An evaluation of the inclusion of enterprise and entrepreneurship education (EEE) within pharmacy programmes

Background: Pharmacy education is evolving to better serve the community, as seen in the 'Nine-star Pharmacist' model. This model promotes the development of skills needed for pharmacists in their managerial and healthcare roles. However, pharmacy degrees often omit enterprise and entrepreneurship education, which could equip newly qualified pharmacists with essential skills that benefit the community. This study aimed to elucidate the benefits of enterprise and entrepreneurship education for pharmacy students, to identify the potential importance of integrating entrepreneurship education into the pharmacy curriculum. Methods: Fifty-five students registered for the undergraduate pharmacy degree at the University of Bradford were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning their perception of integrating enterprise and entrepreneurship in pharmacy education. The questionnaire consisted of a Likert scale and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were conducted. Results: Fifty-five students completed the questionnaire. Eighty percent (n=43) of students agreed that developing enterprise and entrepreneurial skills would enhance their career prospects. Eighty-five percent (n=46) of students agreed that enterprise and entrepreneurship education should be offered within the pharmacy curriculum. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that pharmacy students believe enterprise and entrepreneurship education (EEE) should be integrated into the pharmacy curriculum, as it would benefit their future careers.