The Diagnostic Tool and Learning Modules (DTLM) of the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) is an online learning program that addresses knowledge and skills gaps in three areas relevant to pharmacy practice in Canada. The NAPRA DTLM is available to all international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) as well as Canadian-educated pharmacy professionals and pharmacy students.
The DTLM was developed as one of the main components of the Pilot Program to Prepare for Practical Training (P4T), a national short-term pilot project (2019-2022) that aimed to provide access to tools, resources, and a mentorship program to specifically address the learning and skills gaps that had been identified as barriers to success for IPGs pursuing licensure as a pharmacist in Canada. The P4T project, which was funded by the federal government of Canada, ended on December 31, 2022. While the mentorship program administered as part of P4T did not continue, the diagnostic tool and all three learning modules remain available.
Diagnostic Tool
The diagnostic tool is an interactive online resource that assesses three areas of knowledge through a series of 45 questions, identifying specific gaps in knowledge and experience, and offers opportunities for improvement.
The three areas of knowledge addressed are:
- Knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system;
- Cultural diversity and awareness; and
- Professional communication.
Learning Modules
Once the initial assessment is completed, access to three interactive online learning modules is unlocked. The learning modules, detailed below, help participants to further develop knowledge and skills relevant to Canadian pharmacy practice in the three areas assessed in the diagnostic tool.
Module 1: Introduction to the Canadian Healthcare System as it Relates to Pharmacy Practice
Topics covered in Module 1 include the role of the pharmacist within the Canadian healthcare system, the laws and regulations that govern pharmacy professionals, and what patients expect from their pharmacist.
Module 2: Introduction to Canadian Culture and Diversity as it Applies to Pharmacy Practice
Module 2 explores culture and diversity as they relate to pharmacy practice and addresses currently relevant concepts such as diversity, inclusion, systemic racism, Canada’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, and examination of one’s own biases. Further, Module 2 encourages pharmacy professionals to treat each patient as an individual with unique needs, cultural values and beliefs, specific expectations, and differing levels of health literacy.
Module 3: Introduction to Communication Skills Appropriate to Pharmacy Practice in Canada
The interplay between culture and different communication styles is explored in this module, with an emphasis on a person-centered approach to communication focused on active listening, building a rapport, demonstrating empathy, and understanding one’s audience.
Modalities of Participation
There are no conditions to access NAPRA’s DTLM. The learning program is available to all pharmacy professionals, international pharmacy graduates, and pharmacy students who wish to increase their understanding of the knowledge and skills required for pharmacy practice in a Canadian setting and/or to prepare to meet the requirements of the pharmacy regulatory authorities for licensure in their respective jurisdiction.
The DTLM is available in English and French, and the cost to enrol in the program is $95.00, plus applicable taxes.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion once all four components of the program have been completed. Those who require a certificate of completion for individual components are asked to contact gatewayinfo@napra.ca.
Note: The DTLM program is not accredited by the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP) for continuing education (CE) credits but may still be noted as part of participants’ CE depending on the requirements of the pharmacy regulatory authority in any given jurisdiction.
Registration
Those who wish to participate in the DTLM are invited to do so as follows:
- Visit the NAPRA DTLM registration page;
- Create a new account;
- Choose a course; and
- Pay the registration fee.
For further information and support, contact the Gateway team by email at gatewayinfo@napra.ca or by phone at + 1 613-569-9800 (Monday-Friday, 08:30-16:30 ET).
