RoderickSalenga, Arianne Diane Aninon
Objective
This study aims to determine the Filipino pharmacists’ attitudes on CPE, lifelong learning perceptions, training needs, and preferred course formats, which shall then be used toimprove the continuing professional development activitiesprovided by the Philippine Pharmacists Association.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was employed, where survey forms were provided to CPE attendees from 35 seminars conducted in 2012 covering 13 regions of the Philippines. In every local CPE seminar, a target of fifty (50) respondents was set.
Results
The response rate was at 37.4%.Majority agreed that CPE must be a requirement for practice, and attendance will only increase when made mandatory. Pharmacists were willing to invest time and money for CPE, with specific cost amounting to 500-1000 Philippine pesos (11-22 USD) to be shouldered by employers. Most of the pharmacists (94.4%) considered themselves as lifelong learners. However, when asked if they regularly update their knowledge, achieve goals in pursuit of learning, and attain lifelong learning goals, the proportion of participants who agreed decreased.Filipino pharmacists have articulated their interest to learn more about drug quality, medication compliance, patient counselling and good pharmacy practice. In terms of course format, it has been found that lecture with discussion is the most preferred; however, other formats may also be explored and used for enhanced learning in CPE activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although majority of pharmacists believe that CPE is an effective formal training program, a significant portion still thinks that the program needs improvement. Most of the pharmacists were willing to invest time and money in CPE activities as it is viewed as an obligation and moral responsibility to the profession. Specific learning areas were also identified with a preferred course format of lecture with discussion.
