Cross-cultural Comparison of Pharmacy Students’ Attitudes, Knowledge, Practice, and Barriers Regarding Evidence-based Medicine

Abstract

Objective. To explore cultural influences on US and Japanese pharmacy students’ evidence-based medicine (EBM) attitudes, knowledge, and behavior.

Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey. Senior students in one pharmacy school in the United States and two pharmacy schools in Japan were invited to complete a 33-item survey instrument.

Results. Students in both countries reported having positive attitudes and understanding of EBM concepts. In their self-evaluation, American students rated their current EBM practice, EBM skills, and access to EBM resources higher than Japanese students rated themselves in these areas. The most common barriers to EBM for American students were lack of time (84.5%), lack of statistical knowledge (63.9%), and lack of critical appraisal skills (53.1%). The most common barriers to EBM for Japanese students were lack of training (92.6%), lack of clinical knowledge (90.4%), and lack of opportunity (88.8%).

Conclusion. Although barriers to implementing EBM and confidence levels in using EBM differed between US and Japanese pharmacy students, both cohorts recognized EBM as an important skillset for the pharmacy profession. Culturally specific approaches to teaching EBM to pharmacy students are needed to improve EBM use in practice.