Pharmacy Daily | Credentialing program ends

THE Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) yesterday announced the immediate cessation of the National Credentialing of Advanced Practice Pharmacists, with the organisation's governing body citing "program sustainability issues".

APC president Debra Rowett said while the Council had piloted an evidence-based assessment program, "unfortunately this program didn't attract the number of candidates we had expected.

"While our research indicated it was a program in demand, current enrolment numbers have not met expectations and forward estimates of enrolments based on actuals show that enrolments would not be sufficient to continue the program".

Despite the decision she said the changing face of healthcare meant credentialing remains an important part of recognising pharmacists' advanced practice.

"It is possible that credentialing of advanced practice will come into demand in the future," she said.

Pharmacists who enrolled in the Jun/Sep 2016 program will receive a full refund of all enrolment and evaluation fees paid.

And pharmacists who have already been credentialed and evaluated at advanced stage 3 in the pilot scheme can continue to use the appropriate postnominal for up to five years from their credential date.

MEANWHILE the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) responded to the shock announcement by saying it would take action to support the continuation of advanced practice recognition for pharmacists.

SHPA ceo Kristin Michaels said formal recognition of advanced practice is a high priority for the Society.

"We will ensure Advanced Practice recognition continues to exist in 2017 and beyond," she promised, with SHPA staff to liaise directly with all members currently undertaking credentialing, as well as welcoming contact from non-member participants.

"We will devote our expertise and energy to progressing Advanced Practice as a cornerstone of developing a fit-for-purpose workforce for the future," she said.