OBJECTIVES: In Japan, the model core curriculum for pharmacy education was revised in 2015 and a topic related to pharmacoeconomics was added.

METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted to clarify the current situation of teaching this topic in schools of pharmacy. In an annual meeting of social pharmacy education in October 2017, a purpose this survey was explained and asked someone who had taught this topic in each school to answer questions.

RESULTS: A total of 61 schools responded by mails or e-mails among 74 schools across Japan (82.4% response rate). About 68% of schools, the topic was taught as a part of required subjects. Main keywords related to analytical methods such as cost-effectiveness, ICER, QALY, cost, productivity were covered at almost all schools. However, utilization for healthcare decision making process was rarely discussed. Only limited schools answered that they included keywords of HTA guideline, pricing and reimbursement, or uncertainty and sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The survey indicated that contents taught in each school differed across schools and an appropriate educational tool would be required to standardize way of teaching under the core curriculum requirements.