설문조사를 통한 전문약사 활동변화 파악 및 전문약사 발전을 위한 개선 방향 고찰 = Survey-Based Identification of Changes in Certified Pharmacy Specialists’ Activities and Directions for Advancement

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Background : To evaluate the current status and changes in the activities of certified pharmacy specialists since the initial assessment in 2021, a second national survey was conducted in 2024.
Methods : An online cross-sectional survey was administered from June to September 2024, targeting pharmacists certified by the Korean Society of Health-system Pharmacists (KSHP) since 2017. A committee consisting of eight members from the KSHP and the Korea Hospital Pharmaceutical Education and Research Center, along with two members from a college of pharmacy, revised the initial survey to create the second questionnaire. Certified pharmacy specialists registered with the KSHP were invited to participate, and the results of the second survey were compared to those of the first.
Results : Of the 922 eligible participants, 204 (22.1%) responded. Most respondents were in their 30s and 40s, with an average of 9.3 years from licensure to certification. The primary motivation for pursuing certification was its relevance to current job responsibilities (72%). Among respondents, 68.6% held a national certification, while 8.8% held a Board of Pharmacy Specialties certification from the American Pharmacists Association.
Participation in specialty-related clinical work increased to 64% during the certification year, and six years post-certification, 32% were still engaged in relevant fieldwork. Clinical participation was notably high in specialties such as nutrition support, transplantation, and critical care. Additionally, 44% reported involvement in education, while 28% engaged in research. Satisfaction scores were highest for work confidence and perceived performance, whereas economic rewards and promotion opportunities received the lowest ratings.
Conclusion : This study outlines the career trajectories of pharmacists who obtained certification after 2017 as of 2024 and presents comparative results with the initial survey. To sustain and enhance the activities of certified pharmacy specialists, it is essential to consider improvements in institutional support, financial incentives, and structured training pathways.