The CoDEG General Level Framework (GLF) supports the development of an individual practitioner from registration to a general level of practice and has found widespread application in hospital pharmacy across the UK. A controlled trial of the first edition GLF has demonstrated that its use accelerates and sustains pharmacists’ development (1). The second edition of the GLF (2) has completed a successful evaluation in primary care and community pharmacy. The GLF (2nd Edition) is suitable for use in hospital, primary care and community pharmacy.
A strategy to develop registered pharmacists to general level has been implemented by the Joint Programmes Board (JPB). The JPB is a working collaboration between the higher education sector and the NHS in the London, Eastern and South East region of England (covering approximately 40% of the population of England). The particular model developed by this partnership provides a mechanism for more seamless career development from post-registration to more advanced levels of practice. The GLF is a key assessment and development tool for the Diploma in General Pharmacy Practice.
Work has been undertaken to demonstrate how the General Level Frameworks (GLF versions 1 and 2) translate onto the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) Outline for Band 6 pharmacists. It is a joint initiative between CoDEG and Alison Eggleton on behalf of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We are grateful also to Richard Cattell of the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists for his advice.
For guidance on how the General Level Frameworks translate onto the NHS KSF for Band 6 pharmacists click here.
Also available here are suggested performance levels for the GLF competencies.
CoDEG and the Joint Programmes Board have been working with the Harmonisation of Accreditation Group (HAG) as many areas within England are adopting the criteria required by HAG for some Enhanced Services. A linking of the GLF to the HAG Competency and Training Frameworks (C&TFs) has been undertaken.
The Safe Medication Practice Unit (SMPU) at Queensland Health, Australia has been working with CoDEG to implement its work on competency frameworks. The General Level Framework has now been adapted for use and is used state-wide in Queensland, Australia.
More information is available here on the Safe Medication Practice Unit (SMPU) at Queensland Health, Australia.
To find out more about the use of the GLF in Australia click here.
The SMPU is also working on a Medication Review Project, which aims to develop and implement pharmaceutical review and clinical pharmacy services by January 2008.
The largest chain of community pharmacies in Croatia is working with CoDEG to adapt the GLF to pharmacy practice in Croatia.
The Delivery of Patient Care cluster was recently developed and published in Croatia. It is followed by an article in the Croatian newspaper 'Vecernji List'.
In late 2009 The New Pharmacist Career Pathway was approved at the SingHealth level. The adapted GLF/ACLF are included as part of this pathway.
References:
1. Antoniou et al. Pharmacy Education 2005: 5: 201-7
2. Mills et al. Pharmaceutical Journal 2005; 275: 48-52
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