Revalidation to reduce CPD burden

The pharmacy regulator is to introduce a “little and often” approach to CPD alongside an improved technology platform that will make it easier to submit records for review, Duncan Rudkin stated at this year's Pharmacy Show. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) chief executive said: “The public's confi dence in the profession is dictated by what pharmacists and pharmacy technicians do, not by what the regulator does.”

This had driven the organisation to move away from the five year review cycle, in order to reduce the administrative burden for members, and to include activities that added to pharmacy practice, he said, adding: “We need to communicate and clarify that the GPhC wants pharmacy professionals to spend their time with patients and not meeting GPhC requirements.”

Responses to the GPhC's proposed changes to CPD as it moves towards a revalidation model included a request for more qualitative feedback, explained Mr Rudkin. This meant that records would be looked over by lay reviewers as part of the review process. Although some considered this controversial, Mr Rudkin pointed out: “It is important to remember that pharmacy is for the public.” Revalidation – which will require registrants to include peer reviews and reflective accounts in their submissions – will be introduced in a phased manner over the next two years according to a detailed implementation plan, he continued.

Source: www.tmmagazine.co.uk/pharmacy-show-2017-the-full-report