By Lucy Des Clayes, Learning Delivery Pharmacist at RPS

On a personal level, like many people with dyslexia, I struggled with learning at university. I couldn't keep up with note taking in lectures and I often worked at a different speed to my peers in workshops. This left me feeling frustrated, anxious and disappointed with learning. I spent a lot of time trying to learn outside of the traditional education environment.

After working as a Specialist Hospital Pharmacist in medicine, I made a transition into the development of online learning. I liaise with specialists and work with new technologies and evolving guidance. This change has opened many opportunities for my professional development and given me a different perspective on learning.

Pharmacy education and training is undergoing a period of significant transformation. Opportunities for professional development can advance your career, improve your skills in practice and ultimately improve the patient experience. As a busy professional and mother based in Scotland, attending in-person training isn’t always an option for me. Online learning allows me to work at my own pace, when and where I want without the need to travel.

Why inclusive and accessible education is important

In the UK approximately one in five working-age adults report having a disability, while one in seven workers are juggling work and caring responsibilities. A survey carried out by The Pharmaceutical Journal showed that 30% of pharmacists have experienced discrimination that has held them back in their careers.

At the RPS, we’re committed to designing education systems that work for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability or home life as outlined in our Inclusion and Diversity Strategy. One way we can reduce barriers is through online learning, giving everyone the resources and opportunities to succeed. The RPS is using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to design online learning that will benefit you. This approach helps you to meet your goals despite any barriers you face.

What makes learning inclusive and accessible?

Accessible content for learners with diverse needs promotes equal opportunity. We consider tools like screen readers, keyboard navigation and mobile phones. Clearly organised, easy to navigate content benefits everyone.

Online learning can deliver content in a variety of formats including written, auditory and visual. By including multimedia and chunking down information and activities in learning, we can cater for your specific learning style.

Across all educational spaces, we’re committed to making sure education contributes to a culture of belonging. By addressing inequalities such as race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status, we help break down barriers and address biases.

Online learning has many advantages that make it a more inclusive option. You can access content where you want and when you want to accommodate busy schedules. You can pause and restart or revisit at any time. Whether you are in a remote or rural setting or a big city, you have access to the same high-quality information. Reduces the amount of money you may spend on costs such as transport and accommodation associated with in-person learning.

The changing landscape

There is a lot of change in guidance and technologies for digital accessibility and cultural shifts in how we consider inclusion and diversity, and I am still learning! My main aim is to develop accessible and inclusive learning experiences to benefit all pharmacy professionals. I am excited to be contributing to RPS’ online learning journey. We’re committed to connecting you to high-quality learning experiences at your fingertips. Online education has the opportunity to revolutionise the way our workforce develops and advances. Flexible, accessible and inclusive learning options challenge some of the barriers of traditional education. This empowers you to stay up to date with the latest advances and best practices, no matter who or where you are.

Find out more about RPS Education and Training. 

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