The Development and Evaluation of a Structured Continuing Professional Development Programme for Pharmacists in Kuwait: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Continuous education and training play a critical role in preparing a competent pharmacy workforce to meet the healthcare needs of the public. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing a structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training programme for pharmacists in Kuwait. Twenty-one practicing pharmacists participated in the programme. This study evaluated the programme’s effectiveness and feasibility by analysing data from three sources: (1) two focus group interviews, (2) CPD records collected in May and November 2019, and (3) online survey responses collected at the middle and end of the programme. Findings from this study showed that implementing a structured CPD programme is feasible and could positively impact pharmacists’ practice. A guiding competency framework and continuous feedback from programme instructors added valuable support for pharmacists during the programme, and facilitated an impactful translation of education into practice. This study provides the first data on pharmacists’ CPD in Kuwait and serves as a starting point for future education plans, studies, and transformational actions pertaining to pharmacy workforce education and training.

Keywords

• continuing professional development
• competency development
• workforce development
• foundation training
• pharmacy
• Kuwait