Methodology for preparing a student project within the course «Health Technology Assessment» for second (masterʼs) level students in speciality I8 Pharmacy

The article substantiates the relevance of integrating a project-based approach into the study of the discipline Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in the training of second-level (master’s) students majoring in І8 Pharmacy. This approach contributes not only to the acquisition of knowledge but also to the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, the ability to work with evidence-based data, and to make well-founded managerial decisions. Given the increasing relevance of implementing evidence-based and economically sound decisions in the healthcare system, especially under conditions of limited resources, HTA is gaining importance as a tool for shaping transparent and rational management decisions. The rapid development of novel medical technologies, the emergence of innovative medicinal products, medical devices, and digital solutions require professionals to be capable of conducting systematic, objective, and context-adapted assessments. At the same time, Ukraine continues to experience a shortage of specialists qualified to apply HTA methodologies in their professional practice, which highlights the need to improve educational programs for pharmaceutical training. The aim of the study was to develop an educational and methodological framework for organizing a student project within the HTA discipline, focused on building professional competencies among students in the field of Pharmacy, in line with modern educational approaches and the current demands of pharmaceutical training. The result of the study is a structured model of a student project that includes five key stages, implemented through ten sequential steps. For each stage, appropriate tools, data sources, and recommended timeframes were identified. The proposed algorithm aligns with the stages outlined in the National Guideline for Health Technology Assessment of Medicinal Products in Ukraine, ensuring the standardization of approaches and enhancing the quality of the educational process. The developed educational toolkit enables an effective combination of theoretical training and practical work, simulating real-life professional scenarios relevant to future roles within the healthcare system. This approach not only improves the quality of student training but also fosters readiness for interdisciplinary collaboration and professional integration into the health sector.