Consultant Pharmacists

Dr. Nicola Stoner

Consultant Pharmacist, Cancer Services & Cancer Research UK

Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust.

Principal Visiting Fellow, The University of Reading.

BOPA October 13th, 2007

Introduction

• Background

• Achievement of the role

– Requirements for Consultant Posts

– Competencies

– Development of posts

– Approval process

– Examples of portfolio evidence

• Consultant Pharmacist status - what does it achieve and what does it mean?

Background

• “A Vision for Pharmacy in the New NHS” DOH 2003

• “Guidance for the Development of Consultant Pharmacist Posts” DOH 2005

Requirements for Consultant Posts

• Expert Practice• Research, evaluation and service

development• Education• Mentoring and overview of practice• Professional leadership and

consultancy

Competencies of Consultant Pharmacists

• Advanced and Consultant Level Competency Framework designed by the Competency Development and Evaluation Group (C0DEG)

• Majority of competencies at Mastery for:– Expert professional practice– Building working relationships– Leadership

• Majority of competencies at Excellence for:– Management– Education, training & development– Research & evaluation

How to Develop Consultant Posts

• Transitional arrangements March 2005-March 2007 for existing posts – Using Consultant Pharmacist title– Pharmacists eligible for Consultant Pharmacist posts

• Development of new posts

The required elements and competencies of Consultant Pharmacist posts have to be demonstrated both within the host organisation and the wider health economy, preferably with links to higher education institutions.

Approval Process

• Trust business case approval• Strategic Health Authority (SHA) approval

– Written application– Approval of portfolio of evidence demonstrating

competency requirements– Interview by external panel:

• Chief Pharmacist • Pharmacist with appropriate expertise in the area of

practice under consideration• SHA representative• Higher Education Institution (HEI) representative

Strategic Health Authority Application

• Vision • Benefits and outcomes• Roles and responsibilities • Impact on patients, service, quality, wider health

economy• Needs assessment & risk assessment• Strategic benefits• Funding and performance review arrangements• Competency assessment• Portfolio of evidence• Agenda for Change job profile

Examples of Evidence in Portfolio - Expert Practice

• C.V. - 17 years oncology experience• Publications• Advisory panels• Presentations• Anti-emetics • Gene therapy• Non-medical prescribing• Electronic handbook• Electronic prescribing• Clinical trials

Examples of Evidence in Portfolio - Research, evaluation, service development

• Investigator for clinical trials• Cancer Research UK clinical research unit• Research Committees (NCRN, CR-UK)• Postgraduate research project tutor• Posters, presentations, publications • Integrated & skill mixed cancer pharmacy service• Pre-assessment clinics• Training programs• Non-medical prescribing

Examples of Evidence in Portfolio -Education, mentoring, overview of practice

• Honorary Principal Visiting Fellow, School of Pharmacy, The University of Reading

• Tutor for postgraduate audits and research projects

• University postgraduate course development & lectures

• Development of training programs• National working groups

Examples of Evidence in Portfolio -Professional leadership & consultancy

• Leadership within ORH and TVCN• Publications• Advisory boards• National working groups• Journal editorial board• Peer Reviewer• References from consultant colleagues• References from staff

What will Consultant Posts Achieve?

• Retention of high level pharmaceutical expertise and skills in practice to improve patient care

• Raise the profile of medicines management at a clinical level

• Strengthen professional and clinical leadership

• Improve strategic direction• Provide career opportunities

Consultant Pharmacist Status - what does it mean?

• Development of Oxford Cancer Centre as a centre for training and excellence in cancer pharmacy

• Role model and leader• Recruitment, retention, succession planning• Recognition of competency and achievements• Opportunities

– Research collaboration– Education & training– Practice development

Summary

• Background• Achievement of the role

– Requirements for Consultant Posts– Competencies– Development of posts– Approval process– Examples of portfolio evidence

• Consultant Pharmacist status - what does it achieve and what does it mean?

References

• 1. Department of Health (2003). A Vision for Pharmacy in the New NHS. Available from URL: http://www.dh.gov.uk/publications

• 2. Department of Health (2005). Guidance for the Development of Consultant Pharmacist Posts. Available from URL: http://www.dh.gov.uk/publications

• 3. Connelly, D. (2007). Oncology consultant pharmacist appointed. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 278:541.

• 4. Connelly, D. (2007) First Steps to Independent Prescribing. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 278:43-44.

• 5. Connelly, D. (2007). Independent Prescribers Start Work. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 278:481-482.

• 6. Connelly, D. (2007). Prescribers consolidate new skills. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 279:227-228.

Contact Details

Dr Nicola StonerConsultant Pharmacist, Cancer Services & Cancer Research UKOxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust.Principal Visiting Fellow, The University of Reading

Cancer Research UK Medical Oncology UnitThe ChurchillOxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS TrustHeadingtonOxford OX3 7LJ

Tel. +44 (0)1865 226187Fax. +44 (0)1865 226174Email: nicola.stoner@orh.nhs.uk