Principle: A pharmacist must keep abreast of the progress of professional knowledge in order to maintain a high standard of competence relative to his/her sphere of activity.
In line with the national education policy of life-long-learning, it is the responsibility of all pharmacists to—
| 1.4.1 | keep abreast of changes in pharmacy practice; |
| 1.4.2 | remain up-to-date with the laws relating to pharmacy, the control of medicine and the knowledge and technology applicable to pharmacy; and |
| 1.4.3 | maintain competence and effectiveness as a practitioner. |
Pharmacists must commit themselves to the concept of Continuing Professional Development, which is defined as the process by which pharmacists continuously enhance their knowledge, skills and personal qualities throughout their professional careers.
It encompasses a range of activities including—
| (a) | continuing education, which is the on-going learning that professionals need to undertake throughout their careers as a contribution towards the maintenance and enhancement of their professional development and professional competence; |
| (b) | professional audit, which is the study of the structure, process or outcome of pharmacy practice carried out by individual pharmacists, groups of pharmacists or groups of health care practitioners, to measure the degree of attainment of agreed objectives; |
| (c) | participation in non-pharmacy related but relevant formal post-graduate education; |
| (d) | performance appraisal, self-assessment, identification and documentation of personal development targets; |
| (e) | research, including practice research and the achievement of higher degrees by research; |
| (f) | active involvement in professional organisations; and |
| (g) | provision of training, coaching or mentoring. |
