Abstract
Professional development activity is needed to ensure practitioners are up to date and providing optimal patient care. This includes, but is not restricted to, mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) or continuing education (CE) requirements, which differ by professions globally and within countries. This study aimed to investigate perceptions, participation, and individual practice for healthcare professionals in Great Britain (GB) and pharmacists globally to identify similarities and differences after the introduction of revalidation for pharmacists in GB. Qualitative data was received through interviews, which was analysed using content analysis. In total, 24 interviews were completed with pharmacists registered globally, and healthcare professionals registered in GB. A culture of CPD was seen for healthcare professionals in GB and globally for pharmacists; there was no consistent model. Face-to-face activity was common, with an increase in online provision, especially where large geographies were seen. Most learning was completed in the professional’s own time. Multiple providers were seen, with the evaluation of events using questionnaires being commonplace. Different formats of learning were useful for different topics, with skills learning being better when face-to-face. Although varied requirements were in place, regulation should support patient-based practice outcomes. This study showed that commitment to learning was similar in different professions in GB and by pharmacists globally, with similar benefits and challenges.
Highlights
Academic Editor: Jon SchommerProfessional development activity is needed to ensure practitioners are up to date with current drugs and guidelines, as well as to ensure that they are providing optimal patient care
Professional development activity is essential for pharmacists to ensure their knowledge and competence is maintained throughout their career; learning is not restricted to only mandatory requirements, as it is self-driven
Where quotes are used in the text, the role of the Great Britain (GB) based healthcare professional, or the country of the global pharmacist, are given
Summary
Professional development activity is needed to ensure practitioners are up to date with current drugs and guidelines, as well as to ensure that they are providing optimal patient care. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a lifetime commitment of providing care in a safe and effective way [1]. Continuing Education (CE), or CPD as professional development activities are commonplace for healthcare professionals globally, the mandatory requirements in place are currently varied. Professional development activity is essential for pharmacists to ensure their knowledge and competence is maintained throughout their career; learning is not restricted to only mandatory requirements, as it is self-driven. Whilst CE has a primary focus on pure participation in activity and recording of the hours of activity completed, CPD demonstrates reflection on learning needs, planning, participation, and evaluation. It has been noted that CPD offers a greater return of investment compared to CE, as there is a greater focus on context and application [2,3]
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