Primary Care Pharmacy June 2000 Vol 1 No 3 p89

News

Competencies for primary care

A core competency framework for primary care pharmacists has been published jointly by the NHS Executive and the National Prescribing Centre, in conjunction with the Pharmaceutical Advisers' Group. It recognises that primary care pharmacists working at practice, primary care group or primary care trust level, and those having a strategic planning role at PCG/PCT or health authority level, all require similar core competencies. This has allowed a generic framework to be set up, which is flexible enough to be tailored to suit individual requirements.
The document attempts to create a method by which primary care pharmacists can evaluate their own continuing professional development needs. This is to ensure the delivery of high quality, effective services to patients, other professionals and primary care organisations when the role is constantly evolving and adapting according to the changes in NHS. It can also be used for performance review by providing managers with a basis to ensure their employees have the necessary skills to practice. It can also be used during recruitment of new staff as it highlights those qualities that are deemed to be "critical" for effective performance and those which are "desirable".
Finally, the document informs those involved in the provision of education and training of the requirements of primary care pharmacist, thereby encouraging the revision and development of courses to address currently unmet needs.
Examples of how to use the framework are included and primary care pharmacists may find these useful preparation prior to a performance appraisal with their peers or managers. Having identified gaps in their knowledge or skills, there is guidance on how to select an appropriate training event.
Any professional or manager, working in the NHS, who wishes to obtain a personal copy of "Competencies for pharmacists working in primary care"(or further copies, if on the initial circulation list) should write to the NPC, or by fax a request to 0151 794 8139/8144. All such requests are subject to availability and must state the individual's current job title and employing organisation.