Development of new training programmes for Thai community pharmacists using the theory of training needs analysis

Background: The study aimed to develop new training programmes for community pharmacists based on the theory of training needs analysis. Methods: Two phases were conducted. Phase 1 was the pharmacists’ needs analysis using the mixed method with an exploratory sequential design and the Hennessy-Hicks training needs analysis. Eligible pharmacists were requested to rate 44 task items on a 5-point Likert scale for task importance and perceived performance. All data were gathered and analysed using subgroup analysis and exploratory factor analysis for training needs. Phase 2 was the training programme development and verification by a focus group. Results: A total of 365 pharmacists completed the questionnaire, with a response rate of 28.3%. The 44 primary care tasks were grouped into seven main domains based on their importance. Three tasks with wide training gaps (mean gaps > 2.0), i.e., depression screening, home visits, and family planning, were selected for the programme development. The focus group agreed on the programme’s usefulness, practicality, and ease of implementation. Conclusion: The training needs of community pharmacists were evaluated, and three training programmes in primary care pharmacy were developed. The impacts of the training programmes merit further study.