Trainee Review of Pre-registration Training Questionnaire 2015 … · 2017-05-08 · 2015-2016 Pre-registration Training Review 5 Method A total of 216 trainees undertook pre-registration

2015-2016 Pre-registration Training Review 1

Trainee Review of Pre-registration Training

Questionnaire 2015-2016

Daniel Young

Pre-registration Lead

Dec 16


Introduction

Method

Results

Section 1: Personal experiences

Section 2: Structure of training

Section 3: Support available

Section 4: Pre-registration trainee manual

Section 5: In-practice training assessment and registration examination

Section 6: E-portfolio

Section 7: Compulsory training

Section 8: Premises standards for pre-registration training

Section 9: About yourself

Section 10: Additional comments

Discussion

Recommendations

References Appendices Appendix 1 - Trainee Review Questionnaire Appendices 2 to 11 - Additional comments received from trainees


Introduction

The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland has a responsibility to quality assure pre-registration

training in Northern Ireland 1. The quality assurance is multi-faceted and designed to gather

information from multiple sources. Elements of the quality assurance include:

• Post course evaluation of all compulsory live trainee events.

• Post course evaluation of Tutor Training Events.

• An evaluation of tutor skills by means of a trainee questionnaire.

• Review of all aspects of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland pre-registration

training programme, and in particular the processes associated with the Registration

Examination, by an external examiner.

• A trainee review of training questionnaire, the results of which are discussed in this document.

The trainee review of training questionnaire is designed to collect information on a wide range of

aspects of pre-registration training and is divided into ten separate sections:

• Section 1: Personal experiences

• Section 2: Structure of training

• Section 3: Support available

• Section 4: Pre-registration manual

• Section 5: In-practice training assessment and registration examination

• Section 6: E-portfolio

• Section 7: Compulsory training

• Section 8: Optional training events

• Section 9: Premises standards for pre-registration training

• Section 10: About yourself


The purpose of the questionnaire is to assist in measuring that all aspects of pre-registration training

of relevance to the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland are fit for purpose and to assess

compliance with any relevant standards. The questionnaire also provides opportunity for trainees to

provide commentary on their personal experiences of pre-registration training.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland has been collecting this data for 11 years. Where

appropriate, the information obtained is compared year on year to identify trends and issues to be

addressed. The questions evolve as pre-registration training in Northern Ireland develops and /or

additional standards apply.


Method

A total of 216 trainees undertook pre-registration training in 2015-2016. The questionnaire was

distributed by post to all trainees with their registration documentation. The trainees were asked to

return the questionnaire with their registration documentation. The questionnaire is completed

anonymously. It is returned to the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland with the trainee’s

registration documentation but is separated within the Society from those documents on receipt to

maintain anonymity.

A total of 206 (95.4% response rate) trainees had returned questionnaires.


Results

In each section the results obtained for 2015-16 trainee cohort are shown compared with previous

years. The results for the 2015-2016 cohort are displayed. At the end of each section of the

questionnaire the trainees have the opportunity to add additional comments. For each section any

themes have been extracted from the comments and are shown in the results section of this report.

The actual comments made by the trainees are shown in appendices 2-12.

Section 1: PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

The trainees are asked in Section 1 about their own personal experiences of their pre-registration

training. The results for the 2015-2016 trainees are shown in Table 1 below alongside comparisons

from previous years.

Table 1: Personal experience of pre-registration trainees

% Strongly Agree or Agree

15-16 14-15 13-14 12-13 11-12 10-11 09-10

Enjoyed pre-registration

experience 98 99 95 97 96 94 96

Coped well with training 99 99 99 99 98 98 100

Reinforced choice of career 93 93 85 90 89 92 92

My workload/working conditions

allowed me to make the most of

learning opportunities

92 88 80 86 88 83 98

.


Graph 1 below shows the results obtained from the 2015-2016 cohort.

Additional comments The additional comments made by trainees are shown in Appendix 2. The majority of trainees had a

positive training experience.


Section 2: STRUCTURE OF PRE-REGISTRATION TRAINING The trainees are asked in Section 2 about the structure of their pre-registration training. The results for

the 2015-2016 trainees are shown in Table 2 below alongside comparisons from previous years.

Table 2: Structure of pre-registration training


15-16 14-15 13-14 12-13 11-12 10-11 09-10

The training allowed me to identify my strengths as a pre-registration student

97 99 98 98 94 97 99

The training enabled me to improve any areas of weakness

98 99 98 97 96 98 99

The training enabled me to monitor my progress

98 99 96 98 94 96 97

The training assisted me to become a competent Pharmacist

100 99 99 99 99 97 93


Additional Comments


Additional comments made by the trainees are shown in Appendix 3. There is a high level of

contentment regarding the structure of pre-registration training as demonstrated in Table 2 and the

additional comments. 100% of trainees either agreed or strongly agreed that the training assisted

them in becoming a competent pharmacist.

Section 3: SUPPORT available to pre-registration trainees

The trainees are asked in Section 3 about the support available from the Pharmaceutical Society of

Northern Ireland during their pre-registration training. The results for the 2015-2016 trainees are

shown in Table 3 below alongside comparisons from previous years.

Table 3 Support available to pre-registration trainees


15-16 14-15 13-14 12-13 11-12 10-11

The induction meeting with other trainees

at the start of the year was beneficial

93 97 95 96 90 93

The pre-registration lead was

approachable and helpful on any occasion

I needed to contact him.

86 91 91 93 93 87

The Society’s office staff were

approachable and helpful on any occasion

I needed to make contact

89 93 94 95 90 94

I found the communication by the Society

kept me suitably informed of updated

throughout the year

92 95 96 95 N/A N/A



Additional Comments

Additional comments made by the trainees are shown in Appendix 4. The information obtained in

section 4 of the questionnaire indicated a high level of satisfaction with the support provided by the

Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland. Feedback shows the trainees were kept adequately

informed throughout the year. In response to feedback about emails ending up in junk mail, work was

commissioned on a new correspondence section for the e-portfolio. This will capture all

communication that is sent to trainees and tutors during the year.


Section 4: ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION MANUAL

All pre-registration trainees are provided with a link to the pre-registration trainee manual prior to

commencement of training and asked to read the manual prior to attending their induction event. The

trainees are asked in Section 4 for their opinions on the pre-registration trainee manual. The results for

the 2015-2016 trainees are shown in Table 4 below alongside comparisons from previous years.

Table 4 Pre-registration Trainee Manual

% Very Good or Good

15-16 14-15 13-14 12-13 11-12 10-11 09-10

Completeness of information 97 97 96 97 98 94 97

Standard of presentation 97 98 96 97 99 96 97

Ease of use 95 99 96 94 94 91 95

Relevance of information 99 99 95 97 98 94 98


Additional comments

The additional comments are shown in Appendix 5. Comments stated trainees found the manual

useful and contained relevant information. The training manual will be updated for the 16-17 trainee

intake.


Section 5: IN-PRACTICE ASSESSMENT and REGISTRATION EXAMINATION

During pre-registration training, the trainees undergo appraisal at quarterly intervals. The results of

each appraisal are sent to the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland where they are reviewed

and cumulatively provide a profile of how each trainee is progressing.

The trainees are asked in Section 5 for their views on the helpfulness of the appraisal process, the

past examination papers and their view as to the appropriateness of the questions in the Registration

Examination. The results for the 2015-2016 trainees are shown in Table 5 below alongside

comparisons from previous years.

Table 5 In-practice assessment and registration examination


15-16 14-15 13-14 12-13 11-12 10-11 09-10

The appraisal process was helpful in identifying my strengths and weaknesses

95 96 95 97 93 93 95

The specimen paper provided helped me prepare for the examination

88 92 92 95 93 96 95

In general the questions on the paper were appropriate

92 88 91 90 93 89 91



Additional comments

The additional comments received are shown in Appendix 6.

Trainees commented the found the appraisal system a useful way to monitor progress and highlight

strengths and weakness during the training year. Trainees requested extra practice papers and some

felt the exam differed from the mock papers.

SECTION 6: PORTFOLIO

During the 2013-2014 training year the portfolio system was changed from the tradition paper based

system to an online e-portfolio. The trainees are asked in Section 6 for their opinions on the Pre-

registration e-portfolio. The results for the 2015-2016 trainees are shown in Table 6 below alongside

comparisons from previous years.


Table 6 Portfolio


15-16 14-15 13-14 12-13 11-12 10-11

The information provided on the e-portfolio and at the PSNI induction event was sufficient to allow me to proceed

96 95 95 96 92 94

Completing the e-portfolio helped me identify and record what I had done

89 91 92 92 85 78

This approach helped me identify the aspects of training that I had completed and focus on those I still needed to complete

85 89 89 88 83 75

The e-portfolio was user friendly and easy to navigate

97 96 95 95 N/A N/A


Additional Comments

The additional comments received are shown in Appendix 7. The main themes identified by the

trainees were that completion of the portfolio was challenging and time consuming and they can have

difficulty meeting all of the competencies. 97% either agreed or strongly agreed that the e-portfolio


was use friendly and easy to navigate. Some commentary was made in relation to linking the

performance standards reference numbers and descriptions to make the e-portfolio easier to use. For

16-17 trainee intake new IT developments have been commissioned to address this.

SECTION 7: Compulsory Training Courses

During the 2015-2016 training year there were four compulsory training courses for trainees. These

were an Induction Event (Pharmaceutical Society NI), Law and Ethics and first aid provided by

(Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development- NICPLD) and Probity day

(provided by HSC). In addition trainees were required to complete 12 distance learning packs provided

by NICPLD as follows:

• The responsible pharmacist

• Patient medication review and records

• High risk medicines

• Medical calculations

• Medication incidents

• Minor ailments: CNS

• Minor ailments: Eyes, ears and oral health

• Minor ailments: GI

• Minor ailments: Infections and infestations

• Minor ailments: Respiratory

• Minor ailments: Skin

• Minor ailments: Urogenital

The results for the 2015-2016 trainees are shown in Table 7 below alongside comparisons from

previous years.


Table 7 Compulsory Training Courses


15-16 14-15 13-14 12-13 11-12 10-11 09-10

The training days (Law and Ethics, First Aid and HSC Probity day) improved my knowledge and understanding of the topics covered

99 99 99 98 99 99 97

The training received at each of these days was of good quality

100 99 99 99 99 98 99

The distance learning courses were beneficial in improving my knowledge and understanding

99 100 97 97 94 94 98


Additional comments

The additional comments received are shown in Appendix 8. Overall as shown in Table 7 trainees

found the compulsory training to be very beneficial. 99% either agreed or strongly agreed that the

distance learning courses were beneficial in improving knowledge and understanding


.

Section 8: Premises Standards for Pre-registration Training

The Community Pharmacy Premises standards2 including standards for pharmacies providing pre-

registration training are shown in table 8 below:

Indicator Status

P11.1 A comprehensive training programme allowing the

trainee to fulfil the requirements of the Performance Standards

programme and the examination syllabus must be in place

ESSENTIAL

P11.2 All recommended reference sources for pre-registration

training are available

ESSENTIAL

P11.3 The pharmacy has sufficient staffing levels to allow

appropriate learning to occur

ESSENTIAL

P11.4 All staff have an awareness of the aims and components

of the pre-registration training programme

ESSENTIAL

P11.5 A suitably qualified tutor is available to supervise the pre-

registration trainee. when the tutor is not available satisfactory

arrangements for supervision should be in place

ESSENTIAL

P11.6 The pre-registration trainee must have protected time to

study and tailored to individual circumstances

ESSENTIAL

11.7 A learning contract between pre-registration trainee and

pre-registration tutor has been completed

DESIRABLE

Since these standards were launched in January 2010 trainee views have been monitored year on

year.

Graph 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 show the responses received:


Compliance with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland recommendation2 that pre-registration

trainees should have protected study time would ease this situation.




Section 9: About YOURSELF: The questions asked in Section 10 of the questionnaire seek to find out information specific to the

individual trainee.

Table 9: About YOURSELF.

Section 10

Male 77

Female 128

Not completed 2

Large Multiple 87

Small Multiple 27

Independent 74

12 months hospital 2

6months Hosp/Comm 16

Not completed 1

Weekly hours worked

45 43 42 40 39 38 37.5 37

12 1 4 134 5 7 26 6

36 35 N/C 5 4 3

First Destination

Comm NI Hosp NI Comm GB Hosp GB Don't know Other N/C 129 3 10 3 52 9 1

First Position

Permanent Locum Academia No Employment Other N/C

29 107 7 52 7 5

Additional comments

The additional comments received are shown in Appendix 10.


Section 10 Trainees were invited to make any other comments they have concerning their pre-registration

experiences and these comments are shown in Appendix 12.


Discussion

The review of training questionnaire is posted to trainees with their registration documentation. The

trainees are asked to return their completed questionnaire with the registration documentation. This

approach resulted in a 95.4% response rate from the 216 trainees who had been issued with the

questionnaire.

Section 1 related to the personal experiences of the pre-registration trainee’s. 98% of trainees

indicated they agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed their pre-registration experience. This

reflects similar trends on previous years. 99% indicated they coped well with training; 93% of trainees

agreed or strongly agreed that their training had re-enforced their choice of career and 92 % indicated

that their workload / working conditions allowed them to make the most of learning opportunities. The

majority of comments made by trainees described positive themes in relation to their personal

experiences of the training. Some trainees commented that the pre-registration year was challenging.

Section 2 relates to the structure of pre-registration training. Trainee’s expressed a high level of

satisfaction with 97% of trainee’s either agreeing or strongly agreeing that training has assisted them

in becoming a competent pharmacist. 98% either agreed or strongly agreed that the training enabled

them monitor their progress and to improve any areas of weakness. 100% of trainees felt that the

training assisted them in becoming a competent pharmacist. The results are comparable to trends in

previous years.

Section 3 relates to the support provided by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland to

trainees. The first question relates to the induction event held by the Pharmaceutical Society. 93% of

trainees either strongly agreed or agreed that the induction event was beneficial. The Pharmaceutical

Society uses post event feedback from every trainee cohort to continually improve the quality of these

events. 89% felt the Society’s office staff were approachable and helpful and 92% found the

communication from the Society kept them suitably informed throughout the year. In response to

feedback about emails ending up in junk mail work was commissioned on a new correspondence

section for the e-portfolio. This will capture all communication that is sent to trainees and tutors during

the year.


Section 4 relates to the pre-registration manual. This is provided in an online format to all trainees

prior to the commencement of training. Trainees are encouraged to read the manual before attending

the Society Induction Event so that questions can be addressed early in training. The 2015-2016

trainees expressed high levels of satisfaction with the information provided in the pre-registration

manual and the results are comparable to recent years.

Two elements are reviewed in section 5; the quarterly appraisal process and the registration

examination. The quarterly appraisal process allows the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland

to monitor the progress of trainees’ through-out the pre-registration year. A trainee must achieve a

satisfactory appraisal at week 39 in order to be accepted to sit the registration examination. 95% of

trainees either agreed or strongly agreed that the appraisal process was helpful in identifying their

strengths and weaknesses. Trainees reported high levels of satisfaction with the appraisal process

and the trend is similar to previous years. Undertaking an effective appraisal is one of the learning

objectives of the compulsory tutor training course, and it is therefore satisfying that trainees report high

levels of satisfaction with the appraisal process.

In relation to the registration examination 92% either agreed or strongly agreed that the question on

the examination papers were appropriate and 88% felt that specimen papers helped prepare them for

the examination. The purpose of this examination is to provide assurance to the Pharmaceutical

Society of Northern Ireland that trainees applying for registration as a pharmacist have the necessary

knowledge for safe contemporary practice. Sample papers, and additional online multiple choice

questions were made available to the 2015-2016 cohort of trainees via the Pharmaceutical Society’s

pre-registration website. The vast majority of trainees agreed that the questions were appropriate,

and useful for preparation. There is a robust, and rigorous procedure followed in producing the

registration examination and it is reassuring that the majority of trainees agree that the questions are

appropriate. A number of trainees requested additional examination questions. For the 2015-2016

extra questions were made available through the e-portfolio site. Some trainees commented that they

felt the exam was different than the practice papers. The exam will differ significantly from practice

papers as all questions will not have been published before. However, the exam is increasingly

moving to be more scenario focused and the practice exam released is worked to aim to mirror the

real exam.


Section 6 relates to the e-portfolio and completion of performance standards element of the training

programme. Performance standards enable trainees to consistently demonstrate that they have the

necessary skills, knowledge, behaviours and competency in order to join the Pharmaceutical Register.

Evidence of how they achieve the relevant performance standards is recorded via an online platform

called the e-portfolio. Tutors use the e-portfolio to verify that their trainee has met the necessary

standard and to provide feedback on their trainee’s performance. 89% of trainees strongly agreed or

agreed that completing the e-portfolio helped them identify and record what they had done in order to

demonstrate that they had achieved a performance standard. 85% strongly agreed or agreed that it

allowed them to identify aspects of training still to be completed. This trend is similar to feedback

received in 2014 – 15.

There were several comments with regards to further improving the e-portfolio. In response to

feedback work was commissioned in January 17 to further develop the e-portfolio with the aim of

making it more user friendly, more intuitive to use and to improve the functionality of the site. It is

anticipated that this work will be in place for the 16-17 cohort onwards. Examples of improvement

work to be carried out include:

• clearer identification of standards performance standards with improved visual linkage to

performance standard reference numbers

• self-help guides and self-help links sited within relevant pages,

• creation of ‘performance standards assessment summary page to allow trainees and tutors to

identify easily areas of work still need to be completed

• Visual reference to a ‘percentage standards completed’ score to allow trainees and tutors to

easily track progress

• a correspondence tab with links to all in year communication to trainees and tutors

• Development of a new feed for updates / important updates

• Increase in word limit to allow trainees further scope for documenting their learning

Some feedback was received which indicated that completion of the portfolio was time consuming,

that trainees found the e-portfolio a lot of work and that it could be difficult to meet all of the standards.

The e-portfolio is a substantial piece of work that requires the trainee’s engagement from early in their

training year. The performance standards framework is integral to pre-registration training. It must be


noted that as the building of a portfolio against performance standards involves a considerable amount

of work for trainee’s and that there may always be a cohort of trainee’s who find the completion of the

performance standards and compilation of an e-portfolio challenging. Much of this difficulty can be

attributed to trainees starting their e-portfolio later in the training year. To address this issue for future

cohorts guidance was published in October 2016 that set out targets expected for % completion of

standards to be achieved at each of the quarterly appraisals. It is anticipated that this approach will

have a positive impact and will encourage early engagement from trainees and tutors in relation to the

performance standards programme. The e-portfolio is a vital quality assessment tool and provides the

Pharmaceutical society and the external examiner with assurance that the trainees have evidenced

competence in respect of the performance standards.

97% of trainees strongly agreed or agreed that they found it user friendly and easy to navigate. Some

trainees commented that the performance standards were difficult to achieve. The e-portfolio is a

trainee led, reflective system aimed to encourage trainees to think about their learning and look for

learning opportunities. The performance standards element of the programme mirrors the

Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland’s framework for continual professional development

(CPD). It therefore assists the trainee in building a sense of what real life pharmacy practice is like and

what they must achieve in terms of continual learning to remain registered as a pharmacist. The e-

portfolio provides structure to the trainee’s learning and develops robust documentation skills. The e-

portfolio is also a positive tool in the oversight of pre-registration training for tutors who take

responsibility for the final declaration that their trainee is fit to practice. Feedback from trainees has

been taken on-board and changes have been made to the system for new trainee cohorts. It will be

important to continue on an ongoing basis to listen to feedback from end users and ensure the

portfolio remains modern and fit for purpose.

Section 7 relates to compulsory training that is available to all pre-registration trainees via

Pharmaceutical Society NI, NICPLD and HSC. 99% either agreed or strongly agreed that the

compulsory training days and distance learning courses improved their knowledge. 100% felt that the

training received at teach of the compulsory training days was of good quality. The results obtained

show a consistently high level of satisfaction with the training programme provided by Pharmaceutical

Society NI, NICPLD and the HSC. Comments received were very positive, and complemented the

training courses.


Section 8 related to the premises standards for pre-registration training. In January 2010, the

Community Pharmacy Premises standards2 were launched, including standards for pharmacies

providing pre-registration training. Feedback is very comparable to the result for 2014-2015 which

indicated that the majority of training sites are meeting the standards with the exception of the

standard related to protected study time.

For 2015 – 2016 there was an improvement in the number of trainees either agreeing or strongly

agreeing that recommended study time of 4 hours each week is protected; i.e. 72% compared with

64% for 2014-2015). This may be reflective of the increased work by the Pharmaceutical Society in

communicating that the time is mandatory and work should continue to increase this further. However

more focus will be needed to address this for new trainee cohorts.

Section 9 relates to the trainees and in which areas of pharmacy practice they intend to practice. The

data obtained on first destination shows that the majority of respondents are undertaking locum work

upon registration. 13 trainees indicated that their first destination was Great Britain. 3 trainees of the

2015-16 cohort have indicated hospital pharmacy in Northern Ireland as a first destination. 107

trainees are entering locum practice. It is a point of concern that 34 trainees have no fixed

employment. The oversupply of MPharm graduates from Universities coupled with the current

economic climate appears to have resulted in a difficult outlook for employment for trainees

completing their pre-registration training. This continues to be a concern for the Pharmaceutical

Society.

Section 10 allows the trainees to make any other comments they may have concerning pre-

registration experiences. The comments received were overall positive in relation to pre-registration

training. Several trainees commented that there was a lack of protected training time provided to them

during their placement. The standards for pre-registration indicate there should be a minimum of 4

hours personal protected personal development time each week provided to the trainee. Better

compliance with this standard needs to be achieved.

The pre-registration year is designed to promote ‘on the job’ learning based around the current

structures in place i.e. the performance standards/e-portfolio, distance learning packages and live


events. Overall the results obtained from the trainee review are very positive and play an important

role in assuring the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland that pre-registration training in

Northern Ireland is fit for purpose and compliant with relevant standards. A number of

recommendations are made based on the feedback and it is intended that the results of the

questionnaire are made public via the Pharmaceutical Society’s website

Recommendations

• The trainee review questionnaire should continue to develop and information obtained compared

year on year.

• The information obtained should be made publicly available via the Pharmaceutical Society of

Northern Ireland’s website www.psni.org.uk

• The issue of lack of protected study time of 4 hours per week needs to be addressed. Tutors and

employers are expected to comply with standards for pre-registration training that trainees must

obtain 4 hours protected study time each week. This can be achieved with increased focus on this

issue via email communication, newsletter updates and education at live events. Verification

reports should be commissioned so that employers, tutors and trainees confirm that standards for

pre-registration training are being met and that 4 hours protected study time occurs.

• The pre-registration induction event held by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland should

continue in its current format including the workshop format, and continued extra attention to

completion of performance standards, and correct way to complete learning cycles. This will

continue to evolve as pre-registration training develops.

• The training manual and online e-portfolio format should continue. It is antipcated that further

improvements will be made to the training manual.

• The trainee performance standards should be reviewed and necessary changes made.

• Additional exam questions should continue to be made available to trainees via the new training

website.

• Continue to email trainees in group email format and post information on www.psni.org.uk to

ensure trainees keep up to date with relevant issues. Development of the news feed on the new

training website has proved a useful and rapid way of communication to also continue. A new

correspondence section within the e-portfolio will ensure that all communication received

http://www.psni.org.uk/

http://www.psni.org.uk/


throughout the year is available in archive form. SMS text service has proved successful, and

should also continue.

• The appraisal process is efficient and effective and may reflect the work carried out at tutor

courses to discuss the extra emphasis required to ensure the appraisal process is complied with,

and that a suitable amount of time is given to the trainees to ensure development of their learning

needs. Appraisals submitted via the e-portfolio system have allowed for greater detail to be

recorded. The structure of the online recording system appears to have improved the standard of

the appraisals submitted.

The pre-registration training website has completed its fourth year with the trainees filling in their

portfolios and appraisals online. The e-portfolio will continue to be developed and it will be important

to continue on an ongoing basis to listen to feedback from end users and ensure the portfolio remains

modern and fit for purpose.

References

1. The Performance Review Standards. Standards of Good Regulation. Professional Standards

Authority. June 2010

2. The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland’s Standards for Registered Pharmacy

Premises (Community) January 2010


PRE-REGISTRATION TRAINING 2015-2016

The aim of this questionnaire is to find out the views and experiences of YOUR pre-registration year. This will help us identify important issues and improve the quality of training. Please tick the appropriate boxes below. IF YOU DO NOT Strongly Agree or Agree with the statement, please add additional comments in the space provided. NB. Please complete the separate questionnaire relating to your tutor. Section 1: The statements below relate to your opinion of your PERSONAL EXPERIENCES as a pre-registration trainee. Please complete the following:

Strongly

Agree Agree Neither

Agree nor Disagree

Disagree Strongly Disagree

I enjoyed my pre-registration year

I coped well with the training

The pre-registration training year reinforced my choice of Pharmacy as a career

My workload/working conditions allowed me to make the most of learning opportunities

Do you have any additional comments with regard to your personal experiences? Section 2: In relation to the STRUCTURE OF THE PRE-REGISTRATION TRAINING, please complete the following:

Strongly

Agree Agree Neither

Agree nor Disagree


The training allowed me to identify my strengths as a pre-registration trainee

The training enabled me to identify and improve any areas of weakness

The training enabled me to monitor my progress

The training assisted me to become a competent Pharmacist

Do you have any additional comments with regard to the structure of the pre-registration training?


Section 3: The following are issues relating to the SUPPORT available to pre-registration trainees. Please complete the following: Strongly

Agree Agree Neither

Agree nor Disagree


The induction event with other trainees at the start of the year was beneficial

The pre-registration Lead was approachable and helpful on any occasion I needed to contact him

The Society’s office staff were approachable and helpful on any occasion I needed to make contact

I found the communication by the Society kept me suitably informed of updates throughout the year

Do you have any additional comments with regard the support for pre-registration trainees? Section 4: The following are issues relating to the ON LINE PRE-REGISTRATION TRAINEE MANUAL. Please indicate how you rated the following:

Very good Good Adequate Poor Very Poor

Completeness of information

Standard of presentation

Ease of use

Relevance of information

Do you have any additional comments with regard to the pre-registration manual? Section 5: The following are issues relating to the in-practice training ASSESSMENT AND FINAL EXAMINATION. Please indicate your views on the following:

Strongly

Agree Agree Neither

Agree nor Disagree


The Appraisal process was helpful in identifying my strengths and weaknesses

The past exam paper and MCQ’s provided on the website helped me prepare for the examination

In general the questions on the paper were appropriate

Do you have any additional comments with regard to the in-practice appraisal process?


Do you have any additional comments with regard to the examination process? Section 6: The following are issues relating to the E-PORTFOLIO. Please indicate how you rated the following: Strongly

Agree Agree Neither

Agree nor Disagree


The information provided on the e-portfolio and at the PSNI Induction Event was sufficient to allow me to proceed

Completing the e-portfolio helped me identify and record what I had done

This approach helped me identify the aspects of training that I had completed and focus on those I still needed to complete

The e-portfolio was user friendly and easy to navigate

Do you have any additional comments with regard to the E-Portfolio (including your thoughts on how the system could be improved)? Section 7: The following are issues relating to the COMPULSORY TRAINING – Please indicate how you rated the following: Strongly

Agree Agree Neither

Agree nor Disagree


The training days (Law and Ethics, First Aid and HSC Probity day) improved my knowledge and understanding of the topics covered

The training received at each of these days was of good quality

The distance learning courses were beneficial in improving my knowledge and understanding

Do you have any additional comments with regard to the Society’s compulsory training?


Section 8: Premises standards for pre-registration training Strongly

Agree Agree Neither

Agree nor Disagree


A comprehensive training programme was available allowing me to fulfil the requirements of the e-portfolio and the examination syllabus

The pharmacy had sufficient staffing levels to allow learning to occur

All the recommended reference sources for pre-registration training were available in the pharmacy

All relevant staff in the pharmacy had an appropriate awareness of the aims and components of the pre-registration programme

A suitably qualified tutor was available to supervise my work and when not available satisfactory arrangements were made

As recommended by the Society approximately 4 hours per week was protected for study/personal development.

Section 9: About YOURSELF:

Male □ Female □

What type of pharmacy did you complete your pre-registration training in?

Large Multiple (more than 8) □

Small Multiple □

Independent □

12 months hospital placement □

6 months hospital, 6 months community sector □

On average how many hours did you work in the pharmacy per week excluding breaks □

My first destination when I register is:

Community NI □ Hospital NI □ Don’t know yet □

Community GB □ Hospital GB □ Other □

If other, please comment:

Once registered I will be:

Permanent employment □ Locum employment □ Returning to academia □

No employment secured □ Other □


If other, please comment:

Section 10: Other comments Please provide below any additional comments you may have on any aspect of your training. You may want to include aspects that were beneficial to your training or areas that could be improved or added. This will ensure the quality of pre-registration training for future years (continue overleaf if required).

Thank you for completing this survey


Appendix 2 – section 1

Completing collections & deliveries involved being absent from the pharmacy and missing a few

learning opportunities. However, I gained experience in other areas helping to develop communication

skills.

Really enjoed the 6months hospital pre-reg placement. Hospital pre-reg gave a variation of areas to

gain experience. Hospital provided a great opportunity to gain clinical knowlegde.

Having 6 months in both hospital and community helped me confirm the path I want to take.

Workload and working conditions were a lot more difficult in a community setting and something

should be done to address this.

Excellent training year.

Considering laboratory work/research, still within pharmacy area.

I found the year challenging due to my place of work at times. The pharmacy was extremely busy at

all times and I was not able to avail of my study time which I felt put extra pressure on me coming up

to the exams.

Was more challenging than expected.

I have really enjoyed my pre-reg year, I have learnt so much and it give me the chance to put into

practice what I had learnt during my university degree and allowed me to develop my skills further to

become a good pharmacist.

The pre-reg year offered me the opportunity to realise that community pharmacy in particular wasn't

for me and enabled me to consider my options and decide on a different career path. My workload

was often high and throughout my entire year I was unable to secure 4 hours protected study time per

week meaning that I completed all my work in the evenings.

It would have been better if there is more staff. All the staff have good knowledge and experience in

the pharmacy field, this has helped me develop this year.

I enjoyed my training year but there were issues with another member of staff who was not welcoming

but that was overcome. The workload was too much the portfolio put a lot of pressure on me to


constantly be spending time filling it in rather than learning on the job.

I really enjoyed my pre-reg year in my pharmacy. I found the study time that I got on a Wednesday

afternoon vital and really helped to get my workload and study completed.

Although my tutor encouraged me to use any free time in the pharmacy as study time, during a normal

working day this was usually not possible.

My personal development during the year was greatly helped by the staff where I worked and they

were extremely supportive at pregressing my development.

Having already worked in a pharmacy my view of pharmacy as a career choice did not change.

Working conditions: lack of study time & training days sent on were of little benefit. Didn't get time to

look up / research things as they come in.

Due to the workload in my pharmacy because of staff sickness and unforeseen circumstances, there

were times that my training was not the focus. A lack of study time also resulted from this so I couldn’t

make the most of learning opportunities.

I really enjoyed working with **

Learning time was not given - think it should be protected for e.g. in Scotland you are off one

afternoon a week to study throughout pre-reg year.

Uncertainty over job prospects making me reconsider other options.

I thoroughly enjoyed my pre-reg year with ** and I believe I was provided with the best opportunity to

learn all aspects of community pharmacy.

Tough having to study and work full time. The 4 hours a week are essential for study. I felt they were

not given equally among students.

Are all pre-reg students granted 4 hours of personal study per week? I hear some pharmacies give

half per week. I think it should be more clear for pre-reg students in the future.

The training prepares you well for life as a pharmacist.

I have really enjoyed my pre-reg year and believe I gained a lot from it. I worked in a very busy

pharmacy for the year and it was ideal for me to develop my learning.

In 1st placement tasks weren't explained well, even when I asked questions was expected to know

how to do everything without being told and explained how to do the tasks. Conditions in 1st 6 month

placement could have been better.

I had a great pre-reg year and really enjoyed the experience.


I thoroughly enjoyed my training year and found it invaluable for my career development. I learnt so

much more from putting into practice the things I have learnt in practice.

I have not only developed as a professional this year but as a person. I have learned a lot about

myself and thoroughly enjoyed my time as pre-reg.

Did not feel like an 'extra'was difficult to be a pre-reg when being used as a dispenser.

Did struggle at times to get portfolio work done whilst working full time.

I enjoyed the training & had a lot of support from both my tutor & other pharmacists in the pharmacy. I

received my study time every week which allowed me to complete the work for my training days.

Still feel I would like to learn more, did not get any study time as such.

Appendix 3 section 2

The training programme provided by HSC was a lot more effective than online / community training.

Good structure with appraisals throughout allowing me to monitor my progress.

I feel like the training did assist me to be a competent pharmacist but there is not enough emphasis on

the actual day to day jobs of pharmacist eg. Clinical /accuracy/ legal checks. It is up to you to try and

get into a routine of how to check scripts, this does not really come up during training - it is only one

performance standard out of them all on actually checking a script. I also think going from one day

being a pre-reg to the next possibly being the responsible pharmacist is a big step even with training

and an intermediary period would be very useful eg being 2nd pharmacist to your tutor after get exam

result.

The appraisals throughout the year were beneficial as it help me identify areas of weakness and how

to improve them and also my strengths.

It was well structured with many opportunities to reflect on learning.

It was very well structured by ** my tutor.

E=-portfolio website not user friendly would be better if you see what compentancies you hadn't

completed as these would indicate areas you need to improve.

The training year definitely helped me to identify my weakness and work on ways to improve them. I

found the appraisals a great way of allowing me to monitor my progress.

There should have been more shadowing the pharmacist during consultations in the 1st 6 months

which I didn’t see a lot of, more going through tasks and how to do them before being expected to

know it and more time to practice checking prescriptions.


Some courses packed a lot into 1 day and it may have been beneficial to spread these out over a few

days.

A consistent training programme for all trainees would be helpful.

Appendix 4 – Section 3

Did not require to contact the pre-reg lead or the society at any stage.

For the most part I was kept up to date with any events that would affect me. Towards the end of the

year though the online portal through which I access portfolio was changed. A link was provided to go

to old page but this was difficult to see and no warning was given to me that this would be happening.

Many emails went to junk mail meaning I could have missed correspondence.

Examination fees were set and forms submitted. Then the price changed and had to resubmit some

forms.

I feel that the change in examination fee was not addressed appropriately. I contact the staff and

asked could they keep my details or give it over the phone and I feel the staff member dealing with

was not approachable & quite quick to dismiss.

My employer initially stated the incorrect start date on my pre-reg app form, I contacted ** and he

offered no remedy to the issue. This has delayed my registration in NI and more frustratingly in ROI.

I rang the office when there was the mix up with pre-reg exam fees and was told someone who knew

what was happening would phone me back which didn’t happen.

The need to contact office staff did not arise.

Never required to approach him.

I never had to contact the pre-reg or office staff but they did seem approachable.

When payment was made for the pre-registration exam, I initially received no confirmation of payment

but when I made an enquiry about it, I was then told the price of the exam had increased by £10. I

was very disappointed with society, as I had to take off to make sure the new cheque was received in

time.

I did not need to contact the pre-reg lead during the year.

I didn’t need to contact him so can't comment.

I had difficulty at the start of my pre-reg training year and the society and ** were very helpful and

supportive.


On the occasion I had to contact the office about the change in exam fees one staff member was not

particularly helpful & quite abrupt.

I have no need to contact pre-reg lead / society throughout the year.

Didn’t need to contact lead.

As we were without a pre-reg lead for a significant portion of the year, it was at times difficult to speak

to people informed on the pre-reg programme.

No response to emails; as doing October exam felt not the same help; you should send out emails

saying you have completed NICPLD courses so that you know its gone through.

Office staff weren't pleasant to come into.

There was a period where I was not receiving any emails.

Didn't contact lead.

The induction event was highly beneficial in terms of learning what to do for the e-portfolio. The

regular emails from society were greatly appreciated for keeping me up to date.

Emails went in to junk mail so sometimes missed.

I didn’t have any need to contact the pre-registration lead or office staff so I can't comment.

Communication was great and ensured I missed nothing.

Did not need to contact the pre-reg lead.

No contact made


Some of the online courses are lengthy and it takes a long time to get through them, but the majority

of the information is useful.

I think more info on how to register is required.

I think the manual is well structured and acts as a comprehensive reference source.

It was difficult to see which standards I still had to meet as there was no quick reference to standard

numbers and their description.

A lot of info to getthrough to get to the key information.

All information needed was contained in the pre-reg manual, a very useful reference source.

Was much longer than it could have been.



Great process, found it very useful in helping me develop throughout the year.

The in-practice appraisal process was very useful to allow me improve my performance throughout the

year.

Appraisal helpful

Appraisals allowed me to focus on areas that my tutor thought I could improve on & allowed me to see

the areas of practice I was doing well in.

Appendix 6 – section 5 contd. Examination process

Examination Process

I can't remember the exact phrase in one of the questions but it was similar to 'widely different'. I think

this phrase is open to interpretation and as such not suitable in a true/false question. However, on a

wholed deemed the majority of the questions appropriate.

I felt the past papers on website were not at all like questions on actual closed book exam, and were

not a good source to prepare form.

Not enough examples of past exams paper.

I would've like if we had access to multiple past papers instead of only the previous year's past paper.

Regarding the level of difficulty of the past paper and the actual paper, the actual paper was much

more difficult than the example paper online.

More calculations to practice would have been beneficial.

Styling of questions in some parts of closed book differed from sample paper MCQ. Questions on

CPD & MUR's, whilst completely valid and important, were a little unexpected.

I feel the closed paperwas less clinical than what was presented in previous papers/questions given to

us. I feel that although important to know as pharmacist, the questions regarding services eg MUR

should not be applicable as we are noy allowed to complete these during our pre-reg year.

There wasn't enough past paper examples and many of the questions were out of date / had been

updated.

More past paper questions would have been helpful. Also, I was unsure of where to find my exam

result, more sign posting needed.


I think the MCQ's on the PSNI website should be made harder.

More MCQ's should have been supplied & would have been more helpful.

I felt some question's wording was ambiguous and could lead to both a true and false answer.

The BNF 70 is much mire difficult to use and has known errors, therefore I think it would have been

appropriate to allow pupils to use the BNF 69. Completing past papers proved difficult at times due to

omited information. I feel the society should have held a type of class / workshop or an introduction

around the new BNF or at least made students aware of its errors.

More past paper questions could be helpful for future pre-reg's.

I think the sample paper online was not like the real exam. Exam was well organised. Maybe have the

closed book second so the day is not prolonged unnecessarily.

The past paper questions I found were very different to the exam.

I think more past papers should have been available. I would also recommend spilting the exam over

2 days rather than 1 day.

More past papers should be released because that provides better info as to what info is required /

likely to be asked eg side effects not doses.

So Q's in the closed book were poorly worded eg double negitives. Some I wouldn’t need to know 'on

my feet' eg hyponatiaemia, I would look up a BNF.

I would have liked more past papers to be made available through the portal for preparation instead I

was lucky to be in contact with someone who had a few so helped my preparation. I think doing the 2

papers in one day was tough. It would have been nice to have them spread out over two days.

If you fail an exam at the end of university you should not have to wait until October to do the exam, it

delays your progress even more.

Additional past paper material & calculation MLQ's should be made available to pre-registration

students. The PSNI could run more in-house training events to prepare students for the exam which

inclkude going over past paper style questions.

The exam hall was very uncomfortable and stuffy to work in.

More exam papers would be useful.

More past paper questions on the PSNI website would be helpful.

I didn’t have any issues with the examination process and throught we were keep very well informed.

Less time required for closed book, more time required for open book. Exam hall conditions were

difficult to work in, very hot and humid.


I thought there should have been more online resources to avail of in preparation for the exam as we

only had access to one sample paper which I didn’t think was enough.

Additional past papers would be helpful.

Closed book exam difficult compared to previous past papers. Too much time for closed book & tight

for time in other.

The questions on the paper were mostly community based - not very appropriate for those doing

hospital / industry pre-reg.

Very relevant. Nothing that would not be encountered in everyday practice.

More past paper would be helpful.

Provision of past papers or mock exams would have been beneficial.

I spent a lot of time improving my clinical knowledge and felt there were not enough clinical questions

on the examination paper.

I expected a larger bank of ppq's


Some of the standards were poorly worded and as a result it was sometimes difficult to create a cycle

The word limit for eportfolio should be 'word' limit instead of 'alphabet' limit for example 'therefore' and

'thus' are of the same meaning but 'therefore' will eat up 8 words according to eportfolio system and

'thus' only eat up 4 words.

A lot of time to be investing in a very waffley amnner. Many competencies largely not needed to be

there e.g. why should I need to complete first aid 3 separate times? Feel a better less time consuming

alternative would be better.

Often the e-portfolio standards were not always obviously applicable to the tasks and experiences of

pre-reg. Often I felt CPD like approach may have been easier rather than attached standards to each

cycle. However I understand why standards are an important factor in pre-reg.

A separate link to a list of the performance standards would be useful.

I would suggest that you increase the word / character count in the 'action' section of the cycle. I

would've been able to get my point across / given the full picture if I could've written more.

I feel one example for each standard would be more than sufficient e.g. use of english language.

Some of the options on the e-portfolio for standards can be very confusing and it is unclear as to how


much evidence is appropriate for cycles. Although I feel it will help me prepare for CPD in the future.

I think the STANDARDS need to be addressed. Some are just silly to have in. The e-portfolio is good

as it set us up for CPD though.

Having set targets of cycles to be completed at each appraisal. Yet I know it is both the student trainee

& tutor's responsibility to have them completed in time, it would be good in the lonf run i.e. less

pressure in the end.

A page with standard numbers and accompanying description would be useful - instead of only

standard numbers (PSAS page)

E-portfolio was very time consuming to complete and I found the NICPLD courses much more useful

and a better way to spend time learning.

Extra examples of potential cycles may be beneficial at the induction event, maybe of standards that

the trainees may struggle to meet.

I feel that the layout of the e-portfolio wasn’t conducive to continuing your train of though & would be

better all on one page. I also felt that many of the standards were not overly appropriate.

Not user friendly at all - couldn’t go between sections easily ie between standards & action, had to

dave it everytime which took ages; no way of knowing you had ticked that compentancy 3 times until

box couldn’t be ticked anymore.

Some of the standards in the e-portfolio don't home much value e.g. communicate appropriately in

English.

Certain performance standards are quite vague.

The induction event was extremely useful at explaining the e-portfolio process. I didn’t have any

problems with the website and thought it was very easy to use.

Didn't like 'how was I learning applied' often same as action for unscheduled cycles.

Some standard were hard to get 3 pieces of evidence for, particularly the extemporaneous dispensing

one as I rarely seen any opportunties to do this.

Guidance on the portfolio minimal. Would have preferred more info on the website rather than

handouts. Website for portfolio slow & navigating between pages to find where to enter info not user

friendly.

I feel the high quantity of cycles is not very beneficial. After a while I felt I wasn't learning anything. I

think it would be more beneficial to do fewer cycles (around 20) and then online exercises on exam

topics e.g legislation, OTC meds.


Feel that I could have had more advice & help on completing e-portfolio. I found this difficult and would

have liked it explained more step by step. I do not feel that there were enough examples given by

society or by tutor.


I thoroughly enjoyed the training days especially Law & Ethics and First Aid.

All the training days were very well organisedand beneficial.

First aid trainiong was brilliant.

I personally found the training days very beneficial and enjoyble. The minor alignment distance

learning course was easier to complete and more helpful broken up into multiple courses compared to

previous years.

Minor ailments courses very beneficial (maybe make available from Sept on?)

The distance learning courses were of great benefit, great resource!

I found the online courses very helpful in my training.

First Aid - I would like to learn more about what you might encounter in a pharmacy e.g. cuts, burns,

lacerations.

Very well organised and found each of them very beneficial.

The NICPLD online courses were very helpful but the layout was misleading for myself and a number

of other pre-reg students. I thought I had completed all of the online courses but it wasn’t until I

clicked on show all that I noticed I had missed a number of them as they had all said completed when

I clicked on the page numbers.

The NICPLD days were good especially the first aid. The Probity day was okay but not very

informative. Some of the distance learning eg records ere very long and had some useless info. Key

points to know of those more detailed parts would be better.

I found the NICPLD courses very useful.

The online courses were sometimes hard to navigate to find the relevant information.

I really enjoyed the layout of the NICPLD courses - really easy to navigate and a useful study tool for

the exam.

Surprisingly the law and wthics day was particularly enjoyable.

Very beneficial tp practice.

I really enjoyed both compulsory training days, they were very well run and very beneficial learning.

Rathered training days over distance learning.


I feel that the law & ethics day could have included more ethical dilemmas but it was still very

informative.

The distance learning courses about minor ailments were fantastic. The record keeping ones and CD

ones were too long and boring.

Printable versions of all courses.

All of the additional courses were really beneficial, particularly First Aid and Law & Ethics.

NICPLD glitches affected a large number of people - specifically around minor ailments - anyone who

had completed all required courses had no need to emailed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first aid day & felt the law & ethics days was beneficial for my learning.

Appendix 9 section 8

Hospital setting allowed for personal development time - community did not.

Protected learning in hospital but not always in community.

My first 6 months of training, I did not receive 4 hours per week consistently from one week to the

next, however I did receive it every week in my last 6 months.

I did not get protected study, at times particulary in my 1st placement, then staffing levels were low

and I felt I could not approach my tutor due to it being busy.

Did not receive 4 hours study time a week during busy periods.

I spent a lot of time on the shop floor rather than the dispensary. I got some protected study towards

the end. I did take it towards the 3 month mark. I wasn't encouraged to take it.

During the year I only received protected study time on handful of occasions (4/5 times) due to staff

shortage and heavy workload in the pharmacy.

Did not get any study time as such in ** or ** . I feel that it was unfair as other peers got this. Majority

of Gordons pre-registration students did not get this, I thought it was compulsory.


Singapore Hospital

Fixed term 12month contract as relief pharmacist.

Full time maternity cover for a large multiple as a relief pharmacist.

6 months maternity leave cover with additional locum shifts as and when required.


Temporary contract employment.

To work in the ROI. I may plan to do locums but aim to locum in the republic.

Community Pharmacy ROI

1 year contract in community pharmacy

Temprary employment

I am interested in working in the ROI

Returning to academia

PHD

Community ROI


I feel more emphais should be made on need for protected study time whilst at work as this did not

happen during my 6 month community placement.

Found the syllabus quite vague. Training days were really useful. It would be useful to know what

registration number would be toward end of pre-reg training to allow for purchasing insurance and

applying for jobs.

A bigger emphasis on the hours allocated for study.

I thoroughly enjoyed this year. I was able to enhance my knowledge and learnt so much valuable

information for working as a pharmacist. The calculations course was the most beneficial training.

There could possibly be more calculation examples on the PSNI website.

I thoroughly enjoyed my training year. My tutor was very competent and made this a pleasant year for

me.

The online resources available were very effective, useful and simple to use.

I really enjoyed my pre-reg year, however would have liked to receive dedicated study learning time. I

rarely got 4 hours per week and feel it is unfair that some pre-regs get a lot more study time than

others. I realise this is largely dependent on individual pharmacies / companies but I feel future pre-

reg pharmacists would benefit from having this time as a compulsary component rather than a

recommendation.

Not enough study time given to support pre-reg learning, especially iof pre-reg is attending sanger

training days on top of normal study & training. Overall a very enjoyable year, a busy shop makes

learning quick and easy when supported by a good team.


I feel that the pre-reg training was beneficial providing me with a stable platform for development to full

time employment. I am satisfied with the training programme and do not feel that there are any areas

requiring improvement.

The training days are beneficial.

I think the maximum working week should be 35/36 hours per week and the protected study hours

should be for outside of the workplace. I believe that this would be more beneficial to pre-regs as

there would be less distractions than in a busy work environment.

It was a well run programme.

I don’t feel pharmcies are sufficiently vetted prior to qualification as a pre-reg premises. I intially

commenced training in ** - a pharmacy which at times could process as few as 10 prescriptions in a

day offering little to no learning opportunities. They should be removed as a learning site. Thankfully

my 1st tutor left because of the slow pace and I moved to a busier pharmacy.

I was disappointed after I completed my test, as there was pages missing in my test. During the test I

had to transfer all my answers onto a new booklet - this resulted in me having less time in the exam,

and more presuure. I was very anxious during the period after the exam which was unnecessary.

As I said before more emphasis on e.g. checking scripts and carrying out services e.g. MUR's. I did

gain experience in these by applying myself to it but would wonder if people in busier pharmacies

would have time for this. It is up to you to try checking scripts dispensers have prepared before the

pharmacist check them and this really is an area you need to be competent at before starting any

other employment.

I have really enjoyed my pre-reg year, the support I received was fantastic throughout which really

helped me progress throughout the year. E-portfolio really helped me identify areas of practice I

needed to improve on and how to do so. It also give me the chance to record what I had learnt which

helped me to develop futher my understanding of that area.

The pharmacy performed a range of services which I believe helped in providing me with a well

rounded learning experience. The Pharmacy Forum calculations classes were benficial in my revision

for the pre-reg exam.

Very enjoyable year and feel that I should commend both my tutors for their help and suppost. The

society could be more strict by ensuring that all pre-reg pharmacists receive their 4 hours per week

allocated study time, as it can leave those who do not at a disadvantage with regards to the exam / e-

portfolio.


I really enjoyed my trainingf year and am very thankful I did it in Parker Pharmacy.

More training in relation to Northern Ireland services for pre-regs e.g. minor ailments scheme, smoking

cessation scheme, medicine use reviews, domicillary oxygen services.

Extremely enjoyed my pre-reg year.

My pre-reg year was enjoyable. It took a while for me to carryout a role within the pharmacy. I found

that I was treated as a shop girl (non-trained in dispensary) rather than a pre-reg / dispensary

assistant. I found I was very much on my own and could have been supported better by the society.

I enjoyed my pre-reg year. I thought the learning and guidance I received at both work and courses I

attended have helped me become a competent pharmacist.

I feel tutors should make effort for the pre-reg student to get their allocated study time in the

pharmacy. This would have helped myself, I feel.

Need protected learning time!! - off pharmacy premises - no wifi so can't even do e-portfolio on

premises & if pharmacy was busy feel guilt of helping or would get called to help!!; more user friendly

e-portfolio & NICPLD site!!; pre-reg should be an additional member of staff to allow learning - not the

case taken for granted as an extra staff member.

My training in hospital enabled me to prepare & present a number of oral presentation to other HCP's.

I think this should be compulsory as part of the training year, especially with the audit - standard of

the e-portfolio.

My 1st 6 months did not ensure my 4hrs of study a week although I did get some time. I would like

this to be made clear to tutors in the future, if possible as I felt it was necessary for the exam.

Really valuable year.

A very well structured year which I thoroughly enjoyed and has prepared me to be a competent

pharmacist.

I found the Law & Ethics days and First Aid course very enjoyable and beneficial. I found the group

learning very useful and feel the training programme would benefit from more days like this. The e-

portfolio was the best way of developing my learning throughout the year and I wouldnt change

anything about it for future years.

Found that the registration and examination fees were higher than rest of UK.

Did not get any study time, this would have been beneficial.

Great experience. Important to keep on top of cycles. Training days beneficial, examination

examples on PSNI website useful.


The PSNI calculations training day really helped me improve my calculation technique and style and I

benefited from the training day. The First Aid and Law & Ethics training days were also very

beneficial. It may be an idea to attend a compulsory calculations training day as I feel the course was

extremely worthwhile and beneficial, especially for pre-regs who may not be as confident as others at

completing calculations.

I think that the 4 hours protected study time should be enforced more rigourously as I very rarely got

study time. Study time was considered being on the OTC counter responding to queries which was

good experience but the majority of time spent on the OTC counter was handing out repeat

prescriptions and ringing general shop item through the till which was not good use of study time.

Probity training day was very useful to explain the importance of coding, end of month, etc. Mr

Mawhinney running the law & ethics days were very informative. When looking at the table to see

what standards / competencies you have completed, it might be useful to be able to hover over the

number e.g B1.2, and then a description of the B1.2 standard appears. This would be less hassle

than having to open up the list of standards PDF or finding / searching to see what B1.2 is.

If there was another pre-reg, say if they were from the previous year, i.e they failed their initial

registration job, there should be clear rules / guidelines on working with new pre-reg.

I had a fantastic year - was brilliant to be able to put everything I had learnt at uni into practice & work

with a wide range of fantastic pharmacists & take something from all of them.

Compulsary study days could be helpful instead of 4 hours a week as this is difficult to get in busy

pharmacies.

The UCA training days were at times very irrelevant and could have been more focussed on

benefitting the criteria set by the PSNI.

I feel my pre-reg training has prepared me for employment as a pharmacist. I feel something that

could be added is advice on working and getting registered outside of NI e.g. ROI & GB. This would

hekp pre-reg pharmacists who are moving and make them more aware of how to register in these

areas. Advice on indemnity insurance would also be beneficial.

UCA Training days - training days were all based on a trade fair where each company came in and

promoted their products. Very poorly geared towards gearing pre-reg's up for the exam.

More help with portfolio. Get designated study hours. More training on shop/non clinical roles.

The E-portfolio was very beneficial in monitoring progress. The Calculations Training day was very

useful.


Documents

Trainee Review of Pre-registration Training Questionnaire 2015 … · 2017-05-08 · 2015-2016 Pre-registration Training Review 5 Method A total of 216 trainees undertook pre-registration