[Further education and training of German pharmacists].

Abstract

The 2013 amending directive on the recognition of professional qualifications (2005/36/EC) calls on European countries to implement concepts for the continuing professional development of healthcare professionals. This article examines the development of continuing education and training of pharmacists in Germany and compares it with Austria, France, Switzerland and the UK.The development of a voluntary training certificate for pharmacists in Germany began in the early 2000s. The certificate requires proof of 150 continuing education points, which can be earned by attending lectures, seminars and other educational activities, to be submitted to the responsible chamber of pharmacists. With the introduction of pharmaceutical services and vaccinations in 2022, proof of specific qualification measures will be linked to the authorisation to provide certain services.Specialisation developed differently in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). In the GDR, specialisation was possible from 1974 and in the FRG from 1979. Today, further training to become a specialist pharmacist is offered in 10 areas, and additional designations can be acquired in 8 areas. Many EU countries have mandatory continuing education requirements, which are usually monitored by a professional association. Austria introduced mandatory continuing education in 2024. In Switzerland, in addition to specialisation, regular proof of continuing education is also required to manage a community pharmacy. France and the UK have mandatory revalidation systems that go beyond this, with the UK having implemented continuous professional (competence) development most comprehensively. Germany has the opportunity to utilise the experience of other European countries in order to further develop its continuing education and specialisation in line with EU standards.