Continuing Professional Development in Pharmacy

A qualitative exploratory study in Metro Manila examined the implementation and evaluation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) among 31 participants, including CPD Council members, CPD providers, and licensed pharmacists from various practice sectors. In the Philippines, CPD is mandated under Republic Act No. 10912 for professional license renewal. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, with findings organized in an Enablers-Barriers-Perceived Outcomes framework.

Flexible learning modalities and subsidized CPD programs enhanced accessibility and participation. Reported barriers included financial constraints, workload demands, limited institutional support, and insufficient practice-specific relevance of CPD activities. Stakeholders also described tensions between CPD's developmental objectives and its implementation as a license renewal requirement.

Pharmacists perceived improvements in knowledge, confidence, and workplace practice, but participants noted the absence of structured mechanisms for evaluating long-term professional and practice outcomes. The authors conclude that current practices appear to prioritize compliance over competency development, and that strengthening practice-oriented programs, institutional support, and outcome-based evaluation may enhance engagement and support sustainable professional growth.