Mia Catharina Nikolaisen Heimdal

• Granås, Anne Gerd; Kadir, Lavin; Bjørknes, Marthe Rambøl; Nilsen, Marianne Kollerøs; Foss, Camilla & Heimdal, Mia Catharina Nikolaisen [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2026). Pharmacy Stories - Using Historical Narratives to Shape Future Pharmacy Education in a Digital Era. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background: Pharmacy practice is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digital technologies, new models of care, and evolving professional roles. Preparing students for these changes requires educational approaches that connect professional development over time with emerging competence needs. This study explores how pharmacists’ professional stories can be used to link past developments with future-oriented competencies in pharmacy education. Methods: A total of 49 pharmacists were interviewed across Norway. Undergraduate students conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 pharmacists, while an academic team conducted 33 additional video and audio interviews. Data were transcribed and analyzed thematically by both students and academics. Selected material was integrated into a digital learning platform used in pharmacy education in Norway. Results: Interviewees described major developments in pharmaceutical production, digitalization of logistics and dispensing, early adoption of automation, IT systems for safe medicine distribution, the emergence of clinical pharmacy, and strengthened emergency preparedness. The stories highlighted increasing competence needs in digital tools, decision support, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students involved reported increased engagement and a deeper understanding of professional roles, career pathways, and future competence needs. The narratives also supported reflection on the societal and humanistic dimensions of pharmacy. Conclusions: Integrating professional stories into pharmacy education represents an innovative and transferable approach to linking past developments with future competencies. This method supports curriculum design by embedding authentic professional experiences and promoting competencies in digital literacy, clinical practice, and professional judgment. The approach is adaptable across educational contexts and may contribute to developing a future-oriented and resilient pharmacy workforce.

• Heimdal, Mia Catharina Nikolaisen; Kadir, Lavin; Gløersen, Anne Gyri; Granås, Anne Gerd & Treciokiene, Indre (2024). PILOTING SIMULATION TRAINING IN THE ADVANCED PHARMACY PRACTICE EXPERIENCE (APPE) COURSE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OSLO -THE PHARMACY GAME EXPERIENCE. Full text in Research Archive

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