The status of pharmacotherapy content in the professional pharmacy curriculum in Türkiye

Pharmacists require a strong foundation in pharmacotherapy and patient care to effectively manage various diseases across the lifespan. This requires a comprehensive education that extends beyond drug knowledge to encompass patient safety, pharmacogenomics, and individualized treatment approaches. To ensure pharmacy graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to address evolving demands of pharmacy profession, evaluating the current state of pharmacotherapy education is essential. This study assessed pharmacotherapy education in Turkish and North Cypriot pharmacy schools using two methods: a 25-item cross-sectional survey to pharmacy educators, and content analysis of pharmacotherapy syllabus data from official university websites. The survey was developed using a Delphi method and underwent pilot testing. Pharmacotherapy Topics coverage was evaluated using the ACCP toolkit. Of the 39 invited universities, 24 completed the survey. While data from 37 universities were analyzed through website curriculum content. Survey results indicated that only one-third of respondents consistently utilized active learning methods. Almost 50% reported a deficiency in interprofessional education, and approximately 30% deemed pharmacotherapy coverage inadequate, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases. The median number of compulsory theoretical courses was 3 (IQR=1), with a median of 9 ECTS credits (IQR=5). Compulsory practice courses median number was 3 (IQR=1) with 18 ECTS credits (IQR=15), while clinic practice courses were less common, with a median of 1.5 (IQR=1) courses and 5 (IQR=5) ECTS credits. ACCP tier coverage varied significantly, with medians of 29.4%, 3.6%, and 0% for tiers 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The study revealed significant variations in teaching and practical training delivery across Turkish universities. Educators emphasized the need for enhanced practical training and addressed faculty shortages. A standardized curriculum guideline or toolkit with core competencies is essential to foster a more uniform pharmacy workforce equipped to address global health challenges. Keywords: pharmacotherapy, clinical pharmacy, education, curriculum, assessment, continuous professional development