By Helen Chang, Associate Director of Education and Professional Development at RPS
The education and ongoing training of pharmacy professionals are cornerstones in the development and assurance of quality standards within the profession. I recently attended the Pharmacy Education Conference hosted by the University of Manchester, which brings together scientists, pharmacists and educators involved in undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy teaching. As well as sharing details of how RPS is supporting designated prescribing practitioners during the keynote panel session, I also had the opportunity to hear about the incredible work many colleagues are delivering in practice and to reflect on the importance of this work to the future of pharmacy.
Pharmacy education and training is currently undergoing a period of significant transformation. It’s essential that the provision of skills development enhances quality, safety and standards of practice, ultimately resulting in improved patient care. The conference reminded me of the multifaceted roles organisations play in ensuring that pharmacists are prepared to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems. We may have slightly different areas of focus, whether that be supporting pharmacists in specific practice settings, or at various career stages, but we have a collective responsibility to support the profession to be the best they can be. Moreover, we must also collaborate with other healthcare professionals and work in partnership with patients and the public. We must help pharmacists stay ahead of the many changes happening across the profession.
Our Schools of Pharmacy and academic workforce do an outstanding job of preparing our future pharmacists for practice, providing students and trainees with essential knowledge, skills, behaviours, and experiences aligned to the GPhC's Initial Education and Training Standards. Post-registration, we at RPS are fostering a continuum of learning by providing a range of resources and development tools for continuing professional development (CPD). We develop these in partnership with expert practitioners and academics, and through the insights gained from our diverse membership, we create learning opportunities that are accessible to pharmacists in all settings. We also provide training as a partner to national health organisations, and have delivered such commissions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Ongoing training should be part of structured career pathways for development. RPS curricula underpin national assessment and credentialing programmes for post-registration foundation, advanced, and consultant pharmacist level practice, enabling pharmacists to be recognised for their expertise and contribution to patient care across four pillars - clinical practice, leadership, education, and research.
Professional bodies are instrumental in supporting and facilitating CPD across health and care, by providing access to high-quality education and learning. As a professional body and membership organisation, we can also provide a sense of community and professional identity for pharmacists who, because of their sometimes isolated roles, can benefit hugely from opportunities for networking, peer support, and collaboration. A shared purpose does wonders for professional growth and morale.
At RPS, we’re passionate about education and have a strong track record in the provision of relevant, high-quality, inclusive, and accessible educational content. Our focus is to empower the profession to reach excellence through lifelong learning, professional development, and career advancement. We are committed to supporting the education of the future pharmacy workforce.
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