which could be useful for other ECPGs to initiate in their country according to their needs and priorities. Fostering engagement and collaboration between ECPGs is encouraged to provide opportunities and share learning across ECPGs, which could accelerate progress towards tackling global health challenges.

Keywords: Early career; Global health; Leadership; Pharmaceutical; Pharmacy.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Global Health
Humans
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Pharmacists*
Pharmacy*

Substances

Pharmaceutical Preparations