Credentialing advanced level practice

Aim: To evaluate the impact of a prototype credentialing process, for pharmacists in advanced levels of practice, by assessing the practitioner candidates' feedback on the overall experience and the impact it had on their professional roles and career perspectives. Design: The UKCPA Critical Care Group have produced and piloted a credentialing process which has been run for three years. Opinions and perceptions from the candidates involved in the assessment days will be useful for future adjustments and implementation in other specialities. A qualitative survey was designed to provide a basis for an in-depth analysis of their perceptions. Subjects and Setting: All candidates assessed by UKCPA CCG since 2009 until 2011 were surveyed with an online form, comprised of both closed and open questions. All responded. Outcome measures: Demographic responses were statistically analysed, while the qualitative data was analysed via a 'matrix' qualitative approach that involved an iterative coding and weighting process, verified by a second researcher for credibility. Results: The three cohorts were compared in terms of gender, job grade and years of expertise. Also, three main themes were extracted from the data and were mapped against the respondents' cohort and the relative 'positivity' of the responses and impact on personal practice and career development. Conclusion: A credentialing process is feasible and useful for clinical pharmacists, providing a good measure of competent performance. There is more to be learned about the logistics but the UKCPA CCG process has improved with experience. Practitioners valued the experience in terms of professional and personal perspectives