The breadth and depth of formal research skills training within pharmacy program curricula in selected Arabic-speaking countries

Available formal research-related training opportunities in Arabic-speaking countries have not been explored in the literature; these opportunities are becoming increasingly important worldwide. The aim of this study was to characterize the integration of research skills in formal pharmacy programs in selected Arabic-speaking countries; we have examined the type and frequency of research skills applied and the value of integration of graduation research project in the program. A cross-sectional analysis including 51 pharmacy colleges listed in seven Arab countries was performed. Selected faculty members were asked to fill a survey based on five basic areas: (1) type of pharmacy degree offered by the institution, (2) formal research-related work, (3) required student research project, (4) elective research activities available, and (5) faculty comments on research-related coursework in their institutions. The majority of colleges offered a bachelor degree as their only professional degree (83%). All programs provided at least one component of the research-related coursework including statistics (73%), drug information/literature evaluation (71%), and research methodology (60%). Only six colleges (14%) provided coursework that addressed all components in their coursework. Graduation research project was a requirement in most schools (69%), and elective research-related coursework was available in some colleges (10%). All schools incorporated at least one research skill in their coursework. Most surveyed schools required coursework in areas supporting practical research skills.