Introduction

CPD means "Continuing Professional Development" and is a systematic, ongoing, cyclical process of self directed learning.  It became mandatory for all pharmacists registered in Northern Ireland in June 2005 to maintain a CPD portfolio.  When you register as a practising pharmacist each year, you will be asked to sign a declaration stating that you have undertaken 30 hours of CPD.

CPD is a four stage cycle of reflection, planning, action and evaluation and promotes a reflective approach to learning.  This means that you are responsible for identifying the learning needs that are relevant to your practice and then seek learning activities that specifically address these areas.

What are the CPD requirements?

Pharmacists are required to produce a portfolio on an annual basis that comprises at least 30 hours of learning. 

 

You are required to:

• Consider the knowledge and skills that you need to fulfil your role and assume your responsibilities
• Identify any areas in which you need to update or develop yourself
• Take appropriate action to address these areas

• Assess whether your actions suitably met your needs and how you can implement these into your working practices

 

You are expected to be aware of any changes that might affect your role and responsibilities and to ensure that you are up-to-date in order to carry these out competently.

Provided your actions address the issues and needs you identify during the reflection process, you can consider any activity which helps you to learn, and develop your skills and knowledge.  CPD relates to all the work that you undertake in a professional capacity, whether you work in industry, academia, administration/management, community or hospital or any other role.

Every pharmacist should be prepared to submit their portfolio each year.  A random sample will be selected for assessment annually.  It is your responsibility to ensure that your portfolio is up-to-date.

What type of activities count towards CPD?

There is no defined or prescribed list of approved activities.  Activities could include:

• Workshops,
• Distance learning,
• Study groups,
• Private reading,
• Teaching,
• Making presentations,
• Speaking to peers,
• Conferences,
• University courses,
• Mentoring,
• Work-shadowing 
• Research.

Where can I find courses?

There are a wide variety of course providers.  Examples of training providers are NICPLD (Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning & Development) who provide a wide range of courses and distance learning packs.  The Health Boards also organise training days and workshops.  Different pharmacy journals & publications often provide you with CPD learning opportunities.

If I go on a course, is it my responsibility to make sure I get proof of attendance?

Yes.  The recording of CPD is the responsibility of the individual pharmacist.  You may be asked to submit evidence of your attendance.  This need not be a certificate, you can attach an email from the course provider demonstrating your attendance or your course notes.

How am I expected to record my CPD?

Your CPD portfolio sets out how to record your CPD in easy steps.  Blank CPD record sheets are provided and these should be photocopied as required.  The evaluation criteria used to assess each cycle can be found in the appendices and these criteria can be used to review your own cycles.  You can also download the documentation from the PSNI website here 

You can also use the online version to record your CPD through the NICPLD website, http://www.nicpld.org/  Help files are available to walk you through the process and you are asked to provide a new name for each new CPD cycle and then record the 4 different stages of the cycle.

The Society will not send you out a new portfolio each year.  You can photocopy the blank record sheets as required to record your new portfolio.  You can also download the documentation from the PSNI website or record your CPD on-line at NICPLD on http://www.nicpld.org/ 

If I am not sure if my portfolio meets the required standards, who should I contact?

The CPD Facilitators and the Post-Registration Facilitator (contactable via cpd@psni.org.uk) are available to answer your queries in relation to CPD processes.  They are also available to help pharmacists through their CPD cycles and provide advice on how these should be completed.  The Post-Registration Facilitator is based at the Society full-time to assist you with your CPD.  The Facilitators can answer your queries on the validity of one or two cycles, however it is not their job to assess your entire portfolio or re-write it for you.

The Facilitators are available to respond to queries outside normal working hours for a limited number of days per week.  Please contact the Society if you have any queries relating to CPD and the Society will put you in touch with a Facilitator.