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Consultation paper
1. BackgroundIn Australia, the ageing population has impacted on the health related services provided by
healthcare professions. Increasing age brings with it an increase in the number of co‐existing disease
states, and a resultant increase in therapeutic intervention and complexity. For pharmacists, these
changes provide both challenges and opportunities for the individual practitioner and the
profession. The practice of pharmacy has also evolved with time. A shift in focus from the supply of
medicines to a greater level of patient‐centred input has been observed. Along with these changes,
pharmacists have begun to position themselves as experts in medicines.
Recognition of practice improvement, and in particular the achievement of advanced skills and
knowledge, provides the profession with an opportunity to define the specific requirements of
advanced practice and the process for assessment of these requirements. The outcome of this
process is an improved structure within the profession and the provision of clear direction for the
individual practitioner.
1.1 Development of the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework (APPF)
The desirability of undertaking work directed at gaining recognition for advanced pharmacy practice
in Australia was identified during the review of the Competency Standards in 2010. At that time, the
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework Steering Committee (APPFSC) was formed with nominees
from each of the following organisations:
Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (AACP)
Australian College of Pharmacy (ACP)
Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
Council of Pharmacy Schools: Australia and New Zealand
Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL)
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
Pharmacy Board of Australia
Professional Pharmacists Australia (PPA)
Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA).
On behalf of the pharmacy profession in Australia, the APPFSC developed the Advanced Pharmacy
Practice Framework (APPF). It was endorsed by the Council/Board of the respective organisations
involved in the steering committee in October 2012.
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The APPF has not been developed in isolation. The APPFSC has recognised and built upon work
undertaken by numerous pharmacists across Australia, including SHPA Committees of Specialty
Practice, and Cancer and Oncology Services of Australia (COSA).1
Evidence and validity has been incorporated from the Advanced and Consultant Level Framework
(ACLF) developed by the UK Competency Development and Evaluation Group (CoDEG) and Royal
Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. The original ACLF was developed by the CoDEG in 2004.
Since then, the ACLF has been extensively validated across pharmacy in the UK, at all levels of
practice, and principally in hospital, community and primary care sectors, and updated in 2013 by
the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.2
The APPF has been developed to ensure applicability across sectors, specialities and for both roles
involved with the provision of direct clinical care and those without. The APPF is available to all
practitioners wanting to advance their practice in all sectors.
1.2 Objectives of the APPF
The objectives of developing an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework were to:3
advance the capabilities of the profession;
identify and recognise excellence in professional practice;
create opportunities for pharmacists; and
prepare the profession for future change.
The intention is to support the process of professional development by defining expectations of
pharmacists at different levels of practice.
The APPF has been designed to be sufficiently flexible to serve as a template for describing advanced
practice expectations in all areas of professional practice where it may be considered desirable to
recognise advanced pharmacy practice. More detail about the background to developing the APPF
can be found in the document An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia at
www.advancedpharmacypractice.com.au
1.3 Application of the APPF
The APPF allows pharmacists to self‐assess and identify what stage they currently practice at within
each of the ‘cluster areas’.
Pharmacists can start with considering their role and experiences and how they might map to the
clusters in the framework, alongside the evidence they have to support a cluster. Alongside that,
examples of development from practice often map against more than one cluster and across many
competencies.
1 Advanced and Extended Pharmacy Practice: An environmental snapshot. Canberra: Australian Pharmacy Council; 2013. At: http://pharmacycouncil.org.au/content/index.php?id=32 2 The RPS Advanced Pharmacy Framework. Royal Pharmaceutical Society; 2013. At http://www.rpharms.com/faculty‐documents/rps‐advanced‐pharmacy‐framework‐guide.pdf 3 Background. In: An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia; October 2012.
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Pharmacists can use the framework to identify areas they want to develop further across all areas of
practice, not just expertise or to progress to a higher level. For pharmacists this is a very useful tool
to target CPD and to populate a Professional Development Plan (PDP).
1.4 Who is the APPF for?
The Advanced Pharmacy Framework applies to all pharmacy professionals; the application of, and
opportunity to demonstrate, the competencies in the APPF will differ according to the career stage
of the pharmacy professional and the type of role they fulfil. The context in which competence can
be achieved will become more complex throughout the stages as well as more demanding with
career progression.
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2. Developing a Process for Formal RecognitionThe primary purpose of the APPF is ‘to support and assist the professional development and growth
of pharmacists (regardless of whether their scope of practice is broad or narrow) and of the
profession as a whole’,4 to optimise health outcomes for consumers.
During profession wide consultation following the release of the APPF, members of the profession
and the organisations represented on the APPFSC indicated that there needs to be a means by which
the public can be confident that pharmacists who call themselves ‘advanced’ have been assessed as
such through a single, nationally consistent and credible process.
The APPFSC also investigated, discussed and agreed on several aspects of the model for advanced
pharmacy practice recognition in Australia which balances rigour with the ability to implement such
a model.
Concurrently, the APC commissioned a project to inform the development of a contemporary and
sustainable pathway for recognition of pharmacy practitioners in extended and advanced practice
roles. The broad aims of the project were to review the methods employed by health care
professions to recognise advanced and extended practice both in Australia and internationally, and
to consider the factors which may impact on the recognition of advanced and extended practice in
the Australian context. The report was published in September 2013.5
In December 2013, the APC was endorsed by the organisations that represent the pharmacy
profession in Australia as the independent assessment entity being responsible and accountable for
the credentialing of advanced practitioners.
4 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework Steering Committee. An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia. October 2012. 5 Advanced and Extended Pharmacy Practice: An environmental snapshot. Canberra: Australian Pharmacy Council; 2013. At: http://pharmacycouncil.org.au/content/index.php?id=32
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2.1 Development timelines
The development of the evaluation standards, policies and procedures for the credentialing of
advanced practice pharmacists is to be conducted over the course of 2014, with piloting of the
credentialing process to be commenced at the end of the year.
March 2014 Seek expressions of interest for Advanced Practice Credentialing Committee
April 2014 Select members of Credentialing Committee
May 2014 First meeting of Credentialing Committee
May – June 2014 First round consultation:
Release of first draft credential evaluation standards, policies and processes and public comment invited
June – August 2014 Feedback reviewed and incorporated
August 2014 Second round consultation:
Release of second draft credential evaluation standards, policies and processes and public comment invited
Release of draft pilot evaluation approach and key stakeholder comment invited
September – October 2014
Approval of credential evaluation standards, policies and processes by APC for public release
December 2014 – January 2015
Credential evaluation standards, policies and processes applied in pilot
January – March 2015 Pilot feedback received, collated, analysed and reported
April – June 2015 Feedback reviewed and incorporated
Credentialing process open to all pharmacists
Every effort will be made to meet the timeline described. However, the conduct of the pilot is also
dependent on the development of an online platform for portfolio preparation and submission,
which will be informed by these evaluation standards, policies and procedures.
As a quality outcome is the higher priority, timelines may change in order to adequately address the
feedback received throughout the consultation process in relation to the evaluation standards,
policies and procedures. Stakeholders will be kept informed if there are significant changes to this
timeline.
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2.2 Development and consultation process
The following are the underlying processes to be used in the development of the evaluation
standards, policies and procedures for the credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists:
Transparent process for development
Use of a response template – provides a common framework and assists in feedback
aggregation
Use of an online survey at the following URL:
https://australianpharmacycouncil.wufoo.eu/forms/advanced‐practice‐public‐consultation‐
may‐2014/
Collation and consideration of responses
Acknowledgement of contributors and respondents – where agreed by contributors,
submissions will be made public on the APC website.
2.3 Principles underpinning the proposed credentialing process
The following principles underpin the proposed credentialing process for advanced practice
pharmacists in Australia:
Principle 1. Recognition of advanced practice is conducted with the objective of enhancing
the capacity of pharmacists to contribute to health care.
Principle 2. The credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists will support consumer
participation in health.
Principle 3. Practitioner development is a key element of achieving practice at an advanced
level, with support and recognition required along the continuum.
Principle 4. Advanced practice is credentialed through a single, uniform and independent
assessment process.
Principle 5. The processes for credentialing are fair, transparent and robust.
Principle 6. Only those who have been externally evaluated and credentialed may use the
title Advanced Practice Pharmacist.
In developing the first draft of the evaluation standards, policies and processes for the credentialing
of Advanced Practice Pharmacists, it was agreed by the APPFSC that a practice portfolio could be
used for collecting evidence of a pharmacist’s development and would serve as the basis for
evaluating a pharmacist for credentialing. It was agreed that the portfolio:
Would allow pharmacists to be free to choose their own pathway for building advanced level
competence
Would require sufficient evidence in all component areas, i.e. depth of practice, professional
standing, specialty knowledge and performance
Could be built by pharmacists themselves or by seeking guidance through a readiness
support organisation
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Would require performance at an advanced level to be demonstrated for at least 70% of the
criteria within as well as across the domains in the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework
Would allow competence for scope of practice to be demonstrated through a self‐
assessment and the recency of practice declarations associated with pharmacist registration
Would be evaluated by a panel of three members with at least one pharmacist and at least
one interdisciplinary member; panel members would be selected to ensure relevant subject
matter expertise, current practice experience and assessment knowledge and experience.
It has also been discussed that:
The process for building a portfolio should be straightforward for pharmacists to understand
and follow.
The evaluation process should be a criterion‐based assessment (and not a norm‐referenced
or competitive form of assessment)
The evaluation process should adhere to the principles of assessment, being:
o Valid – where the process gathers sufficient evidence to cover the required aspects
of the standards being evaluated.
o Reliable – where the process is consistent and accurate such that it is able to be
used in different contexts and at different times, and still return the same outcome
regardless of the evaluator making the decision.
o Flexible – where the process allows for reasonable adjustments to cater for
individual pharmacists, while still remaining valid.
o Fair – where the process does not discriminate against particular pharmacists.
The process should be manageable and support timely evaluation.
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3. First Round Consultation Questions To support structured feedback from stakeholders and members of the pharmacy profession, the
following questions are used to prompt feedback.
1. Standards for evaluation
[Refer to Attachment 2 DRAFT Standards for the evaluation and credentialing of advanced
practice pharmacists]
Are the Standards for the evaluation and credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists
consistent with the expectations expressed in the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework
(APPF)? If not, what requires amendment and why?
2. Clarity of process
[Refer to Sections 5.1 and 6 in the document Evaluation and credentialing of advanced
practice pharmacists]
a. Is there sufficient clarity around area of practice versus scope of practice? If not,
what requires amendment and why?
b. Is there sufficient guidance on defining your scope of practice? If not, what requires
amendment and why?
c. Is there sufficient clarity around scope of practice versus area of expert professional
practice? If not, what requires amendment and why?
d. Is the process sufficiently clear for individual pharmacists to follow in preparing an
application? If not, what requires amendment and why?
3. Breadth of evidence
[Refer to Section 6.6 in the document Evaluation and credentialing of advanced practice
pharmacists]
Do the example evidence sources provide sufficient guidance as to the breadth of sources
that could be considered and the flexibility allowed in developing a portfolio? If not, what
requires amendment and why?
4. Rules of evidence
[Refer to Section 6.6 in the document Evaluation and credentialing of advanced practice
pharmacists]
Are the explanations of what constitutes valid, authentic, current and sufficient evidence
clear? If not, what requires amendment and why?
5. Evaluator panel
[Refer to Sections 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 in the document Evaluation and credentialing of advanced
practice pharmacists]
Is the process by which evaluator panel members are identified, trained and selected
sufficient for ensuring a valid and reliable assessment process? If not, what requires
amendment and why?
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6. Principles of assessment
[Refer to Sections 5.2 and 7 in the document Evaluation and credentialing of advanced
practice pharmacists]
Do you have any further comments or recommendations in relation to the evaluation
process and its adherence to the principles of assessment (i.e. that it is valid, reliable,
flexible and fair)?
7. Feedback
[Refer to Attachment 1 Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice and Section 7.6
in the document Evaluation and credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists]
a. Do pharmacists expect to be told whether they are at Transition, Consolidation or
Advanced level when receiving feedback following evaluation of their portfolio?
b. Is there value in feedback being provided in the form of a professional development
plan?
8. Credential titles
[Refer to Section 7.6 in the document Evaluation and credentialing of advanced practice
pharmacists]
What title should be awarded to pharmacists who meet the Standards for the evaluation
and credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists?
9. Credential periods and re‐credentialing
[Refer to Section 7.6 in the document Evaluation and credentialing of advanced practice
pharmacists]
Is the time period for which a credential awarded appropriate? If not, for what duration
should it be awarded and why? What level of evidence should be provided for ongoing
credentialing?
10. To what extent do you agree the following features are important in the process for
recognising advanced pharmacy practice in Australia?
[Likert scale – Strongly disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree, Strongly agree]
Validity of the evaluation process
Reliability of the evaluation process
Flexibility in the evaluation process
Simple portfolio preparation process
Minimal cost to the pharmacist
Consumer understanding of what the credential means
Credibility of the credential within the pharmacy profession
Credibility of the credential within the health sector
International recognition
11. General feedback
Please provide any other feedback.
EvaluationandcredentialingofadvancedpracticepharmacistsDRAFTv1.0
This draft has been prepared by the Australian Pharmacy Council for First Round Public Consultation
with key stakeholders.
21 May2014
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Contents1. Introduction to advanced practice ................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Advanced practice: why do we need it? ................................................................................. 2
1.2 The Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework: what is it? ..................................................... 2
1.3 Areas and scopes of practice for which advanced practice can be achieved ......................... 3
1.4 Pathways for achieving an advanced level of practice ........................................................... 4
2. Guiding principles for the credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists in Australia ............... 6
3. Roles and responsibilities associated with advanced practice recognition .................................... 8
3.1 Overview of roles and responsibilities .................................................................................... 8
4. Governance for advanced practice credentialing ........................................................................... 9
4.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................. 9
4.2 Australian Pharmacy Council .................................................................................................. 9
4.3 Advanced Practice Credentialing Committee ....................................................................... 10
4.4 Credential Evaluator Panel .................................................................................................... 10
4.5 Overarching policies .............................................................................................................. 11
5. Overview of the portfolio development and evaluation process ................................................. 12
5.1 Building a portfolio ................................................................................................................ 12
5.2 Portfolio evaluation .............................................................................................................. 13
5.3 The APC online Pharmacist Practice Portfolio ...................................................................... 14
6. Portfolio preparation .................................................................................................................... 15
6.1 Describing area of practice ................................................................................................... 15
6.2 Defining scope of practice .................................................................................................... 15
6.3 Self‐assessment of competence ........................................................................................... 15
6.4 Describing area of Expert Professional Practice ................................................................... 15
6.5 Advanced level performance ................................................................................................ 15
6.6 Gathering evidence of performance ..................................................................................... 16
6.7 Pre‐check against credentialing requirements ..................................................................... 20
6.8 Fees associated with evaluation and credentialing .............................................................. 20
7. Portfolio evaluation ...................................................................................................................... 21
7.1 Evaluator Panel member competencies ............................................................................... 21
7.2 Evaluator Panel member training ......................................................................................... 23
7.3 Selection process for a specific Evaluator Panel ................................................................... 23
7.4 Evaluation of portfolio .......................................................................................................... 24
7.5 Moderation of reports and feedback to pharmacist ............................................................ 24
7.6 Award of credential ............................................................................................................... 24
8. Glossary ......................................................................................................................................... 25
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1. Introductiontoadvancedpractice
1.1 Advanced practice: why do we need it?
From a patient’s perspective, the competence of healthcare professionals should be assured,
regardless of whether a recent graduate or mature professional. Delivery of a competent and
capable workforce requires clear articulation of expectations coupled with an effective process for
ensuring these are consistently met. Expectations should be reflective of current practice, based on
accepted standards and partnered with quality education and training.
Professional practice is dynamic. Evolution of practice may be influenced by external factors such as
changes in the population to which services are provided, and internal factors specific to the
profession, such as those observed when the profession accepts an additional role or begins to
provide existing services in a new and novel way.
A fundamental premise of effective healthcare is the provision of services that meet the needs of the
public. When these needs change, appropriate modification to the type and manner in which
healthcare services are delivered is required.
In Australia, the ageing population has impacted on the health related services provided by
healthcare professions. Increasing age brings with it an increase in the number of co‐existing and
chronic disease states, and a resultant increase in therapeutic intervention and complexity. For
pharmacists, these changes combined with aged care policy changes provide both challenges and
opportunities for the individual practitioner and the profession.
The practice of pharmacy has also evolved with time. A shift in focus from the supply of medicines to
a greater level of patient‐centred input has been observed. Along with this change, pharmacists have
begun to position themselves as experts in medicines.
Recognition of practice improvement, and in particular the achievement of advanced skills and
knowledge, provides the profession with an opportunity to define the specific requirements of
advanced practice and the process for assessment of these requirements. The outcome of this
process is an improved structure within the profession and the provision of clear direction for the
development of the individual practitioner.
1.2 The Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework: what is it?
Broad competencies attributed to performance at an advanced level are articulated in the Advanced
Pharmacy Practice Framework (APPF). This framework is intended to support the process of
professional development by defining expectations of pharmacists at different levels of practice. The
framework recognises that many characteristics of advanced practice are common across practice
areas. It is intended the framework be flexible and applicable to all sectors of the profession.
Individual areas of practice may seek to customise the framework and articulate the specific skills
and knowledge required for competent practice in that setting. It is essential that modifications are
made in accordance with clear standards and processes.
The APPF identifies five key areas (which may be referred to as ‘competency clusters’) that are
important for development in and demonstration of advanced levels of practice.
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The competency clusters are grouped within two overarching areas:
Area 1: Expert professional practice
As reflected by a pharmacist’s area and scope of practice
Area 2: Networking, leadership and influence
Professional and ethical practice
Communication, collaboration and teamwork
Leadership and management
Critical analysis, research and education
The APPF comprises 30 competencies located across the five clusters; each competency is described
at three stages of performance development: Transition, Consolidation and Advanced level.
Advanced practice is ‘practice that is so significantly different from that achieved at initial
registration that it warrants recognition by professional peers and the public of the expertise of the
practitioner and the education, training and experience from which that capability was derived’.1
1.3 Areas and scopes of practice for which advanced practice can be achieved
Pharmacists are health professionals who possess a unique and complex body of knowledge and
skills which they apply on behalf of other members of the community to optimise health outcomes
from medicines.2 The areas in which a pharmacist practises are not limited to the provision of direct
clinical care; pharmacists may also work in non‐clinical relationships with consumers, management,
administration, education, research, advisory, regulatory or policy development roles.3
For those providing direct clinical care, the areas in which a pharmacist practises can be broad,
covering a wide variety of consumers and a broad range of medical conditions (e.g. community
pharmacist). Alternatively, they can be narrow, covering a broad range of medical conditions in a
specific consumer group (e.g. paediatrics or geriatrics) or directed to a limited range of medical
conditions across a wide variety of consumers. (e.g. diabetes or cardiovascular). Similar observations
could be made when describing the area of practice for pharmacists in any role.
A pharmacist’s scope of practice is defined by the activities that the individual pharmacist is
educated, competent and authorised to perform, and for which they are accountable. It is a time‐
sensitive and dynamic aspect of practice. A pharmacist’s scope of practice can be defined through
the Domains of the Competency Standards.4
Advanced practice can be achieved for any scope of practice. It is the level of performance within
that scope of practice that will determine whether advanced practice has been achieved (see Figure
1).
1 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework Steering Committee. An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia. October 2012. 2 National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia. Canberra: Pharmaceutical Society of Australia; 2010. 3 Pharmacy Board of Australia. Professional indemnity insurance arrangements standard. Available at www.pharmacyboard.gov.au. 4 National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia. Canberra: Pharmaceutical Society of Australia; 2010
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Figure 1. Using scope of practice
and performance to define practice
type5
1.4 Pathways for achieving an advanced level of practice
There are an infinite number of pathways towards achieving advanced level performance. After
registering as a pharmacist, it is expected that an individual’s career will continue to develop in
various ways, e.g. with respect to experiential background, knowledge base/qualifications, level of
clinical autonomy, peer recognition and influence on practice.
Table 1 describes, generally, the expectations for performance at different points along the pathway
towards advanced level practice. They are not mandatory requirements, but provide general
guidance on expectations. Each individual pharmacist’s pathway or ‘program of study’ will be unique
as it will encompass the range of education, professional development and workplace activities that
have supported them (or are supporting them) to achieve advanced level practice.
5 National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia. Canberra: Pharmaceutical Society of Australia; 2010
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Table 1. General characteristics of pharmacists working towards achieving advanced level
performance6
6 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework Steering Committee. An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia. October 2012.
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2. GuidingprinciplesforthecredentialingofadvancedpracticepharmacistsinAustraliaThe following principles represent the foundations on which the evaluation standards, policies and
procedures for the credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists have been developed.
Principle 1. Recognition of advanced practice is conducted with the objective of enhancing the
capacity of pharmacists to contribute to health care.
A fundamental premise of effective health care is the provision of services that meet the needs of
the public. When these needs change, appropriate modification to the type and manner in which
health care services are delivered is required.7
In Australia, the ageing population has impacted on the health‐related services provided by health
care professions. Increasing age brings with it an increase in the number of co‐existing disease
states, and a resultant increase in therapeutic intervention and complexity. For pharmacists, these
changes provide both challenges and opportunities for the individual practitioner and the
profession.
Credentialing of advanced practice is not intended to be applied in a way that restricts or constrains
the delivery of professional services. Instead, the standards, policies and processes by which
advanced practice pharmacists are credentialed will encourage a culture of lifelong learning and
ongoing professional development, with a pathway to progress to a more prominent place as an
expert in medicines use, recognised and respected by other health professions and the public.
Principle 2. The credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists will support consumer
participation in health.
Active consumer participation in decision‐making in individual care leads to improvements in health
outcomes. Access to quality information facilitates decision‐making and supports an active role for
consumers in managing their own health.8,9
The standards, policies and processes by which advanced practice pharmacists are credentialed will
be applied in a way that facilitates consumer understanding and decision‐making in their individual
health care.
Principle 3. Practitioner development is a key element of achieving practice at an advanced level,
with support and recognition required along the continuum.
A culture of lifelong learning, ongoing professional development and career progression will be
encouraged in the process for becoming credentialed.
Other organisations (e.g. professional organisations, educational institutions) have an important role
in supporting pharmacists to develop and implement individualised, needs‐based professional
7 Advanced and Extended Pharmacy Practice: An environmental snapshot. Canberra: Australian Pharmacy Council; 2013. At: http://pharmacycouncil.org.au/content/index.php?id=32 8 The evidence supporting consumer participation in health. Consumer Focus Collaboration; May 2001. At: http://www.healthissuescentre.org.au/documents/items/2008/08/226174‐upload‐00001.pdf 9 Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Patient‐centred care: Improving quality and safety through partnerships with patients and consumers. ACSQHC: Sydney; 2011. At: http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/wp‐content/uploads/2012/03/PCC_Paper_August.pdf
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development plans throughout their career. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) will work in
collaboration with these organisations to achieve consistency and quality in the readiness support10
provided to pharmacists preparing for the credentialing process. Ongoing professional development
will be encouraged through the feedback provided.
Principle 4. Advanced practice is credentialed through a single, uniform and independent
assessment process.
The APC was endorsed by the organisations that represent the pharmacy profession in Australia as
the independent assessment entity being responsible and accountable for the credentialing of
advanced practitioners.
The electronic online system developed for submission of portfolios will be user‐friendly and support
standardised portfolio preparation and assessment.
Principle 5. The processes for credentialing are fair, transparent and robust.
For the assessment and credentialing of advanced pharmacy practice:
Standards and processes are developed with broad consultation, enabling the profession
and the community to be confident in the credentials awarded.
Due regard is given to the pharmacist’s reasonable expectations of, and legal rights to,
privacy and confidentiality.
Processes will be conducted with transparency enabling the profession, the health care team
(including practitioners and management), and the community to be confident that
governance and professional responsibilities are being fulfilled.
Principle 6. Only those who have been externally evaluated and credentialed may use the title
Advanced Practice Pharmacist.
Advanced practice is only recognised by credentialing following external evaluation of a pharmacist’s
portfolio according to the standards, policies and processes of the APC.
Absence of a credential therefore does not necessarily reflect lack of performance at an advanced
level. However, standard titles with consistent meanings will facilitate consumer understanding and
decision‐making in relation to their health care options.
10 In this context, ‘readiness support’ may include such things as consideration of the individual pharmacist’s practice against the Performance Criteria in the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework, reviewing evidence for inclusion in a portfolio to assess its suitability for supporting claims of performance; and developing individualised, needs‐based professional development plans with pharmacists to support their progress towards advanced level performance.
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3. Rolesandresponsibilitiesassociatedwithadvancedpracticerecognition
3.1 Overview of roles and responsibilities
The following table summarises the roles and responsibilities associated with advanced practice
recognition for:
Pharmacists seeking recognition;
Support organisations providing assistance and guidance to candidates; and the
APC as the independent credentialing body conducting credential assessments.
Step 1. Program of study
Step 2. Building a portfolio
Step 3. Evaluation
Pharmacists Collect evidence and establish links to performance criteria in the APPF through critical reflection
Build up portfolio and conduct readiness self‐check and self‐assessment and/or Seek support through readiness support organisations
Submit Pharmacist Practice Portfolio to APC for credential evaluation
Support organisations
CPD, formal education, training, case studies, mentors, peer evaluation, assessments (e.g. objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), viva), development of Defined area and scope of practice competency clusters i.e. aged care, infectious diseases (see Attachment 1)
Support pharmacists in portfolio building, readiness check and assessments (e.g. OSCE, viva)
Nominate panel participants to APC for Pharmacist Practice Portfolio evaluation
APC Optional validation of tools submitted by support organisations
Provide evidence guide for readiness support organisations and individual pharmacists Provide an electronic portfolio system for pharmacists to upload their evidence and plan their learning journey – called the Pharmacist Practice Portfolio
Conduct evidence pre‐check Convene panel Conduct credential evaluation
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4. Governanceforadvancedpracticecredentialing
4.1 Overview
The following diagram provides an overview of the governance structure for advanced practice
credentialing.
4.2 Australian Pharmacy Council
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) is the independent, not for profit, accreditation authority for
Australian pharmacy. The APC assists in protecting the public by performing accreditation and
assessment activities that result in the optimisation of health outcomes and contribute to
confidence in the delivery of competent pharmacy services.
In all of its activities, the APC strives to maintain:
• Independence and high ethical standards
• Honesty and transparency
• Accountability to clients and stakeholders
• Evidence‐based decision making and benchmarking
• High quality business processes and outcomes
• Continuous improvement
• Collaborative models of leadership.11
In December 2013, the APC was endorsed by the organisations that represent the pharmacy
profession in Australia as the independent assessment entity being responsible and accountable for
the credentialing of advanced practitioners.
11 Australian Pharmacy Council Strategic Plan 2013‐2016, At http://pharmacycouncil.org.au/content/assets/files/Publications/Strategic%20Plan%202013%20‐%202016_EXTERNAL%20USE%20ONLY.pdf
APC Council
Advanced Practice Credentialing
Committee (APCC)
Credential Evaluator Panel
•Approves the Standards, policies and procedures that lead to the award of credentials
•Develops, monitors and evaluates the Standards, policies and procedures that lead to the award of credentials (for approval by Council)
•Moderates the results of individual credential applications
•Grants advanced practice credentials
•Evaluates individual credential applications according to approved Standards, policies and procedures
•Provides a report to the APCC on their evaluation of individual credential applications
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The Members of the APC Ltd are the pharmacy professional organisations, the Pharmacy Council of
New Zealand, and independent representatives of the Australian pharmacy profession. Current
Councillors can be accessed at http://pharmacycouncil.org.au/content/index.php?id=28
4.3 Advanced Practice Credentialing Committee
The Advanced Practice Credentialing Committee is a standing Committee of the APC that reports to
the CEO. It has been formed to support APC’s role as the independent assessment entity being
responsible and accountable for the credentialing of advanced pharmacy practitioners, as recently
endorsed by the organisations that represent the pharmacy profession in Australia.
The Committee will be responsible for such things as:
• Developing Credential Evaluation Standards for approval by Council.
• Developing Credential Evaluator Competency Standards, selection processes and
training requirements for approval by Council.
• Evaluating the implementation of the advanced practice credentialing system.
• Monitoring the implementation and performance of the advanced practice portfolio
system.
• Moderating results of credential evaluations against a set moderation framework.
• Granting advanced practice credentials according to the approved credentialing process.
• Providing expert advice on competency evaluation and skills assessment.
The Committee Charter and current membership can be accessed at
http://pharmacycouncil.org.au/content/index.php?id=71
4.4 Credential Evaluator Panel
The Australian Pharmacy Council utilises the expertise of appropriate qualified and experienced
people to undertake the evaluation of portfolios for advanced practice credentials.
Panels may be interdisciplinary. Members are selected on the basis of the individual expert
contribution they bring to the Evaluator Panel, and lack of conflict of interest in relation to the
individual pharmacist who has submitted the portfolio.
The Evaluator Panel will be responsible for:
• Evaluating advanced practice portfolios according to the approved credentialing process
• Preparing feedback for pharmacists following the evaluation of their portfolio
• Making recommendations on the outcome of portfolio evaluations to the Advanced
Practice Credentialing Committee.
The competencies, training and selection process for Evaluator Panel members is described in more
detail in section 7.
Page 11 of 25
4.5 Overarching policies
The following policies of APC apply in the credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists:
Privacy and confidentiality: the APC Privacy Policy can be accessed at
http://pharmacycouncil.org.au/PDF/Privacy%20Policy.pdf
Independence of processes: the APC has the following policies in place to support
independence in its processes:
Conflict of interest policy
Duties and responsibilities of Councillors
Code of conduct for Councillors
Committee members duties and responsibilities
Code of conduct for Committee members
Appeals: an Appeals policy for credentialing will be developed.
Page 12 of 25
5. Overviewoftheportfoliodevelopmentandevaluationprocess
5.1 Building a portfolio
[See Attachment 1 Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice]
The online Pharmacist Practice Portfolio will guide pharmacists through the process of building their
portfolio.
Pharmacist describes area of
practice
Pharmacist defines scope of practice
Pharmacist undertakes self‐assessment
against the standards in their scope of
practice
Pharmacist reviews the
Performance Criteria for Advanced
Pharmacy Practice
Pharmacist gathers evidence of
performance and links it to the
Performance Criteria for Advanced
Pharmacy Practice
Pharmacist undertakes pre‐check
against credentialing requirements
Pharmacist submits portfolio.
Submission accepted only if there is
evidence against all Standards and,
where relevant, at the required
performance levels
Pharmacist describes their area of
Expert Professional Practice
SupportingresourceNational Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2010
Practice specific APPF
Readiness support organisations
SupportingresourcePerformance Criteria for Advanced Pharmacy Practice
Practice specific APPF
SupportingresourcesStandards for the evaluation and credentialing of advanced pharmacy practice
Section 6.6 Gathering evidence of performance
Readiness support organisations
SupportingresourceNational Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2010
SupportingresourceReadiness support organisations
Section 6.5 Gathering evidence
Page 13 of 25
5.2 Portfolio evaluation
APC receives notification of submission
of portfolio and confirms ID and
registration status
APC undertakes preliminary review of
area and scope of practice and area of
Expert Professional Practice for
completeness
APC proposes Evaluator Panel from
verified pool of evaluators based on
pharmacist’s area of Expert
Professional Practice and evaluator
selection process (including conflicts of
interest)
Advanced Practice Credentialing
Committee (APCC) reviews proposed
Evaluator Panel against pharmacist’s
area of Expert Professional Practice
and evaluator selection process and
confirms panel
Evaluators receive pharmacist’s
portfolio for individual review, panel
discussion and viva, if necessary.
Report prepared using standard
template
Report received by APC. Anomalies
identified and resolved, where
possible with evaluators, or referred to
APCC.
If conflicts identified at
any stage, APC
Credentialing Manager
consulted for
reassignment of
portfolio
APCC receives reports and portfolios
for moderation. Credential awarded
and/or feedback to pharmacist
confirmed.
SupportingresourceNational Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2010
SupportingresourcesNational Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2010
Section 7 Portfolio evaluation
SupportingresourcesNational Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2010
Performance Criteria for Advanced Pharmacy Practice
Practice specific APPF
Standards for the evaluation and credentialing of advanced practice pharmacists
Section 6.6 Gathering evidence
SupportingresourceAHPRA online register of practitioners
Page 14 of 25
5.3 The APC online Pharmacist Practice Portfolio
The APC is in the process of developing an online Pharmacist Practice Portfolio tool that will support
pharmacists and evaluators through the portfolio building and evaluation process, respectively.
While development of the tool is still in the scoping phase, pharmacists should be reassured that
information submitted will be subject to strict controls to protect the integrity, confidentiality,
accessibility, availability and retrieval of that information.
The APC portfolio system will be built on a platform that will allow (with appropriate permissions)
records to be imported from, and exported to, other organisations (e.g. professional bodies,
educational institutions) for portfolio preparation and readiness checks, respectively.
Page 15 of 25
6. Portfoliopreparation[See Attachment 1 Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice]
6.1 Describing area of practice
A pharmacist’s defined area of practice comprises ‘the pharmacist’s area of responsibility and
accountability in professional practice’.
The description of a pharmacist’s area of practice could encompass, as a minimum, their role (e.g.
tasks, authority, accountability), work setting and geographic profile. Pharmacists should ensure
they describe all areas in which they practice, not just their primary area of practice.
6.2 Defining scope of practice
A pharmacist’s scope of practice must be presented according to the National competency standards
framework for pharmacists in Australia. This may be referred to as developing a ‘Role Definition
Grid’ or ‘Professional Practice Profile’.
The process of developing a role definition grid to define scope of practice using the National
competency standards framework for pharmacists in Australia is described within that publication –
refer to steps 1‐4 on page 8.
Domains 1 and 2 are universally applicable. The remaining competency standards selected must be
relevant and sufficient for the area of practice.
6.3 Self‐assessment of competence
A pharmacist must undertake a self‐assessment against each competency standard in their defined
scope of practice. The recency of practice declarations associated with pharmacist registration will
also be considered as evidence.
6.4 Describing area of Expert Professional Practice
From their defined area and scope of practice, a pharmacist’s area of Expert Professional Practice
must be identified:
the Domain(s) from the National competency standards framework for pharmacists in
Australia that best reflect the area of Expert Professional Practice must be identified
within those Domain(s), a specific area of expertise may be appropriate to describe.
6.5 Advanced level performance
Pharmacists wishing to seek recognition at the advanced practice level must demonstrate
performance against the Performance Criteria for Advanced Pharmacy Practice as relevant to the
pharmacist’s area of Expert Professional Practice and the domains universally applicable to all areas
of advanced pharmacy practice.
The Performance Criteria for Advanced Pharmacy Practice build on those in the National competency
standards framework for pharmacists in Australia and are therefore supplementary to them. They
are included as Attachment 1.
Page 16 of 25
The Performance Criteria for Advanced Pharmacy Practice are grouped into the following areas:
Expert Professional Practice – The Domains from the National competency standards
framework for pharmacists in Australia that are selected to reflect a pharmacist’s area of
Expert Professional Practice.
Networking, Leadership and Influence – The Domains from the National competency
standards framework for pharmacists in Australia within this group are universally
applicable to all areas of advanced pharmacy practice and do not require further
customisation. They are:
o Communication, Collaboration and self‐management
o Leadership and management
o Professional and ethical practice
o Critical analysis, research and education.
Performance can be described at three levels: Transitional, Consolidation or Advanced. Performance
criteria are provided for each level. When evidence is submitted, pharmacists must identify which
level of performance has been demonstrated. For more information about gathering evidence, see
Section 6.6.
To be eligible for credentialing, the pharmacist must be able to demonstrate performance at an
Advanced level for at least 70% of the Performance Criteria for Advanced Pharmacy Practice within
each Domain; and the balance at Consolidation level.
6.6 Gathering evidence of performance
It is the pharmacist’s responsibility to present a case that demonstrates performance at an advanced
level. It is this case that is evaluated.
The portfolio must, therefore, contain both the case being made for performance at an Advanced
level, and the evidence to support this case.
RulesofevidenceEvidence of area and scope of practice and performance can take many forms and be gathered from
a number of sources. However pharmacists should ensure evidence is valid, authentic, current and
sufficient.
Validity: The evidence must be relevant to the claim for which it is being used to support.
The contents of a pharmacist’s portfolio are not prescribed. Pharmacists must carefully consider
what the evidence would be that supports each claim, and to provide a rationale for the
selection of the material.
Pharmacists should be cognisant that it is competence and performance that must be
demonstrated, and not just the attainment of knowledge and skills.
Commentary/critical reflection provided by the pharmacist may be used to justify the relevance
of evidence.
‘Less is more’ in terms of quantity of evidence; what is more important is its quality, the
relevance of each piece to the claim being made, and its integration as referenced within the
commentary/critical reflection.
Page 17 of 25
Authenticity: There must be evidence included that can verify that the evidence is that of the
pharmacist and/or, if part of a team contribution, what aspects were specific to the pharmacist
(e.g. testimonial statements from colleagues, opportunity to verify qualifications with issuing
body, etc)12
Currency: The evidence must relate to a relatively recent time period (e.g. less than five years).
Where evidence relates to the past (e.g. a qualification), further evidence to demonstrate the
knowledge/skills are still applied in practice would be expected.
Sufficiency: There must be enough evidence to demonstrate performance at the identified level
(i.e. Advanced Level or Consolidation level).
12 Portfolio. In: National Quality Council. Guide for developing assessment tools. TVET Australia; 2009.
Page 18 of 25
ExampleevidencesourcesThe follow table lists examples of information that may be included in a portfolio as evidence of a
pharmacist’s performance. Pharmacists will be guided to consider the criterion (or criteria) to which
the evidence they have submitted relates and the level of performance it demonstrates (transition,
consolidation or advanced level) – see Attachment 1 Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy
practice.
Example evidence sources13 Example documentation for inclusion in portfolio
Knowledge base/ qualifications
Postgraduate qualifications or equivalent
CPD
Publications
Certified copy of certificate and academic transcript
Certificate of attendance and flyer listing learning objectives and presenter name and credentials
Copy of article
Experiential background
Documented examples of management of medication problems in complex cases
Communication/defending of controversial information to multidisciplinary peers
Written reports prepared for meetings and verbal presentation
Member of, or provide advice to, a local, regional, national or international group or committee
Written reports prepared for meetings and verbal presentation
Level of autonomy
Job description, e.g. indicating responsibility for certain activities (e.g. approving new drugs usage)
Job description accompanied by signed and dated letter from manager/employer verifying job description and the dates for which it has applied
Peer recognition
Invited to speak at National/International conferences
Communications via various media
Requests from regulatory/advisory bodies, courts of law, etc for opinion/advice
Peer reviewer for academic journal
Reviews of protocols at local or national level
Provide advice to professional/strategy bodies
Multi‐source feedback tools (also called peer assessment, 360‐degree feedback, peer review, peer rating)
Conference program
Copy of communications
Records of requests
Copy of (or link to) listing
13 Competency Development and Evaluation Group. Advanced and consultant level competency
framework. 3rd Edition, February 2005.
Page 19 of 25
Influence on practice
Development of treatment guidelines, protocols or standards of practice at a local or national level
Introduction of new services or new ways of working; introduction of systems to reduce medication risk
Contribution to a local strategy for quality use of medicines
Implementation of trial data into local practice procedures and policy
Quality improvement projects (e.g. Documented audits of prescribing quality)
Published research papers
Editor of reference book or chapters in specialist area
Leader of development and adoption of new policy or procedure at national level
Performance appraisal for staff
Examples of evidence that pharmacists may acquire during their work that demonstrate evidence of
outcomes in the area of Networking, Leadership and influence (which includes: Communication,
collaboration and teamwork; Leadership and Management; and Critical analysis, research and
education) are illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Examples of evidence to be included in a portfolio demonstrating development towards
advanced practice (adopted from S Stacey with permission)
Advanced practice
Expert professional practice
Professional and ethical practice
Communication, collaboration and teamwork
Leadership and
management
Critical analysis,
research and education
Clinical experience (Rotations)
Postgraduate Qualifications
Team Leader role
Member Committees & Working Groups
Research Projects
Drug use evaluation
Posters at conference
Observation Assessments You + others
Published Papers
Seminars & Conferences
Audits + feedback
Performance management of others
Honorary academic
Lectures & Inservices
Pharm, RN, Dr
Project Management
Student/ intern Supervision
Case Presentations
Visit other hospitals
Page 20 of 25
6.7 Pre‐check against credentialing requirements
Before submission of a portfolio, pharmacists should check the following:
Have I self‐assessed against each Competency Standard in my defined scope of practice?
Is there evidence mapped against each criterion of the Performance Criteria for Advanced
Pharmacy Practice? For at least 70% of the performance criteria in each Domain, is
performance identified to be at an advanced level and the balance at consolidation level?
For each criterion:
Does the evidence clearly align with the expectations described in the Advanced Pharmacy
Practice Framework?
Does the evidence clearly align with the expectations described for the specific Performance
Level identified?
Is it clear that the evidence relates to the pharmacist’s contribution to the outcome? Or, if
part of a collaborative effort, is the pharmacist’s input to achieving the outcome clear?
Does the evidence demonstrate current and sustained performance?
Has enough evidence been provided?
If not, it should be considered whether additional evidence is needed to support the claim. Does the
evidence exist? Or is further development of the individual required in order to be eligible?
Pharmacists who need support in building their portfolio are referred to support organisations to provide assistance and guidance (e.g. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Australian College of Pharmacy).
6.8 Fees associated with evaluation and credentialing
Fees associated with the evaluation and credentialing of portfolios are yet to be determined.
As a not for profit organisation, APC will set fees on a cost recovery model:
An annual fee will be established that reflects the costs associated with the ongoing
maintenance of a pharmacist’s portfolio.
A one‐off fee will be established that reflects the cost associated with evaluation of a
portfolio and credentialing.
Page 21 of 25
7. Portfolioevaluation
7.1 Evaluator Panel member competencies
Members of the Evaluator Panel should have competencies (individually or collectively) in:
The relevant area of practice at least to the level being evaluated; and
Using evidence for evaluation and upholding evaluation independence, quality and
standards.
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework Minimum evidence requirements
Expert professional practice
[Relevant domains to be identified for the individual pharmacist] 1. Expert knowledge and skills 2. Accountability and responsibility 3. Reasoning and judgement 4. Professional autonomy
Has undergone an external process of validation with a recognised authority in their area of expert professional practice
Substantive contribution to their area of expert professional practice
Formal education and degree in their area of expert professional practice
Networking, leadership and influence
Domain 1: Professional and ethical practice 1. Apply and monitor standards of practice 2. Contribute to Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) of self and others
Domain 2: Communication, collaboration and self‐management 1. Use appropriate communication skills 2. Engage in teamwork and consultation 3. Work across boundaries
Domain 3: Leadership and management 1. Understand strategic context and contribute to
strategic planning 2. Understand and contribute to clinical
governance 3. Understand and contribute to the strategic
vision 4. Contribute to innovation and service
development 5. Motivate self and others 6. Support and assist implementation of national
priorities 7. Understand and contribute to the effective use
of resources 8. Contribute to the identification and effective
management of risk 9. Promote improved performance 10. Understand and undertake project
management 11. Understand change management principles
and lead change 12. Serve as a role model and mentor for others
Page 22 of 25
Domain 8: Critical analysis, research and education 1. Conduct of education and training 2. Links practice and education 3. Educational policy 4. Undertake critical evaluation activities 5. Identify gaps in evidence base 6. Design and deliver research projects to address
gaps in the evidence base 7. Apply research evidence into practice 8. Supervise others undertaking research 9. Establish research partnerships
Evaluation skills Minimum evidence requirements
Using evidence for evaluation
1. Conduct systematic inquiries 2. Assess evidence from multiple sources for
validity, authenticity, currency and sufficiency 3. Respect the uniqueness of the evaluation and
the individual 4. Address conflict in evaluation findings 5. Report on and make recommendations based
on evaluation findings
Current training in gathering and using evidence for evaluation for the purpose of credentialing14
Upholding evaluation independence, quality and standards
1. Display honesty and integrity in their own behaviour
2. Support honesty and integrity in the entire evaluation process
Current training in assuring independence and quality in evaluation for the purpose of credentialing, as delivered by APC
Potential Evaluator Panel members will be identified through a process of obtaining Expressions of
Interest and evaluation by the Advanced Practice Credentialing Committee. A pool of potential
Evaluator Panel members will be developed over time from which to select panels for specific
applications.
Statements declaring conflicts of interest must be completed annually by potential Evaluator Panel
members. The ongoing inclusion of individuals in the pool of potential Evaluator Panel members will
be verified on an annual basis.
14 This may include the Assessor skill set from the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, or the training provided by APC by Evaluators
Page 23 of 25
7.2 Evaluator Panel member training
Evaluator Panel members will be expected to complete online training on an annual basis.
On completion of the training, members will be expected to:
Have an understanding of the APC Advanced Practice Credentialing process
Understand expectations for honesty, integrity, independence and confidentiality
Recognise the various standards used within the credentialing process and when they should
be applied
Be able to systematically evaluate evidence from multiple sources for validity, authenticity,
currency and sufficiency
Understand the unique context from which each application will be developed
Recognise their own limitations in evaluating portfolios and know how to manage these
Recognise the purpose of a viva voce in the evaluation process and be able to conduct one
that is rigorous, fair, reliable and consistent.
Record evaluation findings in a standard format and make a recommendation based on
these findings.
7.3 Selection process for a specific Evaluator Panel
The members of an Evaluator Panel will be nominated and selected according to the requirements
of the pharmacist. The process will include the following steps:
1. On submission of an application, the APC will undertake a preliminary review of the
pharmacist’s defined area and scope of practice, and the pharmacist’s nominated area of
expert professional practice.
2. The pool of potential Evaluator Panel members will be considered as follows:
a. members with an area of expert professional practice that aligns with that of the
pharmacist will be identified; and
b. the curriculum vitae or resume of the pharmacist will be reviewed to identify any
obvious conflicts of interest with potential evaluator panel members.
3. ‘Matched’ Evaluator Panel members will be contacted for potential availability for the
evaluation; the curriculum vitae of the pharmacist will be shared in order to confirm the
pharmacist is not known to the evaluator and to explore any other real or perceived
conflicts.
4. The APC will nominate potential Evaluator Panel members for the Advanced Practice
Credentialing Committee (APCC) to select a three‐member panel.
When no suitable Evaluator Panel members can be identified from the pool, the APC with the APCC
will make contact with relevant recognised authorities (e.g. those that offer an external process of
validation) in the particular area of expert professional practice to seek potentially suitable
evaluators.
Page 24 of 25
7.4 Evaluation of portfolio
On assignment of a portfolio, each member of the Evaluator Panel will individually assess the
evidence submitted according to the Standards for the evaluation and credentialing of advanced
practice pharmacists. These are included as Attachment 2.
Evaluators will be expected to develop a report that records their findings in a standard format and
makes a recommendation as to whether the pharmacist is eligible for credentialing.
The Evaluator Panel members will have the opportunity to discuss their findings with each other, to
determine whether a viva voce (viva) is required, and if it is, to clarify its purpose and focus. A viva
will only be conducted at the request of the Evaluator Panel to clarify and confirm a pharmacist’s
evidence of performance, and should not be considered a right of all pharmacists submitting a
portfolio. Pharmacists will be advised of the purpose of the viva to enable them to prepare in an
informed way.
On receipt of the Evaluator Panel member reports, the APC will review the reports for anomalies
between the panel members’ findings and recommendations. If anomalies are apparent, the APC
will attempt to resolve these between the panel members.
Where anomalies cannot be resolved, they will be referred to the Advanced Practice Credentialing
Committee (with the Evaluator Panel reports) for consideration.
7.5 Moderation of reports and feedback to pharmacist
Moderation is a quality assurance process that ensures evaluations are undertaken appropriately
and consistently.
The reports of the Evaluator Panel for each pharmacist will be considered at a meeting of the
Advanced Practice Credentialing Committee (APCC). For each pharmacist:
The records of findings from each Evaluator Panel member will be reviewed and endorsed;
and
The recommendation by each Evaluator Panel member will be verified and endorsed; and
A credential will be awarded and/or feedback to the pharmacist confirmed.
The feedback to the pharmacist is intended to be sufficient to provide clarity on the rationale for the
decision made by the APCC and to support the pharmacist’s ongoing professional development.
7.6 Award of credential
Credentials will be awarded for a five year period, after which time revalidation will be required.
A public record of credentialed Advanced Practice Pharmacists will be maintained on the APC
website.
During the period for which the credential is awarded, pharmacists will be entitled to use the post
nominal: Adv Prac Pharm.
7.7 Revalidation
Re‐validation will involve submission of evidence of maintenance of performance at an Advanced
level.
Page 25 of 25
8. Glossary15,16Term Definition
Accountability Being answerable for one’s actions, and the roles and responsibilities inherent in one’s job or position. Accountability cannot be delegated.
Advanced pharmacy practice
Practice that is so significantly different from that achieved at initial registration that it warrants recognition by professional peers and the public of the expertise of the practitioner and the education, training and experience from which that capability was derived
Autonomy Having a sense of one’s own identity and an ability to act independently and to exert control over one’s environment, including a sense of task mastery, internal locus of control, and self‐efficacy
Competence Possession by an individual of the required knowledge, skills and attributes sufficient to successfully and consistently perform a specific task or function to the desired standards
Defined area of practice
The pharmacist’s area of responsibility and accountability in professional practice
Peer review The evaluation by a practitioner of creative work or performance by other practitioners in the same field in order to assure, maintain and/or enhance the quality of work or performance
Performance level A characteristic of professional practice that reflects the knowledge, skills and experience of the pharmacist
Portfolio Formal documentation of training, achievements and experience
Readiness support In this context, ‘readiness support’ may include such things as:
Consideration of the individual pharmacist’s practice against the Performance Criteria in the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework
Reviewing evidence for inclusion in a portfolio to assess its suitability for supporting claims of performance; and
Developing individualised, needs‐based professional development plans with pharmacists to support their progress towards advanced level performance.
Responsibility To be entrusted with or assigned a duty or charge. In many instances responsibility is assumed, appropriate with one’s duties. Responsibility can be delegated as long as it is delegated to someone who has the ability to carry out the task or function. The person who delegated the responsibility remains accountable, along with the person accepting the task or function.
Scope of practice A time sensitive, dynamic aspect of practice which indicates those professional activities that a pharmacist is educated, competent and authorised to perform and for which they are accountable.
15 Glossary. In: An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia; October 2012. 16 Advanced and Extended Pharmacy Practice: An environmental snapshot. Canberra: Australian Pharmacy Council; 2013. At: http://pharmacycouncil.org.au/content/index.php?id=32
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 1 of 6
DRAFT Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework
Performance level descriptor examples
Expert Professional Practice Transition level Consolidation level Advanced level
In defined area and scope of practice
(underpinned by standards in the National Framework for which expert professional practice is claimed)
1. Acquire expert knowledge and skills
Demonstrates general knowledge in core practice areas
Able to plan, manage, monitor, advise and review performance in core practice areas
Demonstrates comprehensive, high level knowledge in defined practice area(s)
Able to plan, manage, monitor advise and review programs in defined practice area(s)
Advances knowledge in defined practice area(s)
Advances programs in defined practice area(s)
2. Demonstrate accountability and responsibility
Demonstrates ability to compare options or apply analytical skills in a range of routine situations
Demonstrates ability to recognise priorities when problem solving and identify deviations from the normal pattern
Applies established practice protocols in responding to situations
Demonstrates ability to make decisions in complex situation where several factors require analysis, interpretation and comparison
Demonstrates ability to interpret and synthesise available evidence and/or data to assess situations and options
Seeks guidance where variations to established practice/protocols are indicated
Demonstrates ability to apply expertise to assess complex and dynamic situations
Demonstrates ability to assess situations and options in the absence of evidence or data or where there is conflicting evidence or data
Uses judgment to vary practice to respond to contextual requirements
3. Use reasoning and judgement
Accepts accountability for services delivered directly to individual service recipients
Applies expertise responsibly in delivery of services in routine situations
Demonstrates capacity to identify research findings likely to impact on practice
Accepts accountability for services delivered to a defined group
Accesses and applies evidence based advice/strategies in complex situations
Demonstrates a responsible approach to integrating evidence into practice
Accepts accountability for services delivered in a defined practice area(s)
Applies expertise confidently to provide services and advice in complex, unpredictable or unfamiliar circumstances
Appraises and integrates new evidence in an innovative and collaborative approach to planning and delivery of services
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 2 of 6
4. Use professional autonomy
Uses expertise to contribute to services delivered to individual service recipients in routine situations
Demonstrates ability to follow legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies/procedures and codes of conduct
Uses available evidence and established practice procedures to provide input to services
Demonstrates ability to act according to personal interpretation of broad professional polices/procedures where necessary
Makes autonomous decisions about services that are informed by expert knowledge, judgment, available evidence and treatment goals or outcomes
Demonstrates ability to interpret government health care policy and strategy to establish policies/procedures, codes and/or standards for others within defined practice area(s)
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 3 of 6
Networking, Leadership and Influence Transition level Consolidation level Advanced level
Professional and ethical practice
(underpinned by standards in Domain 1 of the National Framework)
1. Apply and monitor standards of practice
Demonstrates understanding of, and conforms to relevant standards of practice
Accountable for setting and monitoring standards of practice at the team level
Accountable for setting and monitoring standards of practice beyond the team
2. Contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of self and others
Demonstrates self‐development through regular CPD and the application of learning to practice
Acts as a CPD facilitator for the profession
Shapes and contributes to the CPD strategy for the profession or other disciplines
Communication, collaboration and teamwork
(underpinned by standards in Domain 2 of the National Framework)
1. Use appropriate communication skills
Demonstrates use of appropriate communication to gain the cooperation of individual patients, colleagues and other health professionals
Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively where content of discussion is explicitly defined
Demonstrates use of appropriately selected communication skills to gain co‐operation of patients, colleagues, clinicians and/or managers
Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively where the content of the discussion is based on personal opinion
Demonstrates ability to present complex, sensitive or contentious information to large groups of patients, clinicians and/or managers
Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively in a hostile, antagonistic or highly emotive atmosphere
2. Engage in teamwork and consultation
Demonstrates ability to work as a member of the pharmacy team
Recognises personal limitations and demonstrates ability to refer to more experienced colleagues
Demonstrates ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team
Accepts expert advice through consultation within the workplace/organisation
Works across workplace boundaries to build relationships and share information, plans and resources
Provides expert advice within and beyond the workplace/organisation as a recognised opinion leader
3. Work across boundaries
Demonstrates ability to extend boundaries of service delivery within the pharmacy team
Demonstrates ability to extend the boundaries of service delivery across more than one team
Demonstrates the value of extending the boundaries of service delivery across professions and/or the external environment
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 4 of 6
Leadership and management
(underpinned by standards in Domain 3 of the National Framework)
1. Understand strategic context and contribute to strategic planning
Demonstrates understanding of the needs of stakeholders, and practice reflects government health care policy
Understands formal structure in which they work
Demonstrated ability to plan up to 12 months ahead and in alignment with established strategy
Demonstrates ability to incorporate government health care policy or priorities to influence local strategy
Understands culture and climate of the workplace
Demonstrated ability to plan more than one year ahead taking account of strategic plan
Participates in development of government health care policy/ strategy or priorities and leads its integration into local strategy
Understands the internal and external practice environment
Demonstrated ability to develop a long term plan taking a holistic view of the practice environment
2. Understand and contribute to clinical governance
Demonstrates understanding of the pharmacist’s role in clinical governance and practice reflects the workplace framework
Influences the clinical governance agenda for the team
Shapes and contributes to the clinical governance agenda of the workplace/organisation
3. Understand and contribute to the strategic vision
Demonstrates understanding of, and contributes to, the vision for professional services
Creates the vision for professional services and translates it into clear goals for the pharmacy team
Influences groups of colleagues, clinicians and/or managers to share the vision for professional services
4. Contribute to innovation and service development
Demonstrates ability to improve the quality or range of services with limited supervision
Applies priorities set by others to develop clear plans for services based on review of recent past performance
Recognises and implements innovation from the external environment without supervision
Develops future plans for professional services based on a clear understanding of priorities
Leads efforts to ensure innovation produces demonstrable improvement in service delivery
Relates goals and actions to strategic aims of the workplace or profession
5. Motivate self and others
Demonstrates ability to self motivate to achieve goals
Demonstrates ability to motivate individuals in the team
Demonstrated ability to motivate individuals beyond the team
6. Support and assist implementation of national priorities
Demonstrates understanding of the implications of national health care priorities for the team
Influences the response of the team to national health care priorities
Leads response of the team to national health care priorities
7. Understand and contribute to the effective use of resources
Demonstrates understanding of the process for effective resource utilisation
Demonstrates effective management of resources
Demonstrates ability to assess and reassign resources to improve effectiveness of use
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8. Contribute to the identification and effective management of risk
Demonstrates ability to identify and resolve risk management issues using established policy/procedure
Is accountable for developing risk policy/procedure for managing existing and newly identified risks at team level
Is accountable for developing policy/procedure for managing existing and newly identified risks beyond the team
9. Promote improved performance
Contributes to performance management processes in accordance with established policy/procedure.
Refers appropriately to colleagues for guidance as required
Is accountable for performance management of team members
Is accountable for performance management of the team as a whole
10. Understand and undertake project management
Demonstrates understanding of the principles of project management and manages simple projects. Refers appropriately to colleagues for guidance as required
Demonstrates ability to successfully manage a project at team level
Demonstrates ability to plan and supervise the implementation of a project
11. Understand change management principles and lead change
Demonstrates understanding of the principles of change management
Demonstrates ability to manage a change process for the team
Demonstrates ability to lead a change process beyond the team/workplace or across disciplines
12. Serve as a role model and mentor for others
Understands and demonstrates the characteristics of a role model to members of the team
Demonstrates understanding of the mentorship process
Demonstrates the characteristics of an effective role model within and beyond the team
Demonstrates ability to effectively mentor others within the team
Demonstrates ability to engender role model behaviour in others
Demonstrates ability to effectively mentor outside the team
Critical analysis, research and education
(underpinned by standards in Domain 8 of the National Framework)
1. Conduct of education and training
Demonstrates an understanding of current educational policy
Demonstrates ability to conduct teaching efficiently according to an agreed plan with guidance from a more experienced colleague
Demonstrates ability to interpret national policy in order to design strategic approaches for local workforce education
Able to assess the performance and learning needs of others
Demonstrates ability to plan a series of effective learning experiences for others
Shapes and contributes to national education policy
Demonstrates ability to design and manage a course of study, with appropriate use of teaching assessment and study methods
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2. Links practice and education
Participates in the formal education of undergraduate and postgraduate students
Participates in the education and training of formal special interest groups in the external environment
Shapes, contributes to, or is accountable for the creation or development of higher education qualification(s)
3. Educational policy Demonstrates an understanding of current educational policies in health services
Demonstrates ability to interpret national policy in order to design strategic approaches to local workforce education
Shapes and contributes to national educational policy
4. Undertake critical evaluation activities
Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate literature sources
Demonstrated application of critical evaluation skills in the context of practice
Recognised as undertaking peer review activities in practice
5. Identify gaps in evidence base
Demonstrates ability to identify gaps in the evidence base for practice
Demonstrates ability to formulate appropriate and rigorous research questions to address evidence gaps
Demonstrates ability to design an appropriate research strategy to address research questions
6. Design and deliver research projects to address gaps in the evidence base
Demonstrates ability to describe the core features of research protocols
Demonstrates ability to generate evidence suitable for presentation at the local level
Demonstrates ability to design a research protocol to address previously formulated research questions
Demonstrates ability to generate new evidence suitable for presentation at research symposium
Demonstrates active involvement in critical review of research protocols
Demonstrates authorship of primary evidence outcomes in peer reviewed media
7. Apply research evidence into practice
Demonstrates ability to apply research into own practice
Demonstrates ability to apply evidence‐based practice within the team
Is able to use research evidence to shape workplace/organisational policy/procedure
8. Supervise others undertaking research
Demonstrates understanding of research governance
Is able to contribute to research supervision in collaboration with research experts
Is a research project supervisor for postgraduate students
9. Establish research partnerships
Demonstrates ability to work as a member of a research team
Demonstrates ability to establish new multidisciplinary links to conduct research projects
Demonstrates ability to show leadership within research teams concerning the conduct of research
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DRAFT Standards for the evaluation and credentialling of advanced practice pharmacists
Introduction ‘Professional practice may be viewed as a continuum based on the post‐registration learning that has
occurred through all means available to the individual pharmacist. At some point along the continuum
there is a ‘threshold’ performance level above which performance could be considered ‘advanced’ while
below that threshold performance would be considered to be at the ‘general’ level.’1
The performance continuum from ‘general’ level to Advanced level progresses through Transition and
Consolidation levels.
Advanced practice is ‘practice that is so significantly different from that achieved at initial registration that
it warrants recognition by professional peers and the public of the expertise of the practitioner and the
education, training and experience from which that capability was derived’.2
These Standards specify the minimum requirements for award of a credential as an Advanced Practice
Pharmacist.
Standard 1 Current registration This Standard ensures that only pharmacists registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia are eligible to
be recognised as Advanced Practice Pharmacists.
Element Assessment Criteria Evidence examples
1.1 The applicant must demonstrate they are the person seeking to be recognised
The applicant must provide photographic evidence that they are the person seeking to be recognised.
Certified copy of passport or driver’s license
1.2 The applicant must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia
The applicant must hold current general or limited registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
AHPRA registration number
1 Section 1. In: An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia; October 2012. 2 Introduction. In: An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia; October 2012.
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Standard 2 Area and scope of practice This Standard ensures that the area and scope of practice is clearly defined and relevant to pharmacy
practice.
Element Assessment Criteria Evidence examples
2.1 The pharmacist’s area of practice is defined.
The defined area of practice comprises ‘the pharmacist’s area of responsibility and accountability in professional practice’.3
The pharmacist’s area of practice is verified by an appropriate third party.
Job description
Curriculum vitae
Role verification by supervisor and/or colleague
2.2 The pharmacist’s scope of practice4 accurately reflects the pharmacist’s defined area of practice.
The scope of practice must be presented according to the National competency standards framework for pharmacists in Australia5.
Domains 1 and 2 are universally applicable.
Competency standards must be relevant and sufficient for the area of practice.
Role definition grid or Professional Practice Profile
The process of developing a role definition grid to define scope of practice using the National
competency standards framework for pharmacists in Australia (the ‘National Framework’) is described
within that publication – refer to steps 1‐4 on page 8.
3 Glossary of terms. In: An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia; October 2012. 4 Scope of practice is a time sensitive, dynamic aspect of practice which indicates those professional activities that a pharmacist is educated, competent and authorised to perform and for which they are accountable. 5 National competency standards framework for pharmacists in Australia. At: www.psa.org.au/supporting-practice/national-competency-standards
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Standard 3 Competence This Standard ensures that pharmacists wishing to seek recognition at the advanced practice level can first
demonstrate competence against the competency standards that define their area and scope of practice.6
Element Assessment Criteria Evidence examples
3.1 The pharmacist must be able to demonstrate current competence for their defined area and scope of practice
The pharmacist must meet the recency of practice registration standard set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
AHPRA registration number and record within AHPRA Register of Practitioners
The pharmacist must not be identified as being ‘non‐practising’, having registration suspended, or having a condition placed on registration that stops them from practising.
AHPRA registration number and record within AHPRA Register of Practitioners
The pharmacist must self‐assess against the competency standards for their defined area and scope of practice.
Self‐assessment
6 Section 3 – The Advanced pharmacy practice framework. In: An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia; October 2012.
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Standard 4 Performance at an advanced level This Standard ensures that pharmacists wishing to seek recognition at the advanced practice level can
demonstrate performance against the Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice, as relevant to
the pharmacist’s defined area of Expert Professional Practice.
Element Assessment Criteria Evidence examples7
4.1 The pharmacist’s area of practice for which recognition of advanced practice is sought is defined.
The Domain(s) in the National competency standards framework for pharmacists in Australia from which their area of Expert Professional Practice stems are identified
From within those Domain(s), specific details that describe their area of expert professional practice are provided
The Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice* in the area of Expert Professional Practice are contextualised by the evidence mapped against them, and reflect the pharmacist’s identified area of Expert Professional Practice.
The Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice in the area of Networking, Leadership and Influence are universally applicable to all areas of advanced pharmacy practice.
Job description
Curriculum vitae
Role verification by supervisor and/or colleague
4.2 The pharmacist is able to demonstrate performance at an Advanced Level for at least 70% of Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice within each Domain; and the balance at Consolidation level.
Evidence is mapped against the Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice and supports the claims made by the pharmacist
Evidence provided demonstrates breadth and depth of practice and peer and/or patient feedback.
Relevant evidence will be unique to the individual. See handbook for guidance.
Multisource feedback is important (including managers, colleagues and consumers)
7 Adapted from Competency Development and Evaluation Group (CoDEG). Advanced to Consultant level Framework. United Kingdom: CoDEG; 2009. p18
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Pharmacists seeking recognition at the advanced practice level are required to demonstrate
performance at an advanced level in the areas (and Domains) of:
o Expert Professional Practice (Domains as relevant to the individual pharmacist); and
o Networking, Leadership and Influence, in the Domains:
Communication, Collaboration and self‐management
Leadership and management
Professional and ethical practice
Critical analysis, research and education.
The Performance criteria for advanced pharmacy practice are available as a separate document.
As a general guide, pharmacists wishing to seek recognition at the advanced practice level will have
more than 5 years’ experience in their defined area of practice. However this is only guidance, and not
a mandatory requirement.
As a general guide, pharmacists wishing to seek recognition at the advanced practice level will hold a
relevant postgraduate qualification of at least Graduate Diploma level. However this is only guidance,
and not a mandatory requirement.
It is expected that pharmacists wishing to seek recognition at the advanced practice level will be
working independently and influencing practice at state or national level, guiding (by direct supervision
or mentoring) other advanced level pharmacists, and acknowledged within a multidisciplinary team as
a leader in the defined area of practice.
Pharmacists will be required to provide commentary/critical reflection describing how such things as
their experiential background, knowledge base/qualifications, level of clinical autonomy, peer
recognition and influence on practice demonstrates performance at an advanced level.
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Glossary8
Term Definition
Accountability Being answerable for one’s actions, and the roles and responsibilities inherent in one’s job or position. Accountability cannot be delegated.
Advanced pharmacy practice
Practice that is so significantly different from that achieved at initial registration that it warrants recognition by professional peers and the public of the expertise of the practitioner and the education, training and experience from which that capability was derived
Autonomy Having a sense of one’s own identity and an ability to act independently and to exert control over one’s environment, including a sense of task mastery, internal locus of control, and self‐efficacy
Competence Possession by an individual of the required knowledge, skills and attributes sufficient to successfully and consistently perform a specific task or function to the desired standards
Defined area of practice
The pharmacist’s area of responsibility and accountability in professional practice
Peer review The evaluation by a practitioner of creative work or performance by other practitioners in the same field in order to assure, maintain and/or enhance the quality of work or performance
Performance level A characteristic of professional practice that reflects the knowledge, skills and experience of the pharmacist
Responsibility To be entrusted with or assigned a duty or charge. In many instances responsibility is assumed, appropriate with one’s duties. Responsibility can be delegated as long as it is delegated to someone who has the ability to carry out the task or function. The person who delegated the responsibility remains accountable, along with the person accepting the task or function.
Scope of practice A time sensitive, dynamic aspect of practice which indicates those professional activities that a pharmacist is educated, competent and authorised to perform and for which they are accountable.
8 Glossary. In: An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia; October 2012.