Introduction

The role of pharmacists in healthcare is undergoing transformation throughout the world. The continuing professional development (CPD) model has motivated pharmacists in developed countries to adopt lifelong learning. This is vital to improve competence and to optimize patient care. This study aimed to explore the existence and understanding of CPD in Ghana, Pakistan, and Trinidad and Tobago, the barriers faced in development of a CPD model, and probable policies needed to build/improve such a model.

Methods

Audiotaped qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed, and coded with pharmacy stakeholders, including academics, community pharmacists, and regulatory professionals. A thematic analysis of the transcribed data led to the extraction of the main themes.

Results

The findings showed a process of establishment of CPD for pharmacists in Ghana, whereas in Pakistan, Trinidad, and Tobago there was no CPD model.

Conclusions

These findings indicate the need for a realistic, relevant, and mandatory program of CPD in these countries.

中文翻译：

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三个卫生系统发展中的国家药剂师的持续专业发展

介绍

药剂师在医疗保健中的角色正在世界范围内发生转变。持续专业发展 (CPD) 模式促使发达国家的药剂师采用终身学习。这对于提高能力和优化患者护理至关重要。本研究旨在探讨加纳、巴基斯坦、特立尼达和多巴哥 CPD 的存在和理解、CPD 模型开发面临的障碍以及建立/改进这种模型所需的可能政策。

方法

与药学利益相关者（包括学者、社区药剂师和监管专业人员）进行、转录和编码的录音定性深入访谈。对转录数据的主题分析导致提取主要主题。

结果

研究结果表明，加纳为药剂师建立了 CPD 的过程，而在巴基斯坦、特立尼达和多巴哥，则没有 CPD 模型。

结论

这些调查结果表明，这些国家需要一个现实的、相关的和强制性的 CPD 计划。