The Lebanese experience for early career development: Bridging the gap to reach the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Global Competency Framework

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, there is no official national competency framework for pharmacy education or early career development programs in Lebanon. In 2017, the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon attempted to fill that gap by developing and validating a framework using the FIP Global Competency Framework version 1 among others. Methods: Since this framework has not been implemented by the Lebanese educational bodies, it was deemed necessary to adapt it further, adding innovative aspects according to the recently published FIP Global Competency Framework version 2. This study identified recommendations to ways of improving pharmacy education. Results: There are missing barriers, which pose major challenges to the implementation of early career training in pharmacy schools in Lebanon. The implementation of these recommendations would produce practice-ready pharmacists with homogeneous competencies. Conclusion: A critical analysis of the contextual factors affecting the success of early-career training would help set expected outcomes to ensure best fit for society. © 2022 FIP.