ADVANCING TEACHING EXCELLENCE IN THE SCHOOL OF PHARMACY

Queen’s University Belfast is internationally recognised for its excellence in pharmacy education, consistently ranking among the UK’s top pharmacy schools. The University is committed to developing future pharmacists through cutting-edge teaching and learning methods that include simulation, digital innovation and experiential learning in clinical practice. This is in tandem to using traditional teaching methods when appropriate. The School of Pharmacy has been at the forefront of educational advancements, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with the skills and attributes needed for evolving pharmacy practice and person-centred care.

MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF MODERN PHARMACY EDUCATION

Pharmacy Education has recently undergone the largest transformation in twenty-five years and Professor Lezley-Anne Hanna, in her capacity as Director of Education (Pharmacy), has led this change for the MPharm degree at Queen’s University Belfast.

The reform in pharmacy education is due to the publication (in 2021) of Standards for the initial education and training of pharmacists which lead to pharmacists having independent prescribing rights at the point of professional registration. Therefore, more emphasis must be placed on teaching student pharmacists about person-centred care, clinical skills, professional judgement, management of risk, and applying Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles. It is also important that student pharmacists appreciate the importance of science to retain their unique expertise in the safe and effective use of medicines.

At Queen's, innovative teaching and learning strategies address these challenges by fostering student engagement, competence, confidence and professional readiness.

INNOVATIVE TEACHING AT QUEEN’S: A STUDENT-CENTRED APPROACH

Queen’s pharmacy education is built on a foundation of various learning approaches which are research-informed and evidence-based. It is student-centred and patient-centred. We ensure students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The School has pioneered several key initiatives:

• Active and experiential learning: Interactive lectures, laboratory classes and simulation-based learning in workshops allow students to develop essential knowledge and skills and prepare for real-world practice in a safe and supportive environment. To enhance this learning further, including leadership skills, students undertake experiential learning in clinical practice.
• Technology Integration: Digital learning tools and technologies enhance both student education and professional preparedness. To be future-ready, student pharmacists gain aptitude and confidence in digital health.
• Professional identity and gaining different perspectives: Students undertake team-based learning (both uni- and inter-professional) and have opportunities to interact with patients, carers and other professionals and pharmacy role models.
• Evidence-based and research-informed: Queen’s prioritises research-informed teaching, integrating cutting-edge research and gold standard practice into pharmacy education and decision-making.
• Reflective Practice and receptive to feedback: Students engage in structured self-reflection to enhance learning and professional development. They make changes based on feedback. This aligns with Queen’s commitment to producing highly competent, reflective healthcare professionals who can adapt to evolving professional challenges.

Queen’s University Belfast’s reputation for outstanding pharmacy education is demonstrated through specific achievements that have enhanced both student learning and professional preparedness. Professor Hanna’s accolades include:

• Being a National Teaching Fellow (since 2018): Professor Hanna was awarded this prestigious UK-wide recognition for her outstanding impact on teaching and student outcomes
• Being a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (since 2019): This fellowship acknowledges Professor Hanna’s sustained leadership in academic teaching and strategic curriculum development
• Developing an award-winning 'OTC Consult' App: Following on from Professor Hanna's doctoral research on decision-making in community pharmacy practice, which directly informed course content, she was inspired to co-develop a digital educational tool (mobile app) with global reach. The app enhances pharmacy education by providing quick, evidence-based information on over-the-counter consultations and conditions, and is widely used by students and pharmacists across the UK
• University Teaching Awards: Multiple awards have recognised Professor Hanna’s contributions to curriculum development (such as simulation-based teaching and feedback provision), including her leadership in implementing a peer mentoring scheme that has improved student support and learning outcomes
• Many Pharmacy Education journal and conference contributions: Professor Hanna has published (often with undergraduate students as co-authors) in areas including assessment and feedback, professionalism,  using digital technologies including Generative AI tools, over-the-counter consultations, resilience and stress. This work has influenced course content and is transferable to other settings
• Leading the successful MPharm accreditation to ensure all requirements of the 2021 Standards for the initial education and training of pharmacists were met through a transformed MPharm programme and collaborative practice

ENHANCED LEARNING AND PROFESSIONAL READINESS

The innovative teaching methods at Queen’s have significantly influenced both student outcomes and broader institutional strategy:

• Enhanced Learning Experience: Students consistently report that the university’s interactive and research-led teaching approach has deepened their understanding of pharmacy practice and improved their confidence and competence in clinical decision-making
• Positive Feedback Culture: The emphasis on constructive feedback has been highlighted as instrumental in student development
• Professional Readiness: Queen’s pharmacy graduates enter the workforce with strong practical and clinical skills, consistently ranking among the most employable in the UK. Employers frequently highlight their ability to apply knowledge and skills in professional settings
• Institutional Leadership in Education: The School of Pharmacy continues to shape pharmacy education nationally through its curriculum innovations and input  into professional initiatives, setting a benchmark for excellence in teaching and professional training.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PHARMACY EDUCATION

Queen’s University Belfast remains a leader in pharmacy education, combining research-driven teaching with real-world applications. Through a diverse range of evidence-based teaching and learning approaches to develop students’ knowledge and skills, coupled with the use of appropriate assessments, the University ensures its graduates are well-equipped for the demands of modern healthcare.

By continually refining its teaching, learning and assessment strategies, and embracing new technologies, Queen’s is shaping the future of pharmacy education, producing highly skilled professionals who are ready to lead in their field.