Teaching on the National List of Essential Medicines in Doctor of Pharmacy Program and Related Attitudes among Faculty Members

Abstract

Objective: To survey the teaching on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) in Doctor of Pharmacy program and related attitudes among faculty members. Methods: The study was cross-sectional descriptive research. The subjects were instructors who were pharmacists and being responsible or being main instructors on the NLEM subjects of the faculties of pharmacy in Thailand selected by purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on teaching methods, evaluation and instructors’ attitudes towards 1) the NLEM, 2) teaching of the NLEM and 3) context, problems and obstacles of teaching. Results: Nineteen instructors who were pharmacists from all institutions in Thailand completed the questionnaires, with one instructor per institute. Most institutes arranged the teaching on the NLEM on the third or fourth year of the program. The average total number of hours of instruction on the NLEM was 3.26 ± 2.05 and 2.00 ± 3.84 hours in lecture and practice courses, respectively. Lecture giving and examination with multiple choice questions were the most popular methods. The respondents showed an obviously positive attitude towards the benefits and necessity of the NLEM and teaching on the NLEM. Teaching on the NLEM should be integrated with other course and provide students with an opportunity to study the NLEM in detail. Conclusion: The teaching on the NLEM in Doctor of Pharmacy program employed various forms and methods. Responsible or primary instructors showed a very positive attitude towards the NLEM and teaching, especially in the domain of benefit and necessity for patients and the country's public health system.