Motivators and Barriers for Pursuing Postgraduate Programs in Pharmacy Practice Among Pharmacy Interns in Saudi Arabia

Bibliographic Data

ID13776144
AuthorsAbdullah Alhammad (0000-0002-9806-2503, King Saud University, corresponding author), Majidah A Aljohani (0000-0002-4902-9459, King Saud Medical City), Majidah Aljohani (Pharmaceutical Care Divison, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Bana Almadi (0009-0002-4670-6378, King Saud University), Yazeed Ghawaa (King Saud University), Mansour Almuqbil (0000-0003-4768-1838, King Saud University), Ghazwa B Korayem (0000-0003-2022-5955, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University), Hisham A Badreldin (0000-0001-7182-4347, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences), Ohoud Aljuhani (0000-0002-8078-564X, King Abdulaziz University), Nora A Kalagi (0000-0003-4051-4121, King Saud University), Yahya M K Tawfik (0000-0001-6164-4879, King Saud University), Mohammad H Aljawadi (0000-0002-5114-1343, King Saud University), Yousif A Asiri (0000-0001-7046-5071, King Saud University), Wael Mansy (0000-0002-7988-2717, King Saud University)
Year2025
Volume62
Pages469580251361346-469580251361346
Publication date2025-05-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueINQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0046-9580 • E-ISSN: 1945-7243
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00469580251361346
PMID40776785
OpenAlexW4413049907
LanguageEN
References cited17

Postgraduate programs (PGPs) in pharmacy practice have gained significant importance in recent years, reflecting the evolving roles and expanding responsibilities of pharmacists globally. Understanding the factors that influence the decision to pursue such programs is essential for workforce development and educational planning. This study aimed to assess the motivations and barriers influencing pharmacy interns in Saudi Arabia to pursue PGPs in pharmacy practice. This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to March 2020 and utilized a validated questionnaire distributed electronically to pharmacy interns (sixth-year pharmacy students) across 3 major pharmacy schools in Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests, with a significance level set at a P -value of less than .05. Of the 247 pharmacy interns invited, 157 (62%) completed the survey. Most respondents were female (82.8%) and had an average of 3 clinical and 2 nonclinical advanced pharmacy practice experiences. Approximately 20% intended to pursue PGPs immediately after graduation, while 60% would consider them later. Preferred career paths included hospital pharmacy (31.85%) and regulatory bodies (24.84%). The decision to pursue PGPs in pharmacy practice was influenced by PGP orientation during school, either positively or negatively. The primary motivator cited was the need for further training for future positions, whereas high competition was the most significant barrier. These findings offer valuable insight into pharmacy interns' perspectives on PGPs, highlighting key motivators and barriers. This understanding can inform future educational strategies and stakeholder efforts aimed at supporting pharmacy interns' career planning and addressing workforce development needs in pharmacy practice

Descriptive statistics · Family medicine · Graduation (instrument · Medical education · Pharmacy practice · Political science · Public relations · Stakeholder · Workforce · Antibiotic Use and Resistance · Innovations in Medical Education · Medicine · Nursing · Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes · Pharmacy · Psychology