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Many so-called “soft skills” in the social and management sciences top the list when pharmacists are asked about what it takes to be successful, but more evidence is needed.
When we ask pharmacists what it takes to be successful, many so-called “soft skills” in the social and management sciences top the list. But we need more evidence. In a survey by Jill Augustine, PharmD, PhD, MPH, and colleagues, a group of leaders specifically commented on the business skills that could be most advantageous for junior practitioners in the years to come.
Investigators conducted focus groups with pharmacy leaders to discuss these desirable business-related skills.1 The type of information you get from focus groups may differ from surveys. Survey information may come from hundreds or thousands of respondents and may be generalizable to the entire population, depending on many factors. Focus groups, on the other hand, typically consist of a small number of participants from a small or restricted geographical area. However, with them you can get very rich, detailed and nuanced data.
- The first theme that emerged from the focus group data was on communication skills. It was emphasized that oral and written communication skills are becoming increasingly important. Furthermore, pharmacists must be able to speak effectively with a wide variety of people, and in communicating with all pharmacy personnel the same strategies that have been advocated for use in communicating with patients (e.g. : active listening, empathy, assertiveness) should be used.1
- The second theme detailed necessary business skills such as human resources (HR) management skills as well as cultural knowledge such as income statement, budget, interpretation of organizational structure, mission, vision and business planning.1
- The third theme covered decision making and time management skills. This includes the process of gathering and selecting information to solve problems and delegating to maximize time and empower others.1
- A fourth theme revolves around conflict resolution, and pharmacy graduates should be humble and aware that every decision is not personal.1
- The fifth theme, on leadership and professionalism, emphasized creative thinking and the fact that professionalism includes role models as well as looks and speed.1
- All of this culminated in the sixth and final theme of managing and directing others. Effectiveness in this regard was thought to be found in the team’s functioning under the direction of the pharmacist and the attitudes and behavior of team members in the absence of the pharmacist. This is evident in establishing a climate and culture that fosters morale and productivity of support personnel.2-3
A national survey and now focus group interviews of leaders point to the need for managerial skills for effective pharmacy operations in today’s healthcare environment. Pharmacists who demonstrate these skills will do well for their patients, career-wise, and themselves.
Additional information regarding administration of medications and “administration” of administrative functions can be found in Pharmacy Administration: Fundamentals for All Practice Settings, 5e.
About the author
Shane P. Desselle, RPh, PhD, FAPhA, Professor of Social Behavioral Pharmacy at Touro University California College of Pharmacy.
References
1. Augustine J, Slack M, Cooley J, et al. Identifying key business and managerial skills required of pharmacy graduates. I’m J Pharm Educ. 2018;82: Section 6364.
2. Desselle SP, Hoh R, Holmes ER, Gill A, Zamora L. Pharmacy Technician Self-Efficacy: Insights to Support Future Education, Staff Development, and Workforce Planning. Res Social Adm Pharm. 2018;14(6):581-588.
3. Desselle S. Perceptions of pharmacists’ sets of medicinal care standards of practice. J Am Pharm Assoc (1996). 1997;37(5):529-534.
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