What's Happening?
A recent survey conducted by The Pharmaceutical Journal reveals that nearly half of pharmacists are not accessing career support or training. Out of 577 respondents, 48% reported not utilizing any form
of support such as mentoring, professional support, protected learning time, or structured training. The survey highlights disparities across different sectors, with those in the pharmaceutical industry being the least likely to access support, followed by hospital and community pharmacists. Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, emphasized the importance of mentoring and protected learning time for professional development. The survey underscores the need for regular, funded protected learning time across the NHS to ensure pharmacists can continue delivering quality care.
Why It's Important?
The lack of access to career support and training for pharmacists has significant implications for the healthcare industry. Without adequate support, pharmacists may struggle to develop their skills, potentially impacting patient care and the overall effectiveness of healthcare services. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society's call for regular, funded protected learning time is crucial to address these challenges. Ensuring pharmacists have the resources and time to engage in professional development is essential for maintaining high standards in healthcare delivery. This issue also highlights the need for consistent policies across the NHS to support pharmacists in their roles.
What's Next?
The Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists has launched a campaign advocating for NHS pharmacists to have a minimum of 10% of their contracted hours dedicated to professional activities. This initiative aims to standardize the time allocated for professional development across the UK. The General Pharmaceutical Council is also working to improve communications regarding revalidation requirements, emphasizing the importance of post-registration learning. These efforts are expected to enhance the support available to pharmacists, enabling them to advance their practice and improve patient care.
Beyond the Headlines
The survey results may prompt a reevaluation of how career support is structured within the pharmaceutical sector. There is potential for long-term shifts in how professional development is prioritized, which could lead to more robust support systems for pharmacists. Addressing these issues could also foster a more collaborative environment within healthcare, encouraging interdisciplinary learning and development.
