Competency development for pharmacy: adopting and adapting the FIP global advanced development framework.

Background: Pharmacy education shifts toward competency-based training to meet healthcare demands. This study aims to develop and validate the Kuwait Advanced Competency Framework (KACF) for pharmacists. The study adopts the FIP Global Advanced Development Framework (GADF) to develop a country-specific framework, emphasizing the importance of aligning with global standards while adapting to local contexts. The developed framework builds upon the Kuwait Foundation Competency Framework to address the need for advanced pharmacy services.

Methods: This is a mixed methods study that employed an "adopt and adapt" approach. The KACF was adopted from the FIP GADF and adapted following four phases. Phase one involved checking and validating the Arabic version of the FIP GADF. Phase two employed a series of focus groups to validate accuracy and relevancy of competency statements. Phase three utilized a workshop with different stakeholders as a final step of validation. Phase four involved a national survey to assess the national pharmacy workforce against the framework competencies. Qualitative feedback from focus groups and workshops informed competencies modifications. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple correspondence analyses (MCA).

Results: The translation phase verified a bilingual framework that could be utilized by pharmacists in Kuwait. The initial and final validation phases identified 20 behavioral statements (out of 22 in the original document) that are relevant to pharmacy practice in Kuwait. The national survey, comprising 169 respondents, validated the KACF's applicability, revealing variations in career stage progression across competency clusters. Findings highlighted associations between career stages and practice settings, offering insights for tailored workforce development strategies.

Conclusion: The KACF emerges as a pivotal tool for advancing pharmacy services in Kuwait, aligning with global trends toward competency-based education. Findings underscored the necessity for context-specific approaches in advancing pharmacy practice, providing a comprehensive understanding of competency progression and readiness for advanced roles.