The Need for Competency-Based Education

Abstract

Objectives: While pharmacy education updates learning as new information arises, changes to learning experiences can trail behind current practices and technology. There have been multiple calls for radical changes in how health professions education is delivered to ensure patients are receiving high-quality care. Competency-based education has been one way discussed in the literature for how to handle this need to develop students who have a willingness to learn and can problem-solve. The goal of this review is to examine whether competency-based education is needed to drive the profession of pharmacy forward.

Findings: To address, we collaboratively identified stakeholder perspectives to evaluate the need. The following stakeholders achieved consensus among the committee members: patients/society, learners, workplace/profession, and academic institutions.

Summary: Based on those perspectives, needs, and gaps to address those needs were identified and are presented in this review.

Keywords: Competency-based education; Health professions; Patient needs; Pharmacy education; Society needs.