A Comprehensive Review on Outcome Based Education Framework (OBE) for Implementation in Indian Pharmacy Institutes

Introduction: There has been a substantial paradigm shift in pharmacy education towards Outcomes-Based Education (OBE), which emphasizes the acquisition of industrial based competencies and skills among the graduates. Objectives: This review discusses the framework of an OBE, which will ensure redesigning of the teaching practices based on the industrial requirement and will create an opportunity for universities in India to produce marketable graduates. Materials and Methods: A total of 218 papers were identified, and 135 were utilized to compile the review paper. The research studies included in this process were those which contained at least three selected keywords. Any papers that did not correspond to these keywords were excluded from the review process. The study was conducted from March, 2023 to June 2024. Results and Discussion: The review highlights significant disparities between the current state of pharmacy education and the expectations of the industry, particularly in the areas of practical skills and employability. The review recommends the implementation of an OBE framework that includes well-defined Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) and Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) to align educational outcomes with the demands of the industry. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) will ensure that the curriculum is regularly updated based on stakeholder feedback to enhance the level of competency among students in critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application. Conclusion: This review offers a comprehensive framework for a possible implementation of OBE in Indian pharmacy universities and institutes, with the objective of aligning with industry needs and enhancing global competitiveness.