Personal Development
Underpinning Knowledge
The underpinning knowledge is intended as a source of resources and should be accessed prior to achievement of the competencies. By reading/accessing some of the references the competencies should be achieved.Where possible, the resources have been listed in order of importance.
Competency Frameworks
Competency can be defined as ‘the possession of knowledge, skills and abilities required for lawful, safe and effective professional practice without direct supervision ‘(NMC 2002).
The competencies for staff working within research/clinical trials has been developed following a scoping exercise involving a variety of methods including valuable input from a multi professional reference group.
The competencies are considered to be for staff working in research/clinical trials in the adult setting. Where further specialist competencies may be required e.g. children they have not been included.
Where possible, reference has been made to The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework. (KSF)
The frameworks provide:
Competencies for the induction training for new staff
Competencies for the continuous development for staff (inc. Stage 11 Pharmacists)
A format for the recording of personal development
A format for future personal development
A tool to help with the identification of personal learning needs.
The Competency Frameworks are organised into 6 Elements
- Element 1: Ensuring the Protection of Patients.
- Element 2: Clinical and Pharmaceutical Knowledge
- Element 3: Ensuring Service Quality
- Element 4: Management of the Clinical Trial
- Element 5: Risk Management
- Element 6: Personal Development
The frameworks provide a foundation for good practice and are intended to facilitate the consistency of education of pharmacy staff working within the research/clinical trials forum.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes should be measurable and demonstrable, allowing flexibility
across healthcare boundaries. Learning outcomes have been developed for the various domains as agreed by the reference group.
Assessment Process
For technical staff wishing to use the competency frameworks it is proposed that local personal development (PDP)
documentation and policies are followed with the collection of evidence for discussion at a personal development review meeting.
For pharmacists currently completing Stage 11 of The Scottish Hospital Pharmacists' Vocational Training Scheme the assessment will follow the current model with completion of a portfolio of evidence followed by a formal summative panel assessment.
For pharmacists who are working as specialists in the field, the assessment process has still to be formally decided. However, there is a competency based
CPD workbook available and an e - portfolio under development.
Link to e - portfolio (For Levels 4 & 5- password protected access)
The framework is guidance only and should not detract from any compulsory training stipulated by the employing organisation.
This framework does not attempt to replace existing education and training for staff working within a clinical trials service, but rather sets out a framework to complement current training activities.