The Comparative Analysis of Pharmacy Education: Benchmarking the Philippine Model Against Asian-Pacific Approaches

Abstract

The Philippines is creating a roadmap for pharmacy education, however, there are no published comparative analyses to evaluate how global pharmacy education models can be adapted to the Philippines. This research seeks to address this gap by assessing the present context of pharmacy education in the Asia-Pacific region, specifically focusing on regulations, curriculum design, and quality assurance measures. The aim is to identify international models from June to October 2023, which will serve as the basis for developing a complete roadmap for pharmacy education in the Philippines. Methods used for the study include a thorough examination of existing literature and the gathering of information. Key informants from different countries were invited to validate the findings. Comparative analysis is used through thematic analysis and descriptive statistics to evaluate the possible adoption of global strategies within the distinct context of the Philippines. After examining the models of 24 countries in the region, the result yields comprehensive insights on pharmacy education in 6 thematic areas in the Asia Pacific region. An analysis of curricula, accrediting mechanisms, internship, and education framework uncovers subtle distinctions and parallels between the Philippines and other nations in the area. The analysis identifies areas where the Philippines either conforms to or diverges from regional patterns, guiding stakeholders in evaluating their pharmacy education system about broader regional norms. The obtained insights provide recommendations for making well-informed decisions and creating strategic plans, ultimately formulating a focused roadmap to enhance pharmacy education in the Philippines.