CPD in the Northern Territory: Pharmacists' perception of continuing professional development (CPD) during its first year in the Northern Territory

Background: SinceSeptember 2010 Australian pharmacists are required to acquire mandatory amountof CPD credit points annually for continued registration. Due to the lowernumber of face-to-face CPD activities available in the Northern Territory (NT)and change in the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's funding policy, NT pharmacists'choices of CPD activities may be affected. 

Aim: This study aims to investigate what motivates NT pharmacists whenchoosing CPD activities and if these choices are meeting their learning requirements. 

Methods: A Territory-wide questionnaire survey was conducted in 2012,utilising both printed questionnaire and online questionnaire methods. 

Results: The survey received 68 completed responses, representing approximately40% of NT pharmacists. The study found the majority of participants consideredfactors such as relevance to their employment, meeting learning needs, andconvenient access as critical when choosing CPD activities. Other factorsconsidered by responders include cost, time limitation and mandatory CPDrequirements. The study also found the majority of participants felt that theywere disadvantaged in accessing CPD in the NT, but reported no difficulties inmeeting the CPD requirements for 2010-11. The participants also felt that CPDGroup 1 activities sometimes benefit an individual more than Group 2 or Group 3activities. 

Discussion/Conclusion: The study found that although motivatedby a variety of factors, NT pharmacists felt the CPD activities they havechosen are meeting their learning requirements for 2010-11. However, NTpharmacists do feel disadvantaged when it comes to accessing face-to-face CPDactivities.