What do you see – a duck or a rabbit?
It’s always good to consider different perspectives and take a step back to see the whole picture. That’s what we do to ensure continuous quality improvement at the college. And that’s just what we’re doing now with the ACP continuing competence program – and we would like you to be a part of it.
Background
The Alberta College of Pharmacists (ACP) is responsible for quality pharmacy practice in Alberta. Our job is to ensure that Albertans receive excellent pharmacy care. One way we fulfill our mandate is by maintaining a continuous competence program.
Over the last couple years, the college has introduced online features, updated materials, and new assessment mechanisms into the competence program. We have heard you when you say that some parts of the program work for you and some don’t. Now it’s time to review and ensure that the program’s philosophies, goals, and tools align with the college’s strategic plan and registrants’ needs.
ACP councillors participated in an in-depth workshop on competence at their September meeting. They heard the latest research and trends in nurturing professional competence. Based on that, council is reviewing its philosophy and guiding principles for the program (see the Nov/Dec acpnews for details).
What happens next?
- We will work with registrants to review the program. That means that together we’ll figure out how to build on your strengths, meet your practice goals, and translate what you learn into practice.
We will start this process through discussions at the upcoming regional meetings.
- Council has built the framework and strategic direction for the competence program. The Competence Committee and ACP staff will use this direction and your feedback to fill in the details and the how-to’s.
Any transitioning in the program will have to be done carefully and deliberately, to fulfill our core mandate of public safety. That may take some time, and we ask for your patience.
Originally published in the October 16, 2012 issue of The Link
