CPD aligned to competency standards to support quality practice

As medication experts, pharmacists are key members of the patient’s healthcare team.Pharmacists must maintain their competence to practice to remain responsive to the increasinglycomplex healthcare sector. This paper seeks to determine how competence training for pharmacistsmay enhance quality in their professional development. Results of two separately administeredsurveys (2012 and 2013) were compared to examine the reported continued professional development(CPD) practices of Australian pharmacists. Examination of results from both studies enableda focus on how the competency standards inform CPD practice. In the survey administered in2012, 91% (n = 253/278) pharmacists reported that they knew their current registration requirements.However, in the survey administered in 2013, only 43% (n = 46/107) reported utilization of theNational Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia (NCS) to self-asses theirpractice as part of their annual re-registration requirements. Fewer, 23% (n = 25/107), used the NCSto plan their CPD. This may be symptomatic of poor familiarity with the NCS, uncertainty aroundundertaking self-directed learning as part of a structured learning plan and/or misunderstandingsaround what CPD should include. This is supported by thematic analysis of pharmacists’ socialmedia comments. Initial and ongoing competence training to support meaningful CPD requiresurgent attention in Australia. The competence (knowledge, skills and attributes) required to engagein meaningful CPD practice should be introduced and developed prior to entry into practice;other countries may find they are in a similar position