A Comparative Look at Pharmacy Education in Ukraine and the Visegrad Group
Pharmacy education stands as a critical pillar in healthcare systems worldwide, shaping the professionals responsible for medication safety, patient counseling, and pharmaceutical innovation. As global healthcare challenges evolve, the need for harmonized and robust pharmacy curricula becomes ever more pressing.
This article delves into a fascinating comparative analysis of pharmacy study plans in Ukraine and the countries of the Visegrad Group (V4: Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic), exploring how historical contexts, structural differences, and recent reforms are shaping the next generation of pharmacists. The findings reveal a dynamic educational landscape where tradition meets innovation, and where the pursuit of European integration is driving significant change 2 4 .
Pharmacy education globally is guided by several key concepts aimed at ensuring graduates are equipped to meet societal healthcare needs. The Bologna Process and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) are fundamental frameworks facilitating the standardization and comparability of higher education qualifications across Europe, including in Ukraine and V4 countries 4 . This allows for student mobility and ensures a recognizable standard of quality.
Moving beyond pure knowledge transmission to focus on integrating science and practice, developing professional identity in students.
Recognizing that learning must continue beyond initial qualification to keep pace with scientific and technological advancements.
A study plan's architecture, including its allocation of ECTS credits, reveals the educational priorities of a nation.
Historically, Ukraine's Ministry of Health mandated a unified ministerial study plan for pharmacy programs until 2018. This plan exhibited distinct characteristics, allocating considerable credit weight to specific areas:
While providing a broad base, this came at the relative expense of deeper training in core natural sciences and rapidly evolving fields like Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Clinical Biochemistry 2 .
Pharmacy study plans in V4 countries show greater similarity to each other and to broader European trends. They typically feature a stronger emphasis on fundamental scientific pillars from the outset:
The shift in Ukraine post-2018, where universities now have greater autonomy to design programs, is a crucial step toward aligning with this model 2 .
A key innovation in modern pharmacy education, particularly in practical training, is the use of simulation-based learning. This method bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice.
To evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating simulation training at simulated pharmacy workplaces for teaching Pharmaceutical Technology to pharmacist interns and to assess its impact on competency development 3 .
Conducted at the Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine. Interns were trained using a simulated pharmacy environment designed to replicate real community pharmacy settings. Performance was assessed through practical evaluations 3 .
Interns trained with simulation technologies showed a marked improvement in performing practical manipulations, demonstrated stronger communication skills, and exhibited more confident application of knowledge compared to those trained with traditional methods 3 .
| Metric | Simulation Training Group | Traditional Training Group |
|---|---|---|
| Confidence in Practical Manipulations | High | Moderate |
| Communication Skills Demonstration | Strong | Average |
| Ability to Solve Unfamiliar Tasks | High | Moderate |
| Integration of Theory with Practice | Effective | Less Effective |
Source: Adapted from Vlasenko et al. (2023) 3
A quantitative analysis of ECTS credit allocation highlights the philosophical differences in educational priorities between the regions.
| Subject Area | Ukrainian Plan (ECTS) | V4 Plan (ECTS) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humanity/Social Science/Economics | 15 | 5-8 | +7 to +10 |
| Computer & IT Skills | 8 | 2-4 | +4 to +6 |
| Hygiene/Ecology/Safety/Bioethics | 9 | 2-4 | +5 to +7 |
| Extreme Medicine/Military Training | 6 | 0 | +6 |
| Pharmacy Management & Marketing | 12 | 6-8 | +4 to +6 |
| Organic Chemistry | ~8 | 10-12 | -2 to -4 |
| Molecular Biology/Immunology | ~2 | 6-8 | -4 to -6 |
| Clinical Biochemistry | ~3 | 5-7 | -2 to -4 |
Source: Adapted from Devinyak et al. (2021) 2
Increase ECTS credits for Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Human Anatomy, and Physiology 2 .
Incorporate dedicated courses in Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Clinical Biochemistry 2 .
Expand the use of simulation-based learning and active methodologies across the curriculum 3 .
| Tool/Resource | Function in Education & Research |
|---|---|
| Simulation Pharmacy Software | Provides a virtual environment for practicing dispensing, patient consultation, inventory management, and ethical decision-making 3 . |
| Molecular Modeling Software | Allows students to visualize drug-receptor interactions, study structure-activity relationships, and design new molecules. |
| Cell Culture & Biochemical Kits | Enable practical experiments in immunology, molecular biology, and clinical biochemistry to understand drug mechanisms and effects. |
| Pharmaceutical Formulation Kits | Contain reagents and materials for hands-on learning of compounding, drug delivery system design, and quality control testing 3 . |
| Standardized Patient Programs | Utilize trained individuals to simulate real patient interactions, honing clinical communication and assessment skills 3 . |
The comparative analysis of pharmacy study plans reveals that while Ukraine's educational framework has historically had a unique focus, shaped by its specific socio-political context, there is a clear and active movement toward harmonization with European standards, exemplified by the Visegrad Group countries. The decentralization of curriculum design since 2018 empowers Ukrainian universities to innovate, incorporating more fundamental science, modern disciplines, and innovative teaching methods like simulation training.
This alignment is not merely an academic exercise; it is crucial for ensuring Ukrainian pharmacists are prepared to collaborate internationally, contribute to the global pharmaceutical innovation landscape, and provide the highest standard of patient care. The journey toward a fully integrated European education area is well underway, promising to enhance the quality, relevance, and mobility of pharmacy education for the benefit of students and public health alike across the region.