Abstract:

There are studies that have focused on intercultural competence in the context of undergraduate training of pharmacists as well as on the lifelong training of professional pharmacists in various fields such as incentives for their lifelong learning, the development of competence in pharmaceutical care, and educational approaches that promote change in professional pharmaceutical practice. However, there seems to be a gap in the literature regarding the lifelong training of professional pharmacists and intercultural competence. Considering the importance and contemporary demands for continuous professional development in health professions, this study aims to map working pharmacists’ needs for intercultural education in the context of their life-long learning and professional development in Cyprus. Also, it intends to design, develop, and implement an intercultural blended training programme, named ‘Taking care of the Other, Taking Care of the Self in the pharmacy profession to enhance pharmacist’s awareness as far as intercultural competency is concerned and educate them further in the subject matter. This presentation will focus on the theoretical perspectives that have oriented the design of the training, by combining elements from adult education principles, collaborative reflection, blended learning, communities of practice and by considering the participants’ blind spots. It will also describe the content and the structure of the course.

Keywords:

Professional pharmacists, life-long learning, professional development, intercultural competency, awareness, blind spots.