Training plays a central role in improving not only skills, attitudes and knowledge, but also in increasing productivity and the pace of technology adoption (15). It is therefore imperative to offer continuing education to improve skills. Continuing professional development (CPD) is characterized as a continuous, systematic, self-directed, structured and results-oriented cycle of learning and personal growth, which occurs throughout the individual’s professional life. The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) further defines CPD as the responsibility of individual pharmacists to systematically maintain and develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes, to ensure that their competence as a professional is maintained, throughout their career. (19).
CPD has become a crucial aspect in many professions as it helps to reduce the learning curve and accelerate the practical application of knowledge. Providing an updated and revitalized service in health establishments requires regular upgrading of the skills of health professionals. CPD plays a key role in this regard (20). Requirements for professionals’ regular engagement in CPD vary between countries and may be mandatory or voluntary (18).
The Ministry of Health of Ethiopia (MoH) is dedicated to improving the quality and standards of health services in the country. In its health sector transformation plan, the Ministry of Health has identified strengthening CPD as the key strategic area of human resource development (8). With this in mind, the Ministry published a directive and guidelines on CPD for healthcare workers in 2018. Additionally, the following year, the ministry integrated the CPD system into the licensing renewal process for healthcare professionals, making it mandatory (8, 17).
In Ethiopia, CPD is defined as “a range of learning activities through which healthcare professionals maintain and develop throughout their careers to ensure they maintain their ability to practice safely, effectively and legally within their scope of exercise. » (17).
Pharmacists must be regularly trained in their particular areas of practice so that they can effectively fulfill their growing roles in health care (22). With the growing demand for high-quality healthcare services, patients expect healthcare providers to continually improve their professional expertise. Therefore, assessing and understanding the training needs of the workforce becomes essential to instill confidence and acquire new skills that improve readiness at the individual and collective levels within any organization. The ever-changing technology landscape, persistent workforce shortages, growing disease burden, and resource constraints require healthcare organizations to carefully evaluate the performance levels of their staff (2, 12, 17).
Among Ethiopian pharmacists, the most frequently performed task category is medication dispensing, which is performed by 76% of pharmacy professionals. In addition, Ethiopian pharmacists are involved in various other areas of practice such as supply chain management, pharmaceutical care, drug information services, regulatory services and other sectors of the profession (7). Like other countries, the role of Ethiopian pharmacists is still developing and mainly focuses on dispensing medicines. However, there are ongoing efforts to change pharmaceutical practice and academia. This is so that the expanded role of pharmacy is well established in Ethiopia, as in other developed countries (ten, 14, 16).
The current study aimed to address the lack of data regarding the CPD needs of Ethiopian pharmacists. As CPD is a new initiative in Ethiopia, it is crucial to generate evidence that identifies the specific CPD needs of pharmacists. This information will contribute to the effective allocation of resources to meet these needs, ensuring that pharmacists receive relevant and tailored training that has a direct impact on their professional practice (12, 17). The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association, in collaboration with partners, took the initiative to identify the CPD needs of its members. This effort is critical to advancing the pharmaceutical sector in the country and ensuring that pharmacists have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality healthcare services. By conducting this study, the aim is to gather evidence that will guide the development and implementation of CPD programs for pharmacists in Ethiopia.
