# Design and Implementation of a Competency-Based Training Program for Specialty Pharmacists in China

## TL;DR

This paper presents a training program for pharmacists in China that improved their skills in patient care through a competency-based approach.

## Contribution

The study introduces a Competency-Based Pharmacy Education program combining case-based learning and clinical exams for direct-to-patient pharmacists in China.

## Key findings

- Participants showed strengths in communication and documentation but weaknesses in patient education and care planning.
- 62.5% of participants reported perceived improvements in communication and patient education skills.
- The program achieved a mean OSCE score of 68.31, indicating moderate effectiveness.

## Abstract

This study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a Competency-Based Pharmacy Education (CBPE) program for 120 direct-to-patient (DTP) pharmacists in China, aimed at improving pharmaceutical care and pharmacotherapy skills. The program, which integrated Case-Based Learning (CBL) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), included both online and in-person sessions. A cross-sectional analysis of participant performance and satisfaction showed a mean total OSCE score of 68.31. Participants demonstrated strengths in communication and documentation, with one-third of participants achieving high scores, while weaknesses were noted in patient education and care planning. Participant surveys revealed significant perceived improvements in communication and patient education skills among 62.5% of the participants. These findings suggest that CBPE is a promising approach for pharmacist training, advocating for its broader adoption to meet the evolving demands of healthcare and improve patient outcomes.