An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Health Workforce Development
• Professional Standards

Background:

• A 2010 review identified the need for advanced competency standards for Australian pharmacists.
• Existing advanced practice frameworks were reviewed, with a focus on the UK's Competency Development and Evaluation Group (CoDEG) Advanced and Consultant Level Framework.
• The CoDEG Framework's standards aligned well with Australia's National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework (APPF) for Australia.
• To create a flexible framework adaptable to various advanced practice specializations.
• To ensure the framework complements existing national standards and supports professional growth.

Main Methods:

• Adaptation of the UK's CoDEG Advanced and Consultant Level Framework.
• Alignment of adapted framework competencies with the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia.
• Approval of the developed APPF by all participating pharmacy organizations' boards/councils.

Main Results:

• An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework (APPF) was successfully developed and approved.
• The APPF is complementary to the National Framework and flexible for diverse advanced practice areas.
• The framework is ready for implementation to support advanced pharmacy practice.

Conclusions:

• The APPF is a crucial tool for advancing the pharmacy profession in Australia.
• It addresses the evolving healthcare needs of the community.
• The APPF assures the public of the competence and quality of advanced practice pharmacists and their services.