Systematic review and meta-synthesis - challenges and problems during professional development of pharmacy preceptors

Abstract

Introduction The process of transformation of pharmacy is closely related to the professional development of pharmacists, with the aim of increasing their competencies and performance. The biggest changes in this process are related to the education of pharmacists, both through undergraduate teaching and through lifelong learning, which includes learning through practice and continuing education, which is especially important for young pharmacists. The aim of the research was to identify the most common challenges and problems faced by pharmacists and preceptors during professional practice through a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Methods The research included a systematic review (PRISMA method) and meta-synthesis of selected publications (6 of the initial 133) for the period from 2006 to 2020. The included publications were considering the development and evaluation of professional development programs for pharmacists and preceptors; challenges and problems faced by pharmacists in these programs. The quality ranking of 6 selected publications was performed according to the GRADE methodology. Further systematic search of data from selected publications was performed by meta-synthesis, which included the extraction of important determinants, and afterwards the thematic analysis in identifying the characteristics of the study, descriptive and analytical topics, which provided the basis for meta-synthesis of de novo topics. Results Six publications were selected (by the PRISMA method) and analyzed. Assessed quality of three studies was high, two were assessed as moderate, and one study had low quality. The publications were studied through three phases as a part of meta-synthesis. Phase 1 showed the difference in the type and characteristics of the examined population. In Phase 2, two descriptive topics of importance were identified: (a) development and evaluation of preceptor development programs and (b) outcomes of preceptor development programs. The results of Phase 3 provided three major analytical topics for the preceptor development programs in the future that pharmacists and preceptors face: (a) challenges, (b) problems, and (c) critical thinking skills. Conclusions Demands for increasing the performance of pharmacists are directly related to the role of pharmacists in the modern age, where they are expected to have a range of competencies, skills and abilities in a real work environment. Critical thinking skills are indispensable in the daily practice of pharmacists, and not enough attention has been paid to them as part of professional development programs for pharmacists and preceptors. This conclusion was revealed by a qualitative method, systematic review and meta-synthesis.