An Effective Training Program for Registered Sales Clerks Who Sell Over-the-Counter Drugs in Japan: A Preliminary Study

Purpose: The Japanese healthcare system has designated registered sales clerks to sell over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Because of this, the AEON HAPYCOM Comprehensive Training Organization implemented an education program to train registered clerks in 2014. The program is unique; it consists of both lectures and hands-on workshop components. We conducted this study as part of a self-evaluation designed to improve the program. Methods: Program participants were asked to respond to an evaluation form upon completion. The form was designed to ascertain student perceptions of the program’s components (e.g., themes, lecturers, materials, and the hands-on workshop) as well as its applicability to their practice of selling OTC drugs. Results: We obtained a total of 6,776 responses from 3,388 participants. On average, each of the program’s components were rated highly, with the hands-on workshop being rated the highest. There was a weak relationship between the scores for program preparation and its applicability to OTC sales practices. Conclusion: The program (especially the hands-on workshop component) was highly evaluated by participants. However, we determined that enhancements could be made to the hands-on workshop and other mechanisms to encourage participants to prepare before attending the program.