Establishing an international educational framework for radiopharmacy

Abstract

There is no established programme outlined for radiopharmacy within pharmacy education. The aim of this study was to analyse the education on radiopharmaceuticals (RP) for pharmacists in Europe, USA, and Australia, and to develop an educational framework. A literature review was compiled describing the characteristics and education on RP in pharmacy programmes. Data was compiled by assessing curricula descriptions of universities accessed through the European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy (EAFP) platform, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) guidelines in the USA and the University of Monash and the University of Sydney website. The curriculum content was analysed by checking the title and content of each study unit relevant to RP and if they are compulsory. Post-graduate courses including a Master's specialisation in RP were identified. Subsequently, an educational framework was developed. The framework considers educational components that are relevant to an understanding of RP, quality systems and regulatory aspects, safety, and patient awareness. The framework was validated through a Delphi Method by international and local academics, regulatory officers, radiographers, and hospital pharmacists. Amendments were done accordingly. All 81 universities registered with EAFP were analysed. Forty-seven universities offered information on RP in study units within a pharmacy degree programme. The University of Monash, University of Sydney and ACPE did not have topics on RP for pharmacy students. From the 47 European universities, 36 study-units covering RP were compulsory. Seven universities offered a postgraduate course. Thirty-six universities included information on the diagnostic use, 34 universities had information on the therapeutic use and 26 universities offered information on the production. Six experts validated the educational framework on content, clarity, and relevancy. Suggestions from the Delphi panel included clarity in text and a more practical approach on the production of RP. The final framework is subdivided into 6 categories: Familiarisation of Terms, Nuclear Physics, Diagnostic Use of RP, Therapeutic Use of RP, Production of RP, and Safety Aspects of RP. This study provides a snapshot of the RP-related topics covered in a pharmacy degree programme, particularly in Europe. The framework developed can be used by international universities to provide consistent education on RP for pharmacists.