Pharmacists' perception of continuing professional development (CPD) during its first year in the Northern Territory

BACKGROUND: Since September 2010 Australian pharmacists are required to acquire mandatory amount of CPD credit poinls annually for continued registration. Due to the lower number of face-to-face CPD activities available in the Northern Territory (NT) and change in the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's funding policy, NT pharmacists' choices of CPD activities may be affected. AIM: This study aims to investigate what motivates NT pharmacisls when choosing CPD activities and if these choices are meeting their learning requirements. METHODS: A Territory-wide questionnaire survey was conducted in 2012, utilising both printed questionnaire and online questionnaire methods. RESULTS: The survey received 68 completed responses, representing approximately 40% of NT pharmacists. The study found the majority of participants considered factors such as relevance to their employment, meeting learning needs, and convenient access as critical when choosing CPD activities, Other factors considered by responders include cost, time limitation and mandatory CPD requirements. The study also found the majority of participants felt thatthey were disadvantaged in accessing CPD in the NT, but reported no difficulties in meeting the CPD requirements for 2010-11. The participants also felt that CPD Group 1 activities sometimes benefit an individual more than Group 2 or Group 3 activities. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The study found that although motivated by a variety of (actors, NT pharmacists felt the CPD activities they have chosen are meeting their learning requirements for 2010-11. However, NT pharmacists do feel disadvantaged when it comes to accessing face-to-face CPD activities.