Quality assurance and certification program for an aminoglycoside monitoring service

A Quality Assurance Program (QAP) should both evaluate and improve the quality of a service. In order to train newly employed pharmacists and ensure provision of a consistently high level of clinical service, a pharmacist training program for an Aminoglycoside Monitoring Service (AMS) and a QAP involving pharmacist certification was established. The certification program consists of a pretest, a reading/information package, an "on the job" training requirement and a posttest which pharmacists work through at their own speed. Certification requires completion of 45 hours of supervised AMS activity and a score of 90 percent on the posttest. Yearly recertification is required. As an integral part of the QAP, the clinical coordinator reviews the AMS monitoring forms monthly for specific performance standard indicators. Problems are identified and dealt with on an individual basis. The program is not mandatory, however, all pharmacists have elected to complete certification. Seven pharmacists and three pharmacy residents have participated in the certification program. All seven pharmacists and one resident received certification. A questionnaire completed by the pharmacists indicated that all felt certification was necessary and contributed to standardization and consistency of the AMS.