Pharmacist CPD: Your Guide to Revalidation

Understanding Pharmacist CPD and Revalidation

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, continuous professional development (CPD) is not just a recommendation; it's a cornerstone of maintaining competence and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. For pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the UK, this commitment is formally recognised and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Understanding the nuances of pharmacist CPD and the revalidation process is crucial for every registrant. This article aims to demystify these requirements, providing a comprehensive overview to help you navigate your professional obligations with confidence.

What Exactly is Pharmacist CPD?

Pharmacist CPD, or Continuing Professional Development, refers to the structured process of learning and development that pharmacists undertake throughout their careers. It's about actively engaging with new knowledge, skills, and experiences to enhance professional practice and ultimately benefit patient outcomes. The GPhC mandates that all registered pharmacists and technicians must maintain a record of their CPD activities. This isn't merely about ticking boxes; it's a proactive approach to staying abreast of advancements in pharmaceutical science, clinical practice, ethical considerations, and regulatory changes.

The Revalidation Process: A Deeper Dive

Revalidation is the annual process by which pharmacists and technicians demonstrate to the GPhC that they are fit to practise. Prior to 2018, CPD records were submitted directly to the GPhC website, typically compiled under specific subsections: Reflection, Planning, Action, and Evaluation. However, the process has since evolved. The current GPhC revalidation format requires different types of entries depending on the nature of your learning, including planned or unplanned CPD entries, peer discussion records, and reflective account records.

To meet the revalidation requirements, you must submit a minimum of four CPD entries each year. Crucially, at least two of these must be 'Planned' entries, indicating a proactive approach to your learning needs. Furthermore, your submission must include at least one peer discussion and one reflective account. These entries need to be submitted at least two months before your GPhC renewal date. It's also important to note that due to data protection laws, the GPhC deletes submitted records every two years. Therefore, it is highly recommended to maintain an external record of your CPD activities. Tools like the free HubNet.io Revalidation Tool can be invaluable for this purpose.

The Importance of Peer Discussion

Peer discussion is a vital component of the revalidation process, designed to foster professional growth through collaboration and shared learning. Its primary aim is to encourage pharmacy professionals to reflect on their practice with a trusted colleague who understands their work. This dialogue offers a valuable opportunity to gain different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and combat professional isolation. The GPhC advises that an effective peer discussion should be 'open, honest and with someone who you trust and respect'.

These discussions can take place in various formats, embracing modern communication methods. Whether conducted face-to-face, over the phone, via webchat, or through a video call, the key is real-time interaction. The goal is to engage in a meaningful conversation that leads to insightful reflection on your practice and potential areas for development.

Crafting Effective Reflective Accounts

Reflective accounts are another critical element of revalidation. They require you to articulate how you have met one or more of the GPhC's standards for pharmacy professionals. The specific standards are determined annually by the regulator. Your reflective account should provide real-life examples that demonstrate how your actions have positively impacted 'service users,' such as patients or the public.

According to the GPhC, your reflective account must include:

• A concise summary of your practice history over the previous year, including an overview of the typical users of your service (e.g., patients in a community pharmacy setting).
• A clear statement detailing how you have met one or more of the GPhC's standards for pharmacy professionals, as designated for that year.
• Concrete, real-life examples that substantiate your statements and illustrate the impact of your practice.

Mandatory Requirements: Do I Have to Do It?

The short answer is a resounding yes. The GPhC's revalidation requirements apply universally to all registered pharmacists and technicians, regardless of their employment status or role. Even if you work part-time, in a non-patient-facing role, or in a position of authority, engaging in and recording CPD is mandatory. The GPhC explicitly states: "The CPD requirements apply equally to all practitioners. They are not changed by factors such as part-time employment or working in positions of authority."

Furthermore, CPD is not just a regulatory obligation; it's a vital tool for professional resilience. In the unfortunate event of a complaint or an error leading to an investigation, a well-maintained CPD record serves as powerful evidence of your commitment to staying current and competent in your field. It demonstrates due diligence and a proactive approach to maintaining your professional standards. As the GPhC puts it, "There is no better way to officially prove you are competent than using CPD."

Key CPD Standards to Adhere To

The GPhC outlines specific standards for your CPD records to ensure their quality and accessibility. These include:

1. Legibility and Accessibility: CPD records must be easily accessible and readily submittable through the mygphc.org portal. While paper submissions were once possible, they are no longer accepted. Your records must be written in clear, good English and must not contain any sensitive patient information.
2. Minimum Entry Requirement: You must complete a minimum of four CPD entries per year. Of these, at least two must be classified as 'Planned' entries. These entries should accurately reflect the context and scope of your professional practice.

Good Practice Suggestions for Enhanced CPD

Beyond the mandatory requirements, the GPhC offers several good practice suggestions to help you maximise the benefits of your CPD activities:

• Maintain a Learning Portfolio: Keep a personal record of your professional development. This portfolio should include attendance records, key learning points from continuing education, and notes from other learning experiences, such as on-the-job training. This serves as a valuable resource for compiling your formal CPD entries.
• Aim for More Than the Minimum: You will likely encounter more learning opportunities than the minimum required through your daily work. Aim to complete more than four CPD entries each year and strive to reflect on your practice at least once a month.
• Start with Reflection: Make some of your CPD entries by beginning with the reflection stage, allowing your learning to organically develop.
• Keep Records Up-to-Date: Ensure your CPD record is consistently current. This avoids a last-minute rush and promotes a more reflective and integrated approach to your learning.
• Diverse Learning Activities: Engage in and record CPD activities that stem from a variety of relevant learning experiences. This ensures a well-rounded development that covers the breadth of your practice as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

A Comparative Look at CPD Entry Types

To help clarify the different types of entries required for revalidation, consider the following:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I need to do CPD if I'm on parental leave or working abroad?
Yes, the CPD requirements apply to all registered pharmacists and technicians. If you are not practising, you may need to declare this to the GPhC, but if you are undertaking any pharmacy-related activities, CPD is still essential.

Q2: Can I count informal learning towards my CPD?
Yes, informal learning, such as discussions with colleagues, reading journals, or attending webinars, can count towards your CPD as long as you reflect on it and record it appropriately.

Q3: What happens if I don't meet the revalidation requirements?
Failure to meet the revalidation requirements can jeopardise your registration with the GPhC. It's crucial to stay compliant to continue practising as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

Q4: How do I record my CPD?
You can use the GPhC's online portal (mygphc.org) to submit your required entries. Additionally, maintaining an external record using tools like HubNet.io is highly recommended for your personal records and for ease of submission.

Q5: What if my peer discussion partner isn't a pharmacist?
The GPhC encourages discussions with someone who understands your work. While another pharmacist is ideal, a suitably experienced healthcare professional or colleague from a related field might also be appropriate, provided the discussion is meaningful and reflective.

Conclusion: Embracing Continuous Development

Pharmacist CPD and the revalidation process are integral to maintaining public trust and ensuring the delivery of safe and effective pharmaceutical services. By understanding the requirements, actively engaging in learning, and reflecting on your practice, you not only fulfil your professional obligations but also enhance your skills and contribute to a stronger, more resilient pharmacy profession. Embrace CPD as an opportunity for growth, and ensure your practice remains at the forefront of healthcare.

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