Perception and attitudes of pharmacists to continuous professional development-based mandatory relicensing: A Cross-sectional study

Pharmacy Practice

  • Mohammad Abu Assab1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Hamza Alhamad1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Marah Alqaisi1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Fares Albahar1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Muna Barakat2Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Jordan.
  • Hanadi Abu Assab1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.

Volume 23 Issue 4 Pages 1-8

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2025.4.3318

Abstract

Background: The changing role of pharmacists requires ongoing professional development to support continual learning, enhance competency, and improve patient care. The objective of this study was to assess Jordanian pharmacists’ understanding of the role of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in relicensing, their attitudes towards the relicensing process, their perceptions of the efficiency of online CPD during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the obstacles to CPD participation. Methods: A cross-sectional study utilised a validated online questionnaire, disseminated both electronically and in person to a convenience sample of pharmacists. Data were analysed using SPSS v26, employing descriptive statistics, and independent t-tests were performed to assess pharmacists’ awareness. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess the questionnaire’s internal consistency, with (α ≥ 0.70) indicating good reliability. Results: Of the 447 respondents (100% response rate), 97% acknowledged the significance of CPD, and 92.2% affirmed the efficacy of online CPD during the pandemic. Primary obstacles included insufficient time (72.2%), transportation difficulties (69.8%), and a shortage of qualified trainers. The least referenced obstacle was scepticism towards organising authorities (55.2%). Conclusion: Although Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is obligatory for relicensing, pharmacists underscored its importance for sustaining professional competence and displayed a favorable attitude towards the relicensing process. Obstacles such as time and cost constraints, accessibility issues, and unengaging content must be resolved to guarantee the efficacy and sustainability of CPD.

Keywords

  • Continuing professional development
  • Relicensing process
  • Jordan
  • COVID-19 pandemic
  • Online CPD
  • Pharmacists
  • Barriers
Pharmacy Practice

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