A call to strengthen medication therapy management training in the Kenyan pharmacy undergraduate curriculum: Feedback from a snapshot of the knowledge and practices among pharmacists in diverse disciplines

Abstract

Background: The role of the pharmacist has continued to evolve, placing the profession at the fulcrum of holistic patient care, including offering medication therapy management (MTM), a critical component of any effective pharmaceutical care plan. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Kenyan pharmacists regarding MTM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed whereby Google Form questionnaires were distributed among pharmacists working at hospitals and community pharmacies between 1st October 2022 and 30th November 2022. Results: Slightly over half (62, 52.5%) of the pharmacists rated themselves as knowledgeable about MTM, with most participants (55, 46.6%) stating that the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum was insufficient to prepare one to offer MTM services competently. Notably, online courses and workshops were the most popular channels (72%) for accessing MTM-related continuous professional development among the respondents. Conclusion: This study revealed some gaps in the knowledge and competence of undergraduate-level Kenyan pharmacists in their quest to offer MTM services. Therefore, embedding MTM in the undergraduate curriculum can bridge this gap and empower Kenyan pharmacists to provide holistic pharmaceutical care.