Career Progression for Community Pharmacists using standardized structure (Quality assurance and improvement) Draft r eport presented by Dr Seun Asieba for ACPN CP Rating Committee March 7 2023
Outline Introduction Purpose Name and Bands Process Marketing and Acceptability Key assessment areas Bands Conclusion Committee members Comments/ Inputs/ Questions
Introduction There are v arious rating, progression, and assessment scales for community pharmacists in different countries. These scales are often used to evaluate the performance, competence, and professional development of pharmacists working in community pharmacy settings. These scales include: Competency-based assessments Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs Performance appraisal Accreditation and certification programs In Nigeria there is currently no standardized tool for providing assessing community pharmacists, for career growth, recognizing competence, commitment, service and impact of community pharmacists This committee was set up to recommend a system for assessing and rating community pharmacists which will be useful for recognition as well as career progression for all community pharmacists - employed and employer.
Purpose The primary purpose of the accreditation program is to provide a standardized framework for evaluating and verifying the knowledge, skills, and professional conduct of community pharmacists. By setting forth specific criteria and guidelines, the program ensures consistent quality and adherence to best practices in the pharmacy profession. It is an platform to recognise and reward community pharmacists making impact and progress Overall, rating programs for community pharmacists can provide valuable feedback to both pharmacists and patients. They can help patients make informed decisions and encourage pharmacists to continually strive for excellence in their practice. These programs promote accountability, quality improvement, and the provision of patient-centered care in the field of pharmacy.
Name and Bands of the Scale NAME- Community Pharmacists Rating Scale b)BANDS 1. Community Pharmacist Band 1 2. Senior Community Pharmacist -Band 2 3. Community Pharmacist Specialist - Band 3 4. Community Pharmacist Senior Specialist - Band 4 5. Community Pharmacist Consultant -Band 5
Process for accreditation/ rating Develop assessment tool and process Obtain relevant input, approval and acceptability by all necessary stakeholders Pretest tool and review where necessary Market the product Registered CPs fill application form and attach relevant documents An independent standards organization such as Pharmaccess / Safecare will be engaged/partnered with for maintenance of standards PCN and ACPN will be involved in the accreditation committee Facility and Pharmacist assessments will be carried out Processing fees will apply to all applications Accreditation certificates/ are presented to successful candidates at ACPN National Conferences.
Marketing and Acceptability plan 1. Share with ACPN EXCO/ NEC/ PChairmen/ Past Exco members/PSN 2. Printing of IEC materials 2. Development and deployment of electronic communication materials 3. Enlightenment webinars for members 5. Registration/ Notification of protocol with FIP/ AFP/ PSN 6. Development of paraphernalia of achievement. Name tags, pins, badges, desk decorators etc 7. Special work coat for each band band.
Key assessment areas/ domains Years of practice as a community Pharmacist. Additional qualification after B Pharm or Pharm D. eg phD Evidence of Pharmaceutical Care provision Specialized and certificated trainings received Community Pharmacist Specialist qualification and practice - expertise in a specific therapeutic area Evidence of leadership in pharmacy and the community Participation in local and national ACPN activities Evidence of training and mentorship of young pharmacists and pharmacy students Research work evidenced with publications of relevant work in peer reviewed journals Evidence of collaboration with other health care professionals. Innovative ways of improving income generation of the pharmacy Ethical conduct and a dherence to regulatory guidelines Patient satisfaction and feedback Expansion of pharmacy services - extended pharmacy services 360 performance review - staff, employers, patients, community Use of digital tools for pharmacy services provision and improvement Demonstration of managerial and entrepreneurial skills evidenced in venture growth Professional outlook and outlay of the Pharmacy Extent of PHC role: immunization, adult vaccination, TB services, Integrated management of childhood ailments ( Evidence of training and evidence of practice) Application of IT to practice, telepharmacy, online presence, inventory, documentation
Community Pharmacist Band 1 Registered Pharmacist ( B Pharm / Pharm D), Works in a registered and licensed community pharmacy
Senior Community Pharmacist Band 2 A Band ONE Pharmacist who has met the following conditions: (At least 90%) 1. Minimum of 3 years practice experience in a community pharmacy OR Pharmacists with cross-functional skills from other settings or technical groups with at least 5 years experience (10 marks) 2. Evidence of Pharmaceutical care provision with documentation (10 marks) 3. At least 3 pharmacy related or specialized certificated trainings received over a period of the last 3 years. (10 marks) 4. Participation in at least, 2 national or international conferences in the period under review. (10 marks) 5. Minimum of 25% attendance of Zonal or State Pharmacy Meetings in the period under review. (10 marks) 6. Basic pharmacy research works/publications e.g At least one abstract accepted (10 marks)
Community Pharmacist Specialist - Band 3 A Band TWO Pharmacist who has met the following conditions: ( At least 90%) 1.Minimum of 5 years post registration (cumulative), (10 marks) 2. Specialized training e.g Masters/ PhD (10 marks) 3. Evidence of WAPCP pass at least Part1. (10 marks) 4. Research work evidenced with publications of relevant work in peer reviewed journal - at least one article (10 marks) 5. Specialized Point of Care testing and services services e.g Glycated Haemoglobin check, ARV Refill, Anti-TB drugs refill etc. (10 marks) 6. Use of digital tools for pharmacy services provision and improvement. (10 marks) 7. Demonstration of managerial and entrepreneurial skills evidenced in venture growth. (10 marks) 8. Participation in health insurance schemes/services or . (10 marks) 9. Evidence of Medication therapy management (10 marks) 10. Evidence of collaboration with other healthcare professionals (10 marks)
Senior Specialist Community Pharmacist - Band 4 A Band THREE Pharmacist who has met the following conditions: ( At least 90%) 1. Minimum of 7 years post registration (cumulative) ( 10 marks) 2. Evidence of Advanced medication therapy management.( 10 marks) 3. Specialist qualification and practice - expertise in a specific therapeutic area. (10 marks) 4. Evidence of leadership in Pharmacy and the community. ( 10 marks) 5. Minimum of 4 publications, one of which must be in a peer review journal.(10 marks) 6. Established functional referral system. (10 marks) 7. Documentation of 360 performance review - staff, management, employers, clients and community - Service and impact. 10 marks) 8. Application of IT to practice, telepharmacy, online presence, inventory, documentation 10 marks) 9. Extent of PHC role: immunization, adult vaccination, TB services, Integrated management of childhood ailments ( Evidence of training and evidence of practice) 10 marks) 10. Evidence of venture growth and significant economic expansion of the community pharmacy 10 marks)
Community Pharmacist Consultant - Band 5 A Band FOUR Pharmacist who has met the following conditions: ( At least 90%) 1. Minimum of 10 years post registration (cumulative) (10 marks) 2. Completion of WAPCP Part 2 or PhD (10 marks) 3. At least 10 research / published work with at least two in peer reviewed journals (10 marks) 4. Trainer, Educator or students, interns and other pharmacists (10 marks) 5. Impact related State/ National/ International jobs/ position / awards (10 marks) Etc etc
Conclusion In conclusion, an accreditation/ rating program for community pharmacists plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of professionalism, competency, and patient care within the pharmacy profession. It ensures that pharmacists are well-educated, up to date with current practices, and dedicated to providing safe and effective pharmaceutical care. By establishing standardized criteria and evaluation processes, the program fosters continuous improvement and enhances the reputation of accredited pharmacists. Ultimately, such a program benefits both pharmacists and the public they serve, promoting optimal healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Committee members Dr Iyeseun Asieba - Chairman Pharm Kola Sumonu - Secretary Pharm Folashade Lawal Pharm Lawrence Ekhator Pharm Omokhafe Ashore Pharm (Prince) Wale Oladigbolu - ACPN National Chairman
Thanks for your attention. Comments, Inputs , Questions please