Self-assessment of community pharmacists- preceptors' competencies by using Croatian Competency Framework (CCF)

Introduction: Competency frameworks which prompt personal and professional development have become an important component of lifelong learning and are driven by the need for development and professional recognition of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the competencies that need to be developed in community pharmacists-preceptors by using the Croatian Competency Framework (CCF). Subjects and methods: This observational prospective study has included community pharmacists-preceptors who have voluntarily accepted the invitation of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb to provide support and mentoring to students-trainees within the Professional training for pharmacists. At the beginning of their mentorship they assessed their competencies and delivered them by e-mail. Data were collected by using the CCF (1), validated tool for assessment and self- assessment of community and hospital pharmacists, in the period from October 2015 to February 2017. Results: Of the total of 293 community pharmacists invited in this study, final analysis included 254 respondents (F:233 ; M:21). The response rate was 86, 69 %. Community pharmacists-preceptors assessed themselves as the most competent in competencies pertaining to the cluster Organization and management competencies" (3.65 ± 0.342), while they considered themselves as the least competent in the competencies pertaining to the cluster Pharmaceutical public health competencies" (2.78 ± 0.773). The highest score was assessed for the competency Professional and ethical practice" (3.76 ± 0.394), while the lowest score was recorded for the competency Assurance of safe medicines use" (2.63 ± 0.691). Conclusion: This research represents the first testing of the CCF in practice and has identified competencies that need to be improved in community pharmacists- preceptors. Consequently, areas in which additional professional education is required are defined.