Abstract
Robert Craigue's recent letter contains inaccuracies about our college's PDAP (Professional Development and Assessment Program) that require correction.
He states: “To validate the program, they fail 10% of participants and require them to take re-education programs.” This is completely false. There is no pre-determined failure rate for any PDAP component. Participants' results are not compared to each other and, potentially, all participants can meet the standard.
For PDAP Cycle 1, the majority of British Columbia's pharmacists have performed exceptionally well, with 97% achieving success through one of the following: exam, practice portfolio, OSCE, or practice audit. The balance of Cycle 1 participants (3%) are now participating in individual professional development and re-assessment programs to show their proficiency at life-long learning and a commitment to best practices.
Our college's mandate is to ensure British Columbians receive safe and effective pharmacy service. Our assessment program, which was designed by pharmacists for pharmacists, is similar to other programs across Canada and in other countries. We are committed to continuous program refinement to ensure our registrants have a standardized process that allows them to “show what they know.”