Evaluation of models of support for community pharmacy registrants’ development

In a recent collaboration with NHS Education Scotland (NES) CUREMeDE researchers undertook an evaluation of a novel programme of ‘pharmacy foundation training’ for new registrants working in the community sector.

Although participants highly valued tutor input, one of the key barriers to the completion of the programme was a lack of protected time. There is no provision for continued professional development in the NHS contract for those in community pharmacy. To build on the benefits and address these barriers, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) are offering three models of protected time to support the self-development of community pharmacy registrants with the intention that the registrants will use the time to build credentials to progress their careers.

Our evaluation will report on the outcomes of the three models, providing evidence with the intention that our findings will help inform options for supporting the transition to the in new The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Initial Education and Training Standards (IETS) for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Using a framework, against which we will assess and compare each model, are specific objectives are to:

1. Identify the perceived benefits and drawbacks or unintended outcomes of each model
2. Compare the inputs and outcomes of each model, accounting for context and participant type
3. Suggest recommendations for future policy