Accreditation process changing

Via direct feedback to the association and correspondence in pharmacy media, accrediting pharmacists highlighted difficulties experienced with the current process, in particular with the multiple choice question part of the process.

"While acknowledging the difficulties and appreciating the feedback, the AACP Board would like to assure all accredited pharmacists, and those considering accreditation, that all AACP processes are kept under constant review as to their relevance and appropriateness to practice and alignment with the Medication Management Review (MMR) competencies," said Dr Shane Jackson, chair of the AACP Board.

"This is achieved through a number of mechanisms including the National Advisory Group (NAG), which comprises practicing consultant and community pharmacists, senior pharmacy academics, representatives of the MMR facilitator program and the AACP's owners, The Pharmacy Guild of Australian and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia."

Dr Jackson said changes that had occurred in recent months included: a doubling of the time available to complete the five modules from five to 10 hours; the introduction of 40 additional sample questions with feedback provided; further validation of the assessment questions, which resulted in both modification and, in some cases, withdrawal of questions; seminars conducted around Australia, including the production of a video for the AACP website to assist pharmacists reaccrediting.

A further review of all questions was being undertaken to ensure their relevance and to include recent feedback, he said.

"For those pharmacists approaching re-accreditation, the AACP NAG is investigating options, including continuing professional development-based requirements that could complement the multiple choice question assessment of clinical knowledge.

"A key support mechanism for pharmacists undergoing both initial accreditation and subsequent reaccreditation is mentoring. Funding has been provided through the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement for an expanded MMR mentoring program which will provide up to five hours mentoring for pharmacists. The AACP Board encourages all pharmacists accrediting initially or reaccrediting to take advantage of this mentoring support."