Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Pharmacists in Low and Middle-Income Countries

The role of pharmacists in healthcare is undergoing change throughout the world. In recent years there had been a tremendous development in the field of pharmacy practice and to improve patient care. The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has motivated the pharmacists in the developed countries to adopt lifelong learning. This is vital to improve competence and provide optimized patient care. The objectives of this study were to explore the understanding of pharmacy stakeholders in Pakistan, Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago regarding the concept of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).The practice and perceptions of pharmacy stakeholders in Ghana, Pakistan and Trinidad and Tobago were explored. This included barriers, and policy recommendations. The study was conducted through qualitative in-depth interviews of 12 stakeholders, including academics, pharmacy practitioners and regulatory professionals in 3 countries.

The interviews were then audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and coded. A thematic analysis of the transcribed data led to the extraction of the main themes. The findings showed a process of establishment of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for pharmacists in Ghana whereas in Pakistan and Trinidad and Tobago there was no Continuing Professional Development (CPD) model for pharmacists. Our study informed the understanding of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) among pharmacy stakeholders in these countries and it’s positive impact on the pharmacy practice. The informants revealed the barriers and identified the possible facilitators to develop a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) model. The informants also highlighted the attributes and the key components to establish a CPD model in these countries. The study also indicated a joint effort to be made by the policy makers, pharmacy regulators and pharmacy practitioners in alliance with the international organizations such as International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA). This is to design a realistic, relevant and mandatory programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) model in these countries.