Young pharmacists as tomorrow’s decision-makers: tool validation and perceptions of pharmaceutical policymaking in Lebanon

Background: The perception of pharmacy policymaking among early-career pharmacists is crucial for developing and advancing the profession. This study aimed to construct and validate a new tool, the Pharmaceutical Policymaking Perception Scale (PPPS), and assess pharmacy students’ and graduates’ perceptions of pharmaceutical policymaking in Lebanon. Methods: A standardized questionnaire was disseminated through electronic platforms. It included sociodemographic characteristics, education-related variables, and scales measuring leadership, general self-efficacy, strategic thinking, and public service motivation. The validity of the newly developed PPPS was confirmed, and concepts were linked through multivariate analyses. Results: The PPPS tool exhibited excellent psychometric properties, with its items loading on two factors representing the positive and negative perceptions of pharmaceutical policymaking. The scale demonstrated excellent reliability as well as robust content, construct, structural, and concurrent validity. Only 4% of participants scored above 70, indicating relatively low perceptions of pharmaceutical policymaking in Lebanon. Higher PPPS scores were associated with higher self-efficacy and strategic thinking, while lower scores were linked to reduced public service motivation. No association was found between PPPS and leadership. Conclusion: The novel PPPS scale offers valuable insights into pharmacists’ views, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of policymaking perceptions. The potential disconnection between the studied concepts raises concerns. Further research is recommended to confirm these findings, and urgent action by educators and policymakers is essential to effectively engage with early-career pharmacists and enhance their motivation to serve the profession in challenging circumstances.