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Abstract
Background In the context of cooperation between France and Egypt, we were interested in identifying differences between the required training leading to the profession of hospital pharmacist.
Purpose To compare the required training for hospital pharmacy practice in France and Egypt.
Material and methods This was a descriptive comparative study. A list of relevant themes was established by consensus after a review of key websites and literature. A panel of a French resident, a French hospital pharmacist, an Egyptian student in pharmacy and an Egyptian clinical pharmacist was organised. Similarities and differences for each theme were identified and discussed.
Results 17 themes were selected (ie, 5 themes on general organisation and 12 specialisations on hospital pharmacy), with 2 similarities and 15 differences between France and Egypt. For specialisation in hospital pharmacy, in both countries there is a competitive entrance examination, and the specialisation requires mandatory work as a hospital pharmacist. Among the differences identified were that the programme is longer in France (4 years vs 3 years). Other differences were identified for the mandatory theoretical lessons within the faculty of pharmacy (2 afternoons a week in the faculty of pharmacy over the 4 years in France compared with theoretical lessons done under the responsibility of the hospital in Egypt, with each hospital having a special programme according to its specialty and type of medical knowledge needed), for the mandatory sequence of internship, for skills assessment and the procedure of validation of the specialisation.
Conclusion There were significant differences between French and Egyptian training required to work in a hospital setting. A better understanding of theses similarities and differences may contribute to reciprocal improvement in these programmes and favour exchanges between both countries.
References and/or Acknowledgements
References and/or AcknowledgementsNo conflict of interest.