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Code of ethics

Continuing professional development on the way

From Dr R. S. Dewdney, MRPharmS

Some members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society will undoubtedly be perplexed as to why there is no mention of continuing professional development (CPD) in the new Code of Ethics, Section B, “Professional competence”.

The reference only to continuing education (CE) is a reflection of the current pattern of support for and monitoring of pharmacists' maintenance of their professional competence. The relevant paragraph is also intended to be straightforward and not to muddle up CPD and CE, as we at the Society and many others have done in the past.

Members can be assured that a CPD system, which is inclusive of their learning outside of CE courses, is being developed by the Society in co-operation with the Centres for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education, or evidence of this, see the Society's recent consultation document on a pharmacy order under the Health Act 1999 and last week’s advertisement by the Scottish CPPE for a CPD facilitator in the Lothian area (pA29).

When we have a CPD system for the profession, the Code of Ethics will be appropriately amended.

Robert Dewdney
Head, Education Division,
Royal Pharmaceutical Society

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