Perceptions of undergraduate pharmacy students of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria on the introduction of the Pharm.D. degree to Nigerian pharmacy schools

Abstract

As a result of the increasing scope of Pharmacy practice over the years, many countries (Nigeria inclusive) are introducing or undertaking major transformations in pharmacy education. The main aim of this work is to explore the knowledge and perceptions of selected 4th and 5th year undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on the introduction of the proposed Pharm. D. Degree to Nigerian pharmacy schools. The study was qualitative, and used focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data. Two focus group discussions with ten students (Five participants per group), lasting an average of one hour were audiotaped in June 2017. Data obtained from the FGDs was then transcribed and checked for accuracy and the transcripts analyzed using summative qualitative content analysis. Most participants highlighted both advantages and disadvantages to introducing the new degree. Advantages identified included the potential for specialization and better career prospects. On the other hand, they expressed worries that the degree change would be disadvantageous to people interested in other (non-clinical) areas of pharmacy practice. Several participants also felt that the degree change was going to be unsuccessful because of several factors within our environment including the unharmonious working relationship between healthcare professionals, inadequate infrastructure in pharmacy schools and the unwillingness of several lecturers to embrace the new degree. In conclusion, participants believed that the proposed Pharm.D. Degree was both potentially advantageous and problematic. Their recommendations include increasing the awareness of both staff and prospective students on what the degree entailed, and allowing concurrent coexistence of both B.Pharm and Pharm.D. Degrees

Keywords: Focus group, Curriculum change, Students, Nigeria, Pharm.D., Perceptions,