Certification and competency frameworks

Abstract

In pharmacy profession, technical, organisational, communication skills, values and behaviours learnt through education and work experience are put together to form a competency framework for pharmacists to optimise pharmacy practice and meet the standards of the profession. The frameworks are built to support optimal regulatory practices in order to enhance patient care and public protection. The aim of this study was to identify and compare competency frameworks for pharmacy that are available internationally. Competency frameworks available globally, regionally and nationally were identified through an online search using “competency frameworks for pharmacist” as key words. The research was conducted at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Malta. To date 11 frameworks have been identified. First, the Global Competency framework (GbCF) developed by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) was identified through online research and studied. Then, Competency frameworks of high-income countries considered to be similar in terms of life expectancies and public health needs were analysed and compared with the GbCF. Differences were found with the inclusion of new emerging domains such as entrepreneurship, the tendency for simplified versions, the incorporation of domains related to cultural attributes such as Kampo medicine. The frameworks showed similarities in the outline and content of the core domains. The distinctions were associated with the design of updated user-friendly versions, of culturally related and new emerging domains reflecting the evolving nature of the profession. The examination and comparison of theses competency frameworks offer valuable insights into the international perspectives on practice optimisation and standardisation, as well as the expected competencies of proficient practitioners.