A skills framework integrating professionally relevant medicinal chemistry proficiencies to strengthen the contemporary practice of pharmacy

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to define a repository of competences in Medicinal Chemistry, to be developed during Pharmacy studies and expected in professional practices, while highlighting the fundamental character of the subject and its interdisciplinary links within the Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Methods: A first version, based on both our professional and educational experience, consolidated by a review of educational articles and good practice guidelines, was obtained by following a competency-based approach. It was then completed by Medicinal Chemistry teachers in various French Pharmacy Faculties to obtain a comprehensive data set. The final version was reviewed in the light of relevant comments from 15 experts from related disciplines.

Results: A comprehensive competency framework with extensive practical applications was developed.

Conclusions: This pilot study provides a teaching repository for medicinal chemistry for use by teachers of medicinal sciences. It highlights the fundamental role of the discipline within Pharmacy studies and provides links with professional practices. This repository will be useful to various teaching teams in a context of integrated disciplines and could be replicated in related disciplines.

Keywords: Approche par compétences; Chimie thérapeutique; Competency-based approach; Content integration; Framework; Intégration du contenu; Medicinal chemistry; Pedagogy; Pédagogie; Référentiel.