National Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) Credentialing

 

The earliest iterations of pharmacist prescribing in Australia were in hospitals. Known as Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) or Partnered Pharmacist Medication Prescribing (PPMP), the innovative care model sees appropriately credentialed pharmacists work closely with doctors to undertake a medication review and chart medications for nursing staff to administer (reference: Safer Care Victoria). 

In trials and in practice, partnered pharmacist prescribing has been shown to reduce medication errors, length of stay and hospital costs. 

Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) - formerly known as SHPA - in partnership with Alfred Health, have launched the National Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) credential which allows individuals and organisations to become credentialed in the PPMC model of care. 

Demonstrating a reduction in medication errors, length of hospital stay and hospital costs, this credentialing program will embed PPMC in hospitals nationally, improving patient safety, and expanding the scope of practice of pharmacists nationwide.  

In partnership with The Alfred, AdPha endorses at individual and group level to ensure recognition and translation of partnered pharmacist charting and prescribing skills between hospitals and jurisdictions.

The course credentials individual Pharmacists in PPMC.

Pre-requisites for Pharmacists prior to enrolment include:

  • Minimum of two years clinical experience as pharmacist in a hospital setting
  • Six months or more clinical experience in general medicine
  • Completed ClinCAT® in the last 12 months*

*For site where candidates are not able to meet the ClinCAT requirement, ClinCAT assessor services could be offered by trained Alfred Senior Pharmacist at a pre-agreed cost

Given the evolving landscape and different stages of PPMC and PPMP programs in difference states and territories, recognition applications are processed on request.

At completion of the course, the individual pharmacist should be able to demonstrate the ability to competently undertake Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) in collaboration with an authorised prescriber, consistent with the local policies and governance of the healthcare organisation(s) with whom they are employed.

The course contains three components and is structured as follows:

E-Learning Modules

  • Includes six hours of group 2 accredited self-directed material including 5 hours of e-learning modules and 1 hour of MCQ assessment
  • Topics include:
    • Origins of the PPMC model
    • Health economic evaluation
    • PPMC model overview
    • Decision to chart and discussion with medical staff:
    • Clinical considerations
    • Documentation
    • Demonstration videos
  • Summative multiple choice question assessment at the conclusion of the online module

Experiential Placement

  • A three-day placement at Alfred Health to observe PPMC credentialed pharmacists undertaking the PPMC model of care within their usual practice
  • Completion of a minimum of five supervised PPMC cases with PPMC credentialed pharmacist

Final Assessment

  • Objective Structure Clinical Examination (OSCE) completed at the end of the placement with a Senior Pharmacist and Medical Consultant

Individual enrolment:

The course comprises of an online module (total of 6 hours) and 3 days onsite at Alfred Health in Victoria, Melbourne. Available dates for onsite placement can be advised at time of registration.

Group enrolment:

Expressions of interest would be considered for a service-based program delivered at the individual hospital site to credential of a group of participants.
 

Contact AdPha for further details.

Individual credentialling:

AdPha member: $2500 per participant

Non-member: $2950 per participant
 

Group credentialling:

Cost variable based on location and group size

Q1. What is the PPMC model and how does it work?

Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) is a model that involves a credentialed pharmacist and medical officer having a face-to-face discussion about current medical and medication related problems, following which a medication management plan is agreed upon. Appropriate medications are then charted by the pharmacist on the inpatient medication record from which nurses administer medications. This is followed by a discussion between the treating nurse and pharmacist about the medication management plan, including any urgent medications to be administered, drug-related monitoring and reasons for any changes to medications.
 

Q2. How do I know if I am able to implemented the PPMC model in my state?

We are aware that all states (except NSW and NT) have implemented the PPMC model in various settings.

If you are from NSW or NT we are happy to discuss with you directly to work through the requirements.
 

Q3. What steps do I need to take to organise PPMC credentialing for my pharmacists?

  • Pre-requisite requirements (experience, ClinCAT)
  • Time commitment for the program (online modules and face-to-face)
  • Cost
  • Securing a booking
     

Q4. What does the placement consist of?

Example of a placement:

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
8:00 Welcome to Alfred GMU Handover
+
GMAST ROUND
Supervised Cases
x 5
9:00 GMU Ward Round
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch
14:00 GMU Admissions
+
Met Calls
Mini-Cex OSCE
15:00 PPMC ED
16:00 PPMC ICU Questions Debrief & Wrap Up

Options:

  • GMU Education: Monday 12:30
  • Alfred Health Grand Round: Thursday 12:30
  • GMU Journal Club: Friday 12:30
     

Q5. What is the availability of the bookings?

Bookings are made via the AdPha.

Once registered, access will be granted to the online modules.

Available dates will be provided for the face-to-face placement component, approx. 3-6 months from booking.
 

Q6. If I would like to have support implementing PPMC at my site what support is available?

A review of current capability to implement the PPMC model at your site is available, including assistance with stakeholder and executive engagement. Contact AdPha for further discussion about how this can be organised.
 

Q7. Am I able to get more information regarding how PPMC works and implementation?

If further information is required, a time can be arranged with the Alfred Team to discuss (via AdPha).

This activity has been accredited for hours of Group-2 CPD (for a total of 12 CPD credits), suitable for inclusion in an individual pharmacist’s CPD plan.

The accreditation number is S2023/60.

The program addresses pharmacist competency standards, including:

  • Standard 1.1.1 Promote a culture of professionalism
  • Standard 1.1.2 Uphold the professional role of a pharmacist
  • Standard 1.1.3 Apply understanding and knowledge of medicines management and use in society
  • Standard 1.1.4 Accept professional responsibility and accountability
  • Standard 1.1.5 Work with commitment, diligence and care
  • Standard 1.2.1 Support ethical professional practice
  • Standard 1.3.1 Comply with statute law, guidelines, codes and standards
  • Standard 1.4.3 Acquire and apply practice expertise
  • Standard 1.5.1 Apply expert knowledge and skills
  • Standard 1.5.2 Use reasoning and judgement
  • Standard 1.5.3 Demonstrate accountability and responsibility
  • Standard 1.5.4 Use professional autonomy
  • Standard 1.6.1 Collaborate to improve quality and safety across the continuum of care
  • Standard 1.6.2 Monitor and respond to sources of risk
  • Standard 2.2.1 Show a commitment to interprofessional practice
  • Standard 2.2.2 Engage in teamwork and consultation
  • Standard 2.3.1 Use appropriate communication skills
  • Standard 2.3.2 Confirm the effectiveness of communication
  • Standard 2.4.1 Analyse the problem or issue to be addressed and the possible solutions
  • Standard 2.4.2 Engage with others as appropriate to resolve the identified problem or issue
  • Standard 2.4.3 Review outcomes achieved and assess follow-up requirements
  • Standard 3.1.1 Obtain relevant health and medicines information
  • Standard 3.1.2 Assess medication management practices and needs
  • Standard 3.1.3 Collaborate to develop a medication management strategy or plan
  • Standard 3.2.4 Prescribe medicines
  • Standard 3.2.6 Facilitate continuity of care including during transitions of care
  • Standard 3.3.1 Undertake a clinical review
  • Standard 3.3.2 Apply clinical review findings to improve health outcomes
  • Standard 3.3.3 Document clinical review findings and changes in medication management
  • Standard 3.5.2 Promote evidence-based medicine use

(National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia, 2016)



Please complete the below enquiry forms with your contact details and availability, and AdPha will be in contact to arrange a suitable time to discuss your credentialling needs.



The National Credential is a partnership between AdPha and The Alfred.

For more information please contact education@adpha.au.