1. Credentialing and priviledging of pharmacists
The UK perspective
Professor Samantha Weston, Head of Pharmacy, UoRM

2. Terminology
The terms credentialing and privileging do not exist in the UK
The process of qualification, registration and specialisation is similar to those routes seen globally
4 year undergraduate degree
1 year ‘pre-registration’ training
Hospital, community, industry
Registration assessment
Registration as a newly registered ‘generalist’ pharmacist

3. What happens next Post-graduate studies
Certificate and Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy/Pharmacy Practice
2 years
Part time study whilst full time working
Application of the theory into practice
Coursework and assessment
Qualified as a junior ‘generalist’ pharmacist

4. How to choose?

5. After that Continue studies part time whilst working
Choose area of expertise/interest
e.g. Cardiac, renal, oncology, geriatric (care of the elderly), paediatric, surgical , mental health, antimicrobials etc.
Choose to formalise the knowledge
Masters level study
Additionally, CPD
9 pieces a year
Called for assessment by regulators minimum every five years

6. CPD Reflection on your area of practice Hospital/clinical
Community enhanced services
Advanced services
Academia/education
Research

7. Additional qualifications
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber (accredited course)
may prescribe autonomously for any condition within their clinical competence
Hospital Pharmacist Specialization
European Association of Hospital Pharmacists
Different regulations in each country
Duration of study
Qualification is ALWAYS dependent on ‘theory into practice’

8. Professional recognition programme of advanced practice
Recognition by Royal Pharmaceutical Society

9. BUT…
Recognition of specialist ability is NOT always (in fact, rarely!) seen via qualification (privileging)
Specialists are recognised by their demonstration of knowledge and contribution to a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals
Few roles in UK Hospital Pharmacy (beyond Grade 7) require a formal academic qualification

10. Bibliography
House of Commons (HC). Report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry. London: The Stationery Office; 2013.
Berwick D. A promise to learn – a commitment to act; Improving the Safety of Patient in England. Department of Healt; 2013.
Kennedy I. Learning from Bristol: the report of the public inquiry into children’s heart surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary London: The Stationery Office; 2001.