Continuing Competency Program Project

Continuing Competency Program Project plans, status updates and engagement opportunities for pharmacy professionals

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The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) is revising its Continuing Competency Program (CCP) to ensure it remains meaningful, evidence-based, and supportive of quality pharmacy practice in Manitoba. Consultant Dr. Nancy Winslade, together with the Quality Assurance Committee and its Subgroup, is leading this work to develop a program that strengthens day-to-day practice while minimizing administrative burden. This work is guided by evidence, ongoing feedback from pharmacy professionals, and best practices from regulatory bodies across Canada and internationally.  

Quick Facts:

  • Project Start: Early 2025
  • Lead Consultant: Dr. Nancy Winslade, BScPhm, PharmD, MHPE, PhD
  • Purpose: To create a modern CCP that maintains competence and enhances pharmacy practice
  • Five Key Criteria Shaping the CCP ([i]): 
    • 1. Validity – Does the program measure and support the development of important aspects of pharmacist’s quality of practice?   
    • 2. Reliability– Is the program fair and consistent across different days, sites, situations?  
    • 3. Feasibility– Are the necessary resources available to CPhM to implement the program within reasonable timeframes? Is it also realistic for registrants to complete the program’s requirements?  
    • 4. Acceptability–From CPhM’s perspective, this means the program is feasible and meets regulatory requirements. For registrants, acceptability also includes whether the program feels meaningful and supports them in their efforts to improve their practice.   
    • 5. Impact– Does the program lead to desired changes in practice? Does it avoid unintended negative consequences, especially given the high workload and limited time pharmacy professionals face?  
i. Van der Vleuten CPM. The Assessment of Professional Competence: Developments,Research and Practical Implications. Advances in Health Sciences Education. 1996;1(1):41-67. 

 

FAQ for Pharmacy Professionals

This FAQ provides detailed information about the Continuing Competency Program Project (CCP).

Why is CPhM revising its Continuing Competency Program?

Traditional Continuing Education programs have limited impact on daily practice. The CCP will support meaningful improvement, ensure quality care, and reflect today’s practice realities. 

What will the Continuing Competency Program focus on?

The CCP will emphasize: 

  • Practice-based learning 
  • Meaningful self-assessment and reflection 
  • Clear documentation tied to actual patient care 
  • Reduce administrative burden 
  • Support for wellbeing and safe, effective practice 

How does the Continuing Competency Program support my everyday practice?

The Continuing Competency Program is designed to support and empower pharmacy professionals in their daily practice and help them provide quality care while addressing their well-being. 

What does competency mean?

The habitual and judicious use of communications, knowledge, technical skills, clinical reasoning, emotions, values and reflection in daily practice for the benefit of the individual and community being served. (i) 

  • i.  Epstein RM, Hundert EM. Defining and Assessing Professional Competence. JAMA. 2002;287(2):226. 

What evidence is guiding this work?

CPhM is reviewing models across Canada and internationally, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and the United Kingdom. Evidence shows CPD-focused programs better support quality improvement than traditional Continuing Education activities.  

What are the key criteria for the new program?

The CCP must be valid, reliable, feasible, acceptable, and impactful, ensuring it is fair, practical, supportive, and effective. 

Will there be opportunities for registrants to provide feedback?

Yes. Registrant feedback is important for the CCP to be effective in supporting Manitoba pharmacy professionals. Pharmacy professionals will have multiple opportunities to participate in focus groups or share their voice. Please keep an eye on future Friday Fives and Newsletters for feedback opportunities. 

What is the purpose of the Continuing Competency Program? Won’t this just take up more of my time?

The Continuing Competency Program is designed to support pharmacy professionals in their daily practice. CPhM, Dr. Winslade, the Quality Assurance Committee, and subgroup feedback recognize constraints in pharmacy professionals’ work and daily lives and want to ensure the program maximizes value and minimizes administrative burden. 

When will the work on the Continuing Competency Program be complete?

Timelines will be finalized as evidence is reviewed. Updates will be shared through CPhM’s Friday Fives and Newsletters. 

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