Protected Learning Time Boosts Pharmacist Development, Patient Care

A new study indicates that protected learning time (PLT) significantly improves pharmacists’ professional development while also boosting pharmacy service provisions and improved patient outcomes. However, according to a study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, improvements in PLT require addressing financial and logistical barriers in pharmacy practice.¹

“PLT enables all pharmacists to engage in professional development…[leading] to greater assurance of post-registration professional capability for patient safety and improved patient care,” according to the Royal College of Pharmacy.² “Enabling pharmacists to engage in developmental activities during their working day also has a positive impact on their mental health and well-being. In addition, it is likely to make the day job of being a pharmacist more attractive as a career, helping to attract and retain high-quality professionals within the profession.”

Exploratory research from Wales involved a pilot program funding 12 to 15 days of PLT over 10 months, allowing pharmacists to pursue credit-bearing qualifications or self-directed learning. This investment addressed a critical gap, as 93% of community pharmacists previously reported insufficient learning time compared with 61% across all pharmacy sectors.¹

READ MORE: Billing Gaps Devalue the Patient Care Clinical Pharmacists Provide

Beyond the UK, a global scoping review confirms that although continuing professional development (CPD) is increasingly a mandatory statutory requirement, the transition from traditional continuing pharmacy education (CPE) to a more reflective and cyclical CPD model is essential for maintaining professional competence in a rapidly changing health care landscape, according to authors of a BMC Medical Education study.³

Research suggests that pharmacists utilizing a structured CPD approach report significantly greater improvements in their professional practice and perceptions of their capabilities compared with those remaining in traditional CPE programs.⁴

For community pharmacy owners, professional development is not only clinical but also entrepreneurial, as awareness of financial indicators remains a cornerstone for the long-term sustainability of their practices. Younger pharmacists in particular demonstrate a higher awareness of these financial metrics, which helps them make more rational management decisions to safeguard their businesses while navigating the complexities of modern pharmacy, as stated in a Heliyon study.⁵

However, the path to implementing consistent PLT is fraught with logistical hurdles, particularly the rising costs and shortages of locum cover required to backfill clinical roles.¹

Data from NHS trusts indicate that even when job plans are in place, more than a quarter of organizations fail to offer formalized learning time, often leaving junior pharmacists with fewer opportunities for advancement than their senior colleagues.⁶

This culture where immediate clinical service always takes precedence over education contributes to a high risk of burnout, with some surveys indicating that 88% of pharmacy professionals feel pushed to their limits. Furthermore, the preference for face-to-face and blended learning formats among global practitioners suggests that simple online modules are often insufficient to meet complex developmental needs.^1,3,6

To address these challenges, the Wales study identifies 2 potential models for upscaling: prescheduled PLT slots or dedicated non-patient-facing hours, which might include short, routine closures. Although some fear these closures might limit patient access, proponents argue that without time to develop advanced skills, pharmacists cannot provide the high-quality clinical services patients increasingly require.¹

Moving from an individual to an organizational responsibility for learning is vital to ensure that pharmacy remains a robust and attractive career choice.

“PLT improves pharmacist professional development and personal well-being and enables broader service provision in their pharmacy,” concluded the authors of the current study.¹ “However, upscaling of PLT requires addressing financial and logistical barriers. Structured and equitable PLT models, such as routine closures or non-patient-facing hours, warrant further research and piloting to assess feasibility, acceptability, and impact both for pharmacists and patient care.”

READ MORE: E-Pharmacy Offers Benefits Yet Requires Cautious Implementation

Are you ready to elevate your pharmacy practice? Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips straight to your inbox.

REFERENCES

1. Bartlett S, Bullock A. Protected learning time in community pharmacy and possibilities for upscaling: an exploratory study in Wales, UK. J Pharm Policy Pract. 2026 Feb 20;19(1):2629063. doi: 10.1080/20523211.2026.2629063.

2. Protected learning time (PLT). Royal College of Pharmacy. Accessed April 30, 2026. https://www.rcpharm.org/policies/protected-learning-time-plt/

3. Ballaram S, Perumal-Pillay V, Suleman F. A scoping review of continuing education models and statutory requirements for pharmacists globally. BMC Med Educ. 2024 Mar 27;24(1):343. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-05322-4.

4. Janis S. The impact of continuing professional development versus traditional continuing pharmacy education on pharmacy practice. Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. October 15, 2010. Accessed April 30, 2026. https://www.acpe-accredit.org/the-impact-of-continuing-professional-development-versus-traditional-continuing-pharmacy-education-on-pharmacy-practice-2/

5. Abu Assab M, Hasan HE, Alhamad H, et al. Assessing pharmacists' awareness of financial indicators in community pharmacy management: a cross-sectional study. Heliyon. 2024 Jun 21;10(13):e33338. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33338.

6. Willis S. Is a lack of protected learning time holding back hospital pharmacists’ career development? The Pharmaceutical Journal. September 18, 2025. Accessed April 30, 2026. https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/is-a-lack-of-protected-learning-time-holding-back-hospital-pharmacists-career-development