Scottish pharmacists’ views and attitudes towards continuing professional development

Objectives To summarise Scottish pharmacists’ views and attitudes towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Setting Random sample of RPSGB registered Scottish pharmacists. Method A postal questionnaire of pharmacists’ CPD activity, views and attitudes was developed, piloted and sent to 2420 pharmacists. Questions were collated to produce total scores and to rate pharmacists’ motivation and attitudes to CPD separately. The number of CPD hours reported by sector and gender were compared (‘t’ test) and differences identified between hospital, community and primary care in relation to mean motivational attitudinal scores (Mann-Whitney test). Results Five hundred and forty three pharmacists completed the questionnaire (22.4% response rate). In this study 9.8% of the pharmacists reported spending no time on CPD. Comparisons of hours showed primary care pharmacists and hospital pharmacists reported similar times spent on CPD and significantly more time than community pharmacists (68 h and 66 h vs 45 h; P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences between genders were revealed. Internal reliability on motivation and attitude scores ranged from 0.74–0.83 (Cronbach’s alpha). Although scores were similar across sectors of practice in terms of motivation and attitudinal questions, statistical differences were consistent; showing higher scores for separate motivation and attitude among pharmacists in primary care than in hospital or community practice sectors (Mann Whitney test; P < 0.001). Community pharmacists had a statistically significantly lower attitude score than pharmacists in hospital or primary care sectors (Mann Whitney test; P < 0.001). Conclusion There is a section of pharmacists still not participating in CPD. Primary care pharmacists reported most motivation and scored highest in attitude score. Community pharmacists appear to be the sector requiring most support to increase not only their motivation to CPD but also their confidence and ability in participation.     

Introducing a mandatory continuing professional development system: an evaluation of pharmacists' attitudes and experiences in Northern Ireland

Objective To determine the extent of pharmacists' understanding of continuing professional development (CPD) prior to the implementation of a mandatory CPD system and the level of implementation of CPD, and to gain insight into pharmacists' attitudes towards the concept and the introduction of a mandatory CPD system. Setting Northern Ireland. Method A pre‐piloted, self‐administered, postal questionnaire was distributed to all registered pharmacists in Northern Ireland (n = 1821) in September 2004. A second mailing was carried out four weeks after the initial mailing. The questionnaire was divided into three sections to determine pharmacists' attitudes towards CPD, their understanding and experience of CPD and their attitudes towards sanctions and portfolio review. Key findings A response rate of 41% was achieved after two mailings. The majority of respondents supported the concept of CPD, with over 84% of respondents agreeing that it was essential for all practising pharmacists to engage in CPD. Over half of respondents (56%) reported regularly identifying their learning needs, but only a quarter (25%) maintained a CPD portfolio. Female pharmacists were more likely to maintain a CPD portfolio. Less than half of respondents (42%) indicated that sanctions should be in place for pharmacists who do not engage in CPD. Conclusion Overall, there was support for the concept of CPD but considerable variation was observed in the level of participation. A support system to encourage participation was favoured over sanctions for those pharmacists who did not engage in CPD.     

Advice provision for women: community pharmacists' attitudes and skills

Objective To assess the frequency of community pharmacists' advice‐giving to women and to determine pharmacists' attitudes and perceived knowledge, confidence and embarrassment in providing such advice. Method A postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 600 Northern Ireland community pharmacists for self‐completion. One reminder was sent. The questionnaire asked pharmacists to rate their knowledge on a list of women's health topics and to rate their confidence in dealing with women's health issues. Pharmacists were asked what actions they took to increase women's comfort in discussing potentially sensitive topics. They were also asked about the availability of women's health services locally. Closed response data were entered into SPSS for analysis while open question responses were collated and analysed separately. Key findings Pharmacy customers were predominantly female and the majority of pharmacists reported providing advice on women's health on a daily basis. Most pharmacists reported being confident and knowledgeable on women's health issues. Pharmacists had strategies to ensure that women felt comfortable discussing personal problems and they were not embarrassed dealing with such problems. Respondents felt more comfortable responding to, rather than initiating, such discussions. Personal views made it difficult for some respondents to provide advice on emergency contraception. Male pharmacists considered themselves to be less confident, less knowledgeable, more embarrassed and to have greater difficulty initiating a conversation on sensitive issues compared with female pharmacists. Conclusion Pharmacists on the whole were confident when dealing with requests for advice. Counselling confidence was related to counselling frequency. Initiation of conversations on women's health issues was difficult for some pharmacists. More active collaboration with the providers of other professional services available to women may enhance pharmacists' overall service provision for women customers.     

Improving Australian pharmacists' attitudes to internet use in community pharmacy practice

Objective The internet now provides a significant part of consumers' healthcare information. While little is known about how community pharmacists regard the internet, there is some suggestion that issues of confidence and motivation may provide significant barriers to appropriate use. The objectives of this study were to measure any changes in pharmacists' attitudes towards the internet after completing a four‐module educational course, ‘Advanced web skills for pharmacists: finding quality on the internet’. Method We developed a 30‐item instrument measuring pharmacists' attitudes toward the internet. Pharmacists completed the survey upon enrolment, then again on completion of the CD ROM course and for a third time three months after completing the course. Key findings The instrument was completed prior to the course by 147 participating pharmacists. The numbers of responses at the end of the course and 3–4 months post‐course were 104 and 88 respectively. We established a reliable measure of pharmacists' attitudes to the internet with an appropriate degree of face validity. There was a significant improvement in attitude after course completion (P <0.005) and a further significant improvement in attitude three months after course completion (P <0.01). Conclusions A short distance education programme in internet skills can markedly improve community pharmacists' attitudes to the internet.     

The extent and characteristics of United Kingdom hospital pharmacists keeping,or not keeping,a professional development portfolio

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the use of continuing professional development (CPD) portfolios by hospital pharmacists. The objectives were to assess the extent to which pharmacists use portfolios in CPD and to examine the attitudes/beliefs which differentiate those who do and do not keep a portfolio. Method Participants completed two questionnaires: (1) personality traits were examined using the Big‐Five questionnaire and (2) a new Pharmacist Portfolio‐Engaging Behaviour Questionnaire (PPEBQ) examined the attitudes and beliefs. What constitutes a portfolio was left to the interpretation of the participants, but it was specified that the survey was about participants' views of producing written records of their professional practice for CPD. The setting was hospital pharmacists based in the London area in December 2004. Key findings Overall, 134 pharmacists (78%) returned both questionnaires, and 80 stated that they kept a portfolio and 52 stated that they did not (two questionnaires were returned spoilt). There was no significant difference in the age or number of years qualified between those with and without a portfolio. Three personality traits were linked to keeping a portfolio (conscientiousness, agreeableness and emotional stability). Pharmacists with a portfolio scored highly on the perceived behavioural control and behavioural intention scales of the PPEBQ. Conclusions The Big‐Five personality questionnaire is a useful tool to investigate pharmacists' use of a portfolio. Results of the PPEBQ suggested that hospital pharmacists who had a portfolio were concerned with having control over its production. However, the PPEBQ requires further development to improve its reliability. These findings have implications for the educational support of CPD.     

Factors influencing Australian community pharmacists' willingness to participate in research projects ‐ an exploratory study

Objective To identify the factors influencing Australian community pharmacists' willingness to participate in research projects and their attitudes towards research. Method A mixed‐method survey instrument comprising demographics, previous participation in research, and perceptions about participation in research was mailed to 267 community pharmacists in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. An analysis of variance test was used to identify similarities and differences between research‐ and non‐research‐active respondents. Bivariate correlations and partial least squares (PLS) regression analyses were used to identify barriers and facilitators to research participation. Key findings The overall response rate to the survey was 40%. Of these, 70% were classified as previous research participants (PRP), and 30% were classified as non‐previous research participants (NPRP). Both groups had mostly favourable attitudes towards research; however, the results revealed several differences between the PRP and NPRP groups. Three items were identified as key facilitators to participation in research for both PRP and NPRP groups ‐ having an interest in the research topic; believing that the research will benefit the customer; and a belief that community pharmacy research is important. Lack of time, either real or perceived, was identified as a key barrier to participation in research for both the PRP and NPRP groups. Conclusion Researchers should take into account pharmacists' previous research experience when recruiting pharmacists into research projects. In the case of pharmacists with research experience, emphasis should be on promoting factors that facilitate participation. In the case of pharmacists with little research experience, emphasis should be on reducing barriers to participation.     

Community pharmacists' attitude toward depression: A pilot study

BackgroundPharmacists' expanding roles may be witness to greater involvement in mental illnesses, of which depression is the disorder with the highest prevalence. Little, however, is known on pharmacists' attitude toward depression, although it may affect pharmacists' service provision and lead to stigmatization of patients.ObjectiveThis study is intended as a pilot to explore community pharmacists' attitude toward depression, components in the attitude, and factors related to it.MethodsA random sample of 200 community pharmacists in Belgium was surveyed on the attitude toward depression. To measure this attitude, we used a modified version (adapted to the specific context of pharmacists) of the Depression Attitude Questionnaire (DAQ), which covers several aspects of the attitude toward depression.ResultsPharmacists' attitude toward depression was generally favorable, but some opinions about depression treatment were not. This attitude could be summarized by 4 components (the attitude toward the treatment of depression, toward the course of depression, toward pharmacists' role in depression care, and toward patients with depression), although several limitations in the component solution were observed. Older pharmacists and those with a more pessimistic attitude toward the course of depression endorsed a more negative attitude toward patients with depression.ConclusionsThe generally favorable attitude of community pharmacists toward depression is promising with regard to their role in depression care. Training programs, preferably including patients with depression themselves, are needed to further improve unfavorable attitudes. Further work is needed to refine the pharmacists' adapted DAQ.     

Scottish community pharmacists' current involvement in and attitudes towards ‘extended service’ provision: a national survey

Objective To determine Scottish community pharmacists' present involvement with ‘extended’ service provision, as outlined in ‘The right medicine’ policy document, as well as an insight into the attitudes of pharmacists in delivering such services. Setting All community pharmacists working in Scotland. Method A questionnaire was developed, piloted and refined before mailing to all community pharmacists working in Scotland (n = 1621). Two reminders were sent to non‐responders. Data on current service provision was analysed using SPSS version 11 for windows. Key findings An overall response rate of 56.4% (914/1621) was achieved for pharmacists. The survey revealed that the majority of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the ‘key service areas’ being provided from community pharmacies. Some services were obviously agreed with more than others. In particular repeat dispensing and emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) were rated highly. Least agreement was provided for needle exchange and schemes for supporting carers. Conclusion There appears to be wide variation in current service provision in the ‘key service areas’ considered. The highest involvement included EHC and methadone supervision. The lowest involvement was for needle exchange and schemes for supporting carers. Community pharmacist's attitudinal ratings were generally positive towards the ‘key service areas’ suggested.     

Pharmacists’ continuing professional development for non-communicable diseases management: A consensus study

BackgroundPharmaceutical 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.ObjectivesThe study aims to identify Kalsel pharmacists' engagement with, experiences of, and expectations for NCD-focused CPD activities, and CPD stakeholders’ views on these expectations.MethodsThis 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsAn 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.     

Perceived barriers to participating in continuing education: the views of newly registered community pharmacists

Objective — The main aim of this study was to explore newly registered community pharmacists' attitudes to the current provision of continuing education (CE) and to identify key factors that act as motivators and barriers to participation in CE. Method — Eight focus groups of newly registered pharmacists were set up. All focus groups were tape‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. The results presented in this paper focus specifically on the barriers to participation in CE. Setting — Four geographical areas of England. Key findings — The main barrier identified by the pharmacists was competing demands on their time, both in and out of work. Participants felt disillusioned with further study, describing this stage of their lives as a “honeymoon period” in which they sought to make adjustments in both their professional and personal lives. They also felt disillusioned with the reality of community pharmacy and offered this as an explanation for their lack of involvement in CE. In addition, many pharmacists believed themselves to be at the peak of their pharmaceutical knowledge, thus not requiring CE. Rather, it was felt that they needed to develop their skills in other areas such as communication skills or applying pharmaceutical knowledge in practice. It was suggested that this could only be remedied through working with and learning from more experienced pharmacists, rather than undertaking formal CE activities. Conclusion — Non‐participation in CE may be seen to result from a complex web of factors which do not easily map on to policies to increase participation of newly registered pharmacists in CE activities. Nevertheless, if newly registered community pharmacists are to achieve the continuity of learning necessary for continuing professional development, education providers will need to address their specific learning needs in the period following registration.     

Consumer attitudes towards community pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine consumer attitudes towards community pharmacy and their preferences for the introduction of new services. Methods A self‐completion questionnaire was developed and 1,144 consumers in 55 community pharmacies were invited to complete it. The questionnaire covered consumers' choice of pharmacy; their perceptions of, and actual interactions with, community pharmacists; advice from pharmacists about general health and prescribed medicines; and privacy in the pharmacy. Respondents were asked for their views about five possible new services. Setting The study was based in community pharmacies in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Key findings The response rate was 79.6%. Fifty‐nine per cent of respondents often or sometimes visited a particular pharmacy. One‐quarter of respondents perceived community pharmacists as having a good balance between health and business matters, while 56.1% thought pharmacists were more concerned with the business. The majority of respondents (69.7%) said they felt comfortable asking the pharmacist for advice. Just under half (44.8%) felt that pharmacists allowed them enough time to discuss their problem fully and listened well. In addition, 58.5% of respondents indicated that their pharmacists showed sensitivity to privacy by speaking more quietly across the counter. In 14.4% of situations pharmacists were reported to use a private area within the pharmacy when discussing personal or private matters. Most respondents (65.2%) indicated that their pharmacist was willing to discuss their health problems and tried to understand their feelings. Consumers' priorities for new services were: monitoring blood pressure; measuring weight, height and temperature; monitoring blood sugar; and monitoring cholesterol. Conclusion This study showed that most pharmacy customers feel comfortable seeking advice from their pharmacist. Although many pharmacists were reported to show sensitivity to a possible lack of privacy in the pharmacy, few respondents reported that their pharmacy had a private area for discussion. Customers' views on possible new services were generally positive, with the exception of patient medication records.     

The influence of continuing professional development portfolio records on pharmacy practice

Objectives The aim of this study was to undertake an in‐depth investigation of the influence of continuing professional development (CPD) portfolios on pharmacy practice in the hospital setting. The objectives were to explore the views of pharmacists regarding the contribution of CPD records to professional practice and examine the influence of time and experience on pharmacists' views of recording professional practice. Method A qualitative design was used to explore the views of pharmacists over 12 months. Pharmacists were stratified according to years of practice in the UK National Health Service (NHS). The methods used involved semi‐structured in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews. The interviews were undertaken at three time points. The pharmacists were gathered into three focus groups to test the consistency of the interviews. A purposive sampling method used nine NHS Teaching and Non‐Teaching hospital pharmacists in the London area. Key findings The participants included four males and five females, who had been qualified for between 0.1 and 21 years. Three key themes emerged for how CPD records contribute to practice: (1) lack of contribution to practice, (2) tacit contribution and (3) mentality. Overall, the recording process made little if any change in professional practice. The more experienced participants were less likely to be able to explain any changes in practice and there were no consistent changes in the views expressed over time. Conclusions The contribution of CPD recording to enhancing practice in hospital pharmacists was difficult to demonstrate. This study has also illustrated the power relationships involving control mechanisms used by the NHS, and the UK pharmacists' regulatory body, which are discussed in the context of the Panopticon model of self‐regulated behaviour. Further research is needed to establish the value of CPD recording.     

Community pharmacists' attitudes to medicines management: a qualitative study

Objective To explore community pharmacists' knowledge of, and attitudes toward, medicines management, including concerns or barriers to offering medicines management services from community pharmacy premises. Method Focus groups held with purposively sampled pharmacists from community, practice and research sectors in Scotland. Participants were invited to discuss community pharmacists' knowledge and experience of medicines management, concerns about providing medicines management services from community pharmacy premises, and possible effects of such services on relationships with general practitioners (GPs). Key findings Ten pharmacists attended two focus groups. Characteristics of participants varied according to sex and employment status as well as the type and setting of the pharmacy in which they worked. Participants were familiar with the term ‘medicines management’ but understanding varied between and within groups and differences from and similarities to the term ‘pharmaceutical care’ were less clear. Concerns about the delivery of extended services included practical issues and the effect on the ‘traditional’ role of the community pharmacist. Views were mixed on whether medicines management could become a routine part of all community pharmacists' practice or whether it required specialisation. Pharmacists distinguish between ‘patients’ and ‘customers’ in relation to their differing needs. The relationship between pharmacists and GPs was influenced by the post held by the pharmacist and the setting of the pharmacy. Conclusions The pharmacists in this small, regional sample expressed a wide range of attitudes and opinions about the delivery of medicines management services from community pharmacies. Useful insights were given into the practicalities of providing such services on a daily basis in the current working environment, and how pharmacists might be able to provide medicines management services in other ways. Medicines management can be seen as a reprofessionalising strategy for pharmacy, making use of the pharmacist's status as an ‘expert’ to enhance the natural object, the ‘drug’ into the object of social significance, the ‘medicine’. Further research with pharmacists from other regions is needed to confirm this explanation.     

Exploring community pharmacists' perceptions of their professional relationships with physicians,in Canada and the Netherlands

Objective — To explore community pharmacists' levels of interaction with, and perceptions of, physicians in primary care in Canada and the Netherlands Method — Interviews with community pharmacists Setting — Thirty-six community pharmacies in Vancouver, Canada, and 36 in the Nijmegen and Arnhem areas of the Netherlands Key findings — Dutch pharmacists were more likely to have “face-to-face contacts with the physician in the pharmacy setting” (P=0.008) and structured professional meetings with physicians (P<0.001). Canadian pharmacists were more likely to agree that “interaction with physicians is mainly limited to phone/fax” (P<0.001) and “the concept of pharmaceutical care is difficult to implement” (P=0.006). Qualitative analysis revealed that in both countries pharmacists had concerns about the attitudes of physicians and issues concerning territoriality. There were also many constructive comments and these enabled consideration of actions to enhance patient care Conclusion — The findings of the study suggest four areas which could contribute to improved patient care: (1) Increasing levels of professional interaction; (2) developing a mutual understanding of roles; (3) participating in joint initiatives to benefit patients through the extended role of pharmacists; (4) conducting structured meetings between professionals with an emphasis on the care of individual patients     

Influence of attitudes on pharmacists' intention to report serious adverse drug events to the Food and Drug Administration

AIM

To investigate the influence of pharmacists'' attitudes on intention to report serious adverse drug events (ADEs) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used a mail survey to collect data from hospital and community pharmacists practicing in Texas, United States. Three and 16 items were used to measure intention and attitudes, respectively, using a seven-point bipolar scale. Pharmacists'' demographic and practice characteristics, and past reporting were also measured.

RESULTS

The response rate was 26.4% (n = 377/1500 pharmacists). Most pharmacists intended (n = 297, 78.8%) to report serious ADEs that they will encounter to the FDA through MedWatch. Overall, pharmacists held favourable attitudes towards reporting serious ADEs (mean = 24.5, SD = 6.7, possible range 1–49, neutral = 16). Pharmacists intending to report serious ADEs had more favourable attitudes than those who did not (P < 0.001). About 90% of the pharmacists believed that reporting serious ADEs would improve patient safety. However, 72.6% indicated that reporting serious ADEs was time consuming and over half (55.5%) of the respondents believed that reporting serious ADEs disrupted the normal workflow. Non-intenders held stronger beliefs that ADE reporting would disrupt the normal workflow and was time consuming compared with intenders. Years of experience, number of hours worked and practice setting were associated with pharmacists'' attitudes towards reporting (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Most pharmacists held moderately favourable attitudes and high intentions toward reporting serious ADEs to the FDA. This study''s findings contribute to an increased understanding of individual factors that influence pharmacists'' attitude and intention towards reporting serious ADEs to the FDA.     

Community pharmacists' perspectives on pharmaceutical care implementation in New Zealand

Objective: There were three objectives to this study: to establish New Zealand community pharmacists' level of understanding of the pharmaceutical care process; to determine their attitudes to the concept of pharmaceutical care; and to determine the barriers to commencing pharmaceutical care practice. Comparisons were made between proprietors (pharmacy owners) and employees, males and females, and younger and older pharmacists. Method: The research tool was a questionnaire instrument, encompassing a total of 67 questions designed to determine community pharmacists' understanding, attitudes and appreciation of the opportunities and barriers inherent in the pharmaceutical care process. A total of 490 pharmacists representing 286 proprietors and 204 employees randomly selected from the Pharmaceutical Society register were sent a questionnaire. Results: The total responses numbered 377, which was a 76.9% overall response rate. Over 60% of the pharmacists surveyed had a correct understanding of pharmaceutical care. Approximately the same percentage felt the future of pharmacy would depend on the provision of services other than dispensing. Insufficient time, as a barrier to implementation, was identified by 87% of respondents, and an absence of a reimbursement system by a further 82%. Lack of: therapeutic knowledge; clinical problem solving skills; finance; appropriate space; patient demand; access to patient medical records; and data on the value of PC were identified as major barriers by over 50% of all respondents. There were significant differences in response to a number of issues recorded by males and females, proprietors and employees, and pharmacists above and below the mean sample age of 45 years.Conclusion: This study found that the community pharmacy environment in New Zealand had a high level of understanding of the pharmaceutical care process, but identified some significant barriers to implementation.     

Evaluation of a professional development course for pharmacists on laboratory values: can practice change?

Objectives The practice environment in Alberta has emerged as the most unique in North America, including access to laboratory values, a province‐wide electronic health record and legislation to support additional prescribing authority for qualified pharmacists. A course to help pharmacists integrate laboratory values in their medication management of patients was introduced to prepare pharmacists for these changes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pharmacists' experience with a continuing professional development (CPD) course and its impact on pharmacists' knowledge, confidence and change in practice. Methods A 12‐week CPD course for pharmacists on interpreting laboratory values was delivered as a 2‐day interactive workshop followed by three distance‐learning sessions. The evaluation explored pharmacists' knowledge and confidence using laboratory values in practice, changes in practice and effectiveness of course delivery through pre‐ and post‐course surveys and interviews. Key findings Pharmacists' knowledge about laboratory tests and confidence discussing and using laboratory values in practice significantly improved after course completion. The blended delivery format was viewed positively by course participants. Pharmacists were able to implement learning and make changes in their practice following the course. Conclusions A CPD course for pharmacists on integrating laboratory values improved pharmacists' knowledge and confidence and produced changes in practice.     

The General Level Framework: use in primary care and community pharmacy to support professional development

Objectives To compare practice pharmacists and community pharmacists based on the use of the General Level Framework (GLF) as a tool to support continuing professional development (CPD). Setting Primary care and community pharmacy in London and the East of England. Method The study pharmacists were self‐selected after distribution of recruitment packs in the study area through local pharmaceutical committees, primary care trusts and two large multiples. Sixty‐nine pharmacists used the framework to support their CPD (42 community pharmacists and 27 with a role in primary care pharmacy). Pharmacists made an initial self‐assessment against the GLF and then used the framework over a 12‐month period to identify learning needs for CPD. Pharmacists identified their desired performance levels for the behaviours in the framework, based on guidance from the project team, and then identified their learning needs by comparing the desired performance level with their self‐assessment. Pharmacists were visited at 4 and 8months by a trained facilitator to support their self‐assessment and progress with CPD. Final self‐assessments were collected at 12months. Assessment ratings for the delivery of patient‐care competencies were compared. Key findings There was no difference in the probability of either group achieving their desired performance level (log rank = 0.023, 1 df, P = 0.878): pharmacists achieved their desired performance level irrespective of their sector of work, demonstrating the applicability of the GLF to the different sectors of practice. Practice pharmacists had a higher aggregated score for the desired performance levels than the community pharmacists (Mann‐Whitney U = 10.500, P < 0.001; median = 133.0 and 119.5 respectively). Conclusion Both groups of pharmacists were able to apply the framework to their practice and use it to support their CPD, resulting in increasing self‐assessed competency scores over time. The higher desired performance level for practice pharmacists compared with community pharmacists conveys a difference, perceived or actual, between the two roles. Irrespective of the difference in desired performance levels, both groups of pharmacists have improved, to meet their level of expectation, over the 12‐month period.     

Informal learning in the workplace: what are the environmental barriers for junior hospital pharmacists?

Objective To determine the environmental barriers to informal learning in the workplace of junior hospital pharmacists. Setting A pharmacy department within a large teaching hospital in the north west of England. Method Twelve semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the entire population of junior hospital pharmacists (n = 12). Interviewees were asked about their responsibilities and their learning in the workplace. Questions were also asked about how various aspects of the workplace environment influenced their learning and ability to develop as a pharmacist. Key findings Three key environmental barriers to informal learning in the workplace were identified. Firstly, the allocation and structuring of work inhibited the junior hospital pharmacists' informal learning by causing them to work under pressure and in isolation; in addition, the rotational nature of the job created barriers to informal learning. Secondly, lack of feedback and goals inhibited their learning. They also felt that the managers were not fostering an environment conducive to learning. Finally, structural inhibitors such as location of departments, and lack of desk space and computers were perceived to limit their ability to learn. Conclusion This study highlights the presence of environmental barriers to informal learning for junior hospital pharmacists. While these barriers are contextual and closely related to the workplace setting, their identification will enable those responsible for the development of junior pharmacists in the workplace to take these into consideration when promoting informal learning.