Core Competency Framework

What is a Competency Framework?

Competencies refer to the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that an individual develops through education, training and work experience. When combined, these competencies form a competency framework. This framework provides a blueprint for describing the competencies and behaviours of pharmacists in their daily practice.

The Core Competency Framework for Pharmacists in Ireland

The Core Competency Framework for pharmacists aims to reflect the practice of pharmacists in the early stages of their career, ie, 0-3 years registered. It is intended that the framework would also be used to provide structure and guidance for continuing professional development (CPD) over the changing demands of a pharmacist's career.

The framework is divided into six domains of practice and identifies a number of competencies expected of a pharmacist in each domain. A number of behavioural statements are given for each competen Core Competency Framework cy to demonstrate how individuals who have that competency will be behaving in practice.

What is the Core Competency Framework used for?

It is used for a number of purposes, including:

Assisting pharmacists to reflect on their practice and identify learning needs for CPD.
Development of programmes by academic institutions; informing the educational standards for accreditation by the PSI of pharmacy degree programmes.
Providing a platform for the development of specialisation and advanced practice within pharmacy.
Providing a public statement of the professional role of a pharmacist.

The Irish Institute of Pharmacy and Continued Professional Development

The Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIOP) is the body established by the PSI to oversee the management and delivery of the mandatory system of CPD for pharmacists in Ireland and to promote excellence in patient care and professional standards.

The IIOP will be the main support for pharmacists and their engagement with the Core Competency Framework as the CPD model is rolled out.

Review of the Core Competency Framework(2019/2020)

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Pharmacy practice and the role of the pharmacist is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the Irish healthcare system and society. As the current Core Competency Framework was introduced in 2013 it is important to review it to ensure that it continues to include the competencies required from a pharmacist to meet these demands and expectations.

The review will include:
- Exploration of the intended purpose and objectives of the Core Competency Framework to ascertain if it is fit for purpose, and the competencies remain appropriate and applicable to current and evolving practice.
- Engagement and consultation to gather feedback on the current Core Competency Framework from key stakeholders including pharmacists, the Higher Education Institutions, students, representative bodies and state agencies.
- Benchmarking the current Core Competency Framework against competency frameworks for pharmacists in other jurisdictions to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
We are at an early stage in our review and we recently sought the views of pharmacists on the current Core Competency Framework. This was a targeted consultation and further consultation and engagement will take place on this project later this year.