AI in pharmacy education: a comparative visualization analysis of global and Chinese research trends

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare necessitates a paradigm shift in pharmacy education to prepare future-ready professionals. However, the global trajectory of this educational evolution and the distinct strategic approaches between different regions remain under-explored. This study aims to systematically map the global and Chinese research landscapes, identifying evolutionary trends, pedagogical shifts, and core competency requirements in the intelligence era.

A comparative visualization analysis was conducted using CiteSpace (6.4.R1) on literature retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) covering publications up to December 31, 2025 (data retrieval was conducted in early 2026). We employed co-occurrence clustering and burst detection to analyze publication trends, institutional collaborations, and keyword evolution. The study specifically examined the divergence and convergence of educational strategies between global and Chinese contexts.

A total of 240 English and 118 Chinese high-relevance articles were analyzed, revealing a rapid growth trajectory characterized by a logarithmic pattern, with universities as primary research hubs. The analysis identified three critical pedagogical transitions: Assessment Transformation: A shift from rote memorization to complex clinical reasoning, driven by Gen AI tools; Pedagogical Innovation: The integration of "Virtual Reality" and "Immersive Teaching," signaling a move toward technology-enhanced experiential learning; and Competency Redefinition: A pivot from traditional pharmacology knowledge to "Digital Literacy" and "Interdisciplinary Abilities." Notably, comparative analysis revealed that while global research focuses heavily on the technical integration of AI in clinical practice, Chinese literature demonstrates a stronger orientation toward policy-driven curriculum reform and top-level design.

AI is increasingly recognized as a key catalyst associated with pedagogical evolution rather than merely a technological adjunct. Notably, while global efforts prioritize the technical integration of AI into clinical tools, Chinese initiatives emphasize top-level policy-driven curriculum reform. To bridge the gap between education and practice, institutions must transition from tool-based instruction to a deep integration of AI ethics, data logic, and clinical decision-making. This study provides an evidence-based roadmap for educators to align curricula with the accelerating digital transformation of the pharmacy profession.