In response to a perceived lack of clarity about training and education needs for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, Health Education England commissioned Arden & GEM to conduct a pilot study to explore current post-registration education and training pathways.
The study used online surveys and roundtable events to test these perceptions among pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, training providers, line managers and employers, across the NHS East of England and Midlands regions. The evidence from the pilot will inform future work to support career development, improve job satisfaction and achieve better patient outcomes.
The challenge
There is a perception that pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and their employers lack clarity as to what education and training is needed for individual roles and career progression both within their sector of practice and as they move between sectors. This was highlighted by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) who stated that there is currently no consistent approach to quality assurance of post-registration education and training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
With responsibility for the planning, education and training of the healthcare workforce, Health Education England – now part of the new NHS England – wanted to undertake a pilot study to explore the current landscape of post-registration education and training pathways for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Arden & GEM brought together a team of pharmacists, researchers and health intelligence experts to undertake a pilot study in the NHS Midlands and East of England regions with the following objectives:
- Explore current understanding of the required training, knowledge and skills for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in hospital, primary care, community settings, including how to access training if transferring across sectors
- Identify gaps and variation in education and training pathways and opportunities across sectors
- Understand which education and training needs employers require to support career development, and which of the education frameworks they recognise
- Understand the views of all participant groups on the benefits and challenges of mapping career pathways
- Understand views on the impact of new standards for pharmacy professionals.
Our approach
The Arden & GEM team designed a methodology which would capture a wide range of views across two demographically and geographically diverse regions using a combination of surveys and roundtable events.
Stakeholder mapping and engagement
Firstly, a stakeholder mapping exercise was completed. A Boston Matrix was used to identify the key stakeholders for the study and create a database of essential respondent contacts. The team tapped into existing strong professional networks and worked with internal colleagues to create a communications package including digital marketing, PR and events.
The team also worked closely with client representatives to respond to changes in project geography and scope, identified through weekly project meetings and monthly calls.
Online surveys
Four surveys were designed as the primary source for gathering views and opinions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, employers/line managers and training providers. The themes and questions were similar across each survey group to support meaningful analysis; however, each survey was tailored to account for differences in roles.
The survey was tested with internal colleagues before being launched in September 2022 with a four-week response period. 463 responses were received.
Roundtable events
Eight hour-long virtual roundtable events were organised and facilitated, in November 2022, to enable interested survey respondents to have a richer discussion around the survey themes. These events were grouped by sector and by roles to allow relevant, open and honest conversations. A separate roundtable event was also convened for professional body organisations including NHS England, GPhC, Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK). A total of 60 people took part in the nine sessions.
Data analysis
Health intelligence and research expertise was engaged to analyse the significant amount of data generated by the survey responses and roundtables. Datasets were cut by profession and sector while question sets were mapped against the overarching pilot objectives. A comparison between survey results and roundtable views was also undertaken to provide clarity and supporting information.
The outcomes
By bringing together pharmacy, research, communications and health intelligence expertise, Arden & GEM successfully delivered a pilot study in the NHS Midlands and East of England regions for Health Education England on pharmacy training and career pathways.
A series of online surveys and roundtable events captured the experiences and views of more than 500 people, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, line managers, employers and training providers across three pharmacy sectors (hospital, community pharmacy and primary care).
This structured, multidisciplinary approach ensured a high response rate, driven by peer-to-peer engagement and a supporting communications plan, and well presented, accurately interpreted findings.
A final report was provided to Health Education England fully documenting the methodology, results and recommendations.
A summary article was also published in the Pharmaceutical Journal and a poster presentation of findings was showcased at The Clinical Pharmacy Congress 2023.