Innovative Strategies in Pharmacy Education: Bridging Theory and Practice
A special issue of Trends in Higher Education (ISSN 2813-4346).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to launch a Special issue entitled “Innovative Strategies in Pharmacy Education: Bridging Theory and Practice.”
Pharmacy education has traditionally emphasised theoretical knowledge, grounded in science. This is still necessary, but as healthcare becomes increasingly patient-centred and outcome-driven, integrating hands-on, experiential learning and other innovative strategies to demonstrate the theory in practice is essential to prepare pharmacists for complex clinical environments. Bridging theory and practice enhances critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills, pivotal for safe, effective, and ethical patient care. Pharmacy regulators are asking educators to demonstrate how students practice effectively throughout their formal education journey and beyond.
Innovative strategies such as simulation-based training, augmented reality modules, and multiple digital innovations foster immersive learning experiences mirroring real-world clinical scenarios. These approaches facilitate the transfer of theoretical knowledge into actionable practice through effective feedback, thereby preparing for patient caring practice. Moreover, the use of reflective practice along with competency-based and practical assessments cultivates professional identity and supports a lifelong learning culture.
The aim of this Special Issue is to identify key innovations in the pharmacy education landscape, supporting the application of learning to practice, to share best practices and support the ongoing development of pharmacy professionals in the changing scope and expectations of pharmacy practice internationally.
Submissions may include original research, case studies, reviews, or commentaries focusing on, but not exclusive to, the following topics:
- Experiential learning in pharmacy;
- Simulation- and technology-enhanced training;
- Interprofessional collaboration;
- Competency-based education;
- Professional identity formation.
By showcasing innovation and the demonstration of theory in practice, this issue will support the efficacy of experiential methodologies, showing improved student confidence and readiness for practice, thereby supporting patient outcomes. Pharmacy curricula are evolving, embedding innovation to close the theory–practice gap and develop future-ready professionals.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Ricarda Micallef
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- pharmacy education
- theory–practice gap
- simulation learning
- reflective practice
- clinical readiness
- innovative pedagogy
- digital innovation
- application of learning
- practice evaluation
- competence development
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