CPD position statement

Supporting the evolution of Continuing Professional Development Standards in pharmacy

AdPha supports the Australian Pharmacy Council's (APC) recent announcement regarding the cessation of accreditation of CPD activities and the retirement of the Accreditation Standards for Continuing Professional Development Activities (2013). We endorse this decision as a necessary evolution that aligns with the changing needs of the pharmacy profession and supports more effective, practitioner-centred professional development.

Alignment with evolving professional scope

The decision to retire the 2013 standards reflects the significant expansion of pharmacy practice scope across different settings since the standards were first developed. AdPha joins APC in recognising that the profession has evolved beyond the constraints of these outdated standards, necessitating a more flexible framework that accommodates diverse practice environments and emerging roles.

Evidence-based approach to CPD effectiveness

The systematic review conducted by Ahpra's Research Unit reinforces our position by demonstrating that effective CPD is not defined by arbitrary time requirements but by quality and relevance. The research confirms that CPD is most effective when it is:

• Interactive and outcome-focused
• Considered important by practitioners themselves
• Incorporates interprofessional coaching and mentoring
• Uses reflection and informal learning processes

This evidence-based approach supports our belief that practitioners should have greater autonomy in selecting CPD activities that meet their specific learning needs and practice contexts.

Benefits of principles-based standards

The proposed principles-based approach offers significant advantages over rigid accreditation systems. This framework enables practitioners to choose CPD activities that genuinely improve patient outcomes, draw on best available evidence, and contribute to competence development. The research demonstrates clear benefits including improved practitioner knowledge and behaviour, enhanced clinical skills, better communication abilities, increased self-confidence, and improved patient outcomes.

Support for interprofessional collaboration

The National Boards' initiative to develop common or similar standards across healthcare professions aligns with modern healthcare delivery models that emphasise interprofessional collaboration. This approach will facilitate cross-professional understanding, support collaborative practice, and contribute to consumer understanding while maintaining regulatory effectiveness and patient safety.

Commitment to excellence

As Australia's pre-eminent pharmacy education provider, AdPha is committed to continuing our educational mission in alignment with the proposed new guidelines. We will ensure our learning programs remain evidence-based, outcome-focused, and responsive to the evolving needs of pharmacy practitioners and the patients they serve.

Conclusion

The retirement of the 2013 CPD accreditation standards represents a positive step toward a more flexible, evidence-based, and practitioner-centred approach to professional development. AdPha supports this transition as it better serves the profession's evolving needs while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and professional competence.

We encourage all pharmacy practitioners to embrace this opportunity for more meaningful, self-directed professional development that directly contributes to improved patient outcomes and career advancement.