Involvement of community pharmacists in continuing professional development (CPD): a baseline survey in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia (original) (raw)
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National Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training needs of pharmacists in Ethiopia
Background Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in pharmacy is a lifelong learning approach whereby individual pharmacists are responsible for updating and broadening their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This is vital to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care services. However, there is a lack of available data revealing the CPD needs of Ethiopian pharmacists. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify CPD training needs of pharmacists practicing in Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study design with a quantitative approach was employed in this study. This assessment involved 640 pharmacists representing various sectors of the profession. Data were collected through a combination of an online platform and a face-to-face questionnaire administered in person. Result A total of 634 participants completed and returned the questionnaires, resulting in an impressive response rate of 99.1%. A significant majority (74.1%) of the participants possessed bachelor's degree in pharmacy (B. Pharm). Pharmaceutical Logistics and Pharmacy administration was preferentially selected as a prior CPD course by 36% of participants, of them while Pharmacotherapy (17%), Leadership/Governance (13%), Community Pharmacy (12%), Research and Development (11%) were also the subsequent top choices by participants. Off-site face-to-face lectures (59.2%), Hybrid (face-to-face + e-learning) (54.8%), and on-site on-the-job training (45.5%) were the most convenient means of CPD course delivery. On the other hand, the participants least favored print-based or correspondence programs for CPD course delivery. Conclusions CPD holds great importance in the professional lives of pharmacists. It is critical for pharmacists, CPD providers, and those responsible for accrediting CPD programs to recognize the specific CPD requirements, preferred methods of delivery, and obstacles involved. This understanding is vital for establishing priorities and effectively planning CPD activities. In light of this, our study identified the most preferred CPD training courses and convenient delivery methods for pharmacists in Ethiopia. We recommend that CPD providers and accrediting bodies in Ethiopia refer to our findings when approving CPD courses.
2022
Background: Despite continuing professional development (CPD) becoming a key strategy for improving health outcomes by enhancing the quality of pharmaceutical care services, the CPD needs of the pharmaceutical practitioners in Zambia remained unknown prior to this study. Aim: To determine the CPD needs and preferences among pharmaceutical practitioners in Zambia. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved administering a structured self-administered online questionnaire to collect data from 111 pharmaceutical practitioners registered in Zambia. Results: The majority of the participants (80%) were Pharmacists with less than 10-years post-registration experience. Several respondents (84.8%) indicated they were engaged in more than one sector of pharmaceutical practice, with hospital and community (retail) pharmacy sectors together having the highest proportion of practitioners. The highly preferred modes of undertaking CPD activities were conferences, seminars, symposia, and workshops (81.7%) followed by hands-on interactive skills activities (79.2%), and short courses (74.4%). CPD involving skills development (95.3%) was highly preferred followed by knowledge impartation (89.9%), behavioural enhancement (77.8%), and lastly attitude inculcation (74.1%). Specific high priority CPD programmes identified included: supply chain management, antimicrobial stewardship, medicine use review, rational use of medicines, and chronic care (non-communicable diseases) management, among several others. Conclusion: Pharmaceutical practitioners interviewed in this study seem to be in need of contextually relevant CPD programmes. Blended learning approaches involving face-to-face and online learning coupled with hands-on interactive sessions in knowledge impartation, behavioural enhancement, and skills development were preferred. These findings suggest an opportunity in Zambia to develop and upgrade relevant CPD for pharmaceutical practitioners.
Pharmacy Education, 2021
Introduction: The study aimed to assess the extent to which pharmacists in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, voluntarily participated in recording their CPD activities on the CPD online recording system of the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), and to identify associated challenges. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected using Survey Monkey from 578 registered pharmacists over a four month period. Responses were exported to Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: The response rate was 25.4%. Most pharmacists (87%) agreed that CPD was necessary. While 64% participated in CPD activities, only 24.8% recorded these activities voluntarily. Challenges faced with participating in recording activities included recording of CPDs is currently not mandatory (27.3%), lack of information (27.3%), lack of interest (27.3%), time constraints (39.1%) and system/programme issues (26.1%) were also cited as reasons for not recording CPD a...
Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy
Background: Pharmaceutical care for non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Indonesia needs improvement especially in provinces like Kalimantan Selatan (Kalsel) with increasing NCD prevalence. This research explored possible improvements for Kalsel pharmacists NCD Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes. Objectives: The study aims to identify Kalsel pharmacists' engagement with, experiences of, and expectations for NCD-focused CPD activities, and CPD stakeholders' views on these expectations. Methods: This sequential mixed-methods study used a quantitative survey to map Kalsel pharmacists' CPD engagement and preferences. The survey findings, and Kalsel pharmacists' knowledge and skills in NCD management, were further explored in four geographically-diverse focus group discussions (FGDs). Triangulated findings from the survey and FGDs were presented to pharmacist CPD stakeholders in a modified Nominal Group Technique (NGT) discussion, resulting in a prioritised list of CPD activities and allocation of local leadership for each activity. Results: The survey response rate was 51% (249/490) with fair representation of the geographic spread. CPD sessions were seen as a social event to network with colleagues (34%) and improve knowledge (31%). Major hindrances for participation were work commitments (25%) and travel needs (22%). Most participants (64%), especially the more senior, preferred explicitly interactive CPD formats (adjusted odds ratio 0.94 for each additional year from graduation; 95% confidence interval 0.89-0.99; p = 0.036). The FGDs identified challenges in managing NCD, strengths and gaps in NCD knowledge, and preferences for NCD CPD. The modified NGT produced 12 actions which five major stakeholders agreed to lead. Conclusions: An explicitly interactive NCD CPD programme based on a community of practice model and supported by blended learning is likely to be most effective for pharmacists in the Kalimantan Selatan province of Indonesia. A co-designed multi-stakeholder systems-based approach to CPD programme, as used in this study, is likely to increase the engagement and success of the programme.
Advances in medical education and practice, 2020
Introduction: Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) and continuing professional development (CPD) programs have been useful for enhancing the skills and performance of pharmacists. Despite its adoption worldwide, the practice of such programs has been limited in Nepal. The current pilot study aimed to assess the perception of pharmacists regarding CPE/CPD in one of the oncology centers in Nepal. The goal of this study was to provide suggestions for developing and implementing the CPE/CPD programs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based pilot study, whereby the pharmacists and assistant pharmacists at a single-center were provided with a structured questionnaire inquiring about their perception of CPE/CPD. A mixed-method approach was followed for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used for all the variables. Results: A total of 15 pharmacy professionals were enrolled in the study. Recent innovations in pharmacy practices were the most commonly desired topics (n= 11, 73.3%) for CPE/CPD. Live in-person presentations (n= 10, 66.7%) and handouts method (n= 10, 66.7%) were the most recommended practices for CPE/CPD. The most commonly cited deterrent was poor quality and method of CPE delivery (n=11, 73.3%), while the most common motivation was professional competence (n= 12, 80%). Conclusion: This pilot study shows the benefits of developing CPE/CPD packages in future for pharmacy professionals focusing on advances in pharmacy practices and skill development, using in-person presentations and handouts, and focusing on the curiosity of the participant to improve his/her professional practice.
Advances in Medical Education and Practice
Introduction: Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) and continuing professional development (CPD) programs have been useful for enhancing the skills and performance of pharmacists. Despite its adoption worldwide, the practice of such programs has been limited in Nepal. The current pilot study aimed to assess the perception of pharmacists regarding CPE/CPD in one of the oncology centers in Nepal. The goal of this study was to provide suggestions for developing and implementing the CPE/CPD programs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based pilot study, whereby the pharmacists and assistant pharmacists at a single-center were provided with a structured questionnaire inquiring about their perception of CPE/CPD. A mixed-method approach was followed for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used for all the variables. Results: A total of 15 pharmacy professionals were enrolled in the study. Recent innovations in pharmacy practices were the most commonly desired topics (n= 11, 73.3%) for CPE/CPD. Live in-person presentations (n= 10, 66.7%) and handouts method (n= 10, 66.7%) were the most recommended practices for CPE/CPD. The most commonly cited deterrent was poor quality and method of CPE delivery (n=11, 73.3%), while the most common motivation was professional competence (n= 12, 80%). Conclusion: This pilot study shows the benefits of developing CPE/CPD packages in future for pharmacy professionals focusing on advances in pharmacy practices and skill development, using in-person presentations and handouts, and focusing on the curiosity of the participant to improve his/her professional practice.
International Journal of Pharmacy and Chemistry
Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible of all health workers in the community, who are playing a key role in the delivering the primary health care services. Traditionally pharmacists' role is mostly confined to dispensing medication and provides public health services rarely. The current role of community pharmacists should include dispensing medicines with a prescription or without a prescription, advice patients during dispensing of prescription and non-prescription drugs, deliver drug information to health professionals, patients and to the public, and promotes health programmes. This advancement in pharmacy service demands competent pharmacists. The objective of the study was to evaluate the competency and attitude of pharmacists in the management of common ailments among community pharmacies in Adama Town, Adama, Ethiopia, 2021. A cross sectional study was conducted on 44 pharmacists working at community pharmacies in Adama Town from April 30 to July 30, 2021. Data was collected by face-to-face interview. Data was cleared, categorized, compiled, and coded before analyzed by using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics computed for the study variables and frequency distribution tables and figures was used to describe the findings. Majority of the study participants, 23 (52.3%), were males, the mean age of the participants is 33 years old. The study revealed that 26 (59.1%) were competent [mean > 0.7815, SD=0.27] while 40.9% were incompetent [mean < 0.7815]. Accordingly 50% of respondents had positive attitude (mean > 3.67) while the rest, 50% were negative attitudes. Lack of knowledge or clinical skills, lack of access to additional training programs and lack of time are the major reasons for incompetency. Majority of the community pharmacist are competent. But, 50% of the pharmacists had a negative attitude toward managements of common ailments. Reasons for incompetency such as inadequate knowledge, lack of access to training programs, inadequate time and the negative attitudes of pharmacists may be barriers for managements of common ailments. Town Health Bureaus should organize and provide in-service training and advocate managements of common ailments as one area in a continuous professional development program to pharmacists working in community pharmacies.
Pharmacists’ journey to clinical pharmacy practice in Ethiopia: Key informants’ perspective
Objective: Clinical pharmacy practice has developed internationally to expand the role of a pharmacist well beyond the traditional roles of compounding and supplying drugs to roles more directly in caring for patients and providing medication consultation to staff. This area of practice is at the infant stage in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to explore key informants' perspective in the implementation of clinical pharmacy practice in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. Method: A qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interviews with the heads of departments (internal medicine, paediatrics, surgery, nurse, pharmacy, medical director, administration) and pharmacy student representatives. Qualitative data analysis was done after audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and notes were compiled. Results: All of the respondents interviewed express diverse and conflicting perspectives on pharmacists' role, varying from a health-care professional to a business man. Despite this, the current pace of change worldwide takes the professions' mission to that of a provider of clinical pharmacy services. The data ascertained the change in pharmacy practice, and integrating clinical pharmacy services within the health-care system should be seen as a must. Pharmacists should delineate from a business perspective and focus on widening the scope of the profession of pharmacy and should come close to the patient to serve directly. Conclusions: Although the perception of people on traditional roles of pharmacists was weak, there were promising steps in developing clinical pharmacy practice within the health-care system. Moreover, the results of this study revealed a high demand for this service among health-care providers.
International Journal of Scientific Reports, 2019
Background: Clinical pharmacy service (CPS) is an expanding patient-oriented, hospital role with the potential for encroachment on the physician's role. In large part, the success of CPS will depend on the degree to which other health professionals accept the concept and are willing to cooperate with its disciples. Unfortunately, our information about the degree of knowledge regarding acceptance and reaction toward clinical pharmacy by other health workers is meager. Methods: A cross sectional study design was carried out by using self-administered questionnaires on 110 health care professionals (HCP) in Nedjo General Hospital 10th March to 10th April, 2018.. Results: From the total respondents 91 (82.7%) were males and majority of them were nurses 46 (41.8%) followed by midwifes 23 (20.9%). This study showed that 67 (60.9%) of the HCPs had a good knowledge and 67.3% of the HCPs had a positive attitude about CPS. There was no significant difference between the HCPs knowledge of clinical pharmacy services in relation to their sex (p=0.744), age (p=0.313), profession (p=0.997), level of education (p=0.509), and experience (p=0.553). Regarding HCPs' attitude of CPs role, there was no significant difference in relation to their sex (p=0.588), age (p=0.144), profession (p=0.059) and experience (p=0.394). However, the study revealed that there was a significant difference (p=0.009) between HCPs attitude and level education of HCPs. Conclusions: Majority of the HCPs had a good knowledge and a positive attitude towards CPS. Attention should focus to hospitals to implement ward based CPS and increasing inter-professional relationships between HCPs and pharmacists.
2021
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Continuous Professional Development in the pharmaceutical workplace and the direct impact on the pharmacists’ personal and professional progression and to assess their perceptions toward various CPD methods and their incorporation into this recent learning pathway. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Lebanon within three months from July 2017 till September 2017 using a survey as a tool. Overall 142 participants were conveniently selected frequency matching national government estimates of pharmacists’ work location and gender . Results: Among the respondents, 38.7% reported that they have learnt through CD/DVD, 57.7% pharmacists attended a conference and 43.7% reported that they took advantage of the E-learning modules provided by the Order of pharmacists in Lebanon. An improvement in practical skills (64.1%) and knowledge acquisition were outlined. The majority considered that the programs mo...