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What is the Non-Clinical Skill (NCS) LX? 

 The Autonomous Non-Clinical Skills (NCS) is an Autonomous Learning Experience Tool that can be used to record evidence and encourage self-reflection of an occasion where a pharmacist has applied various non-clinical skills to professional situation(s). 

It is a Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) that can be used for inclusion towards ANZCAP recognition. 

The main outcome of the tool is to record evidence of current professional practice in a setting that utilizes a combination of management, leadership, problem-solving, communication and/or critical thinking skills. 

Examples 

• Presentation of a new proposal to an aged care facility to provide services   

• Leading a team to implement a health promotion campaign in your local community

• Chaired or participated in a committee/working group within your organisation

• Participating in an interview panel for recruitment  

• Data collection for a research project

Autonomous Non-Clinical Skills (NCS) Process 

An Autonomous Non-Clinical Skill tool is best completed as a retrospective reflection. 

Choosing a Situation or Skill 

There is a wide variety of skills or situations that may be appropriate for reflection using the Autonomous NCS tool. See some suggested examples above. Ideally an Autonomous NCS should focus on a scenario that has been completed to allow the pharmacist to also consider the outcomes of the scenario. Ultimately the exact scenario, role played, and the skills expected by the pharmacist will vary depending on the practice recognition level they are aiming to meet. 

Practice Recognition Level 

The Non-Clinical Skill Learning Experience is mapped to Domain 1, 2 & 4 of the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2016. Please note that not all the domain 1, 2 & 4 indicators listed in this document may be relevant to this Learning Experience.

The pharmacist must identify a non-clinical skill opportunity that applies to their current level of practice (e.g. ANZCAP resident, register or consultant) and area of specialty.

Please refer to the ANZCAP recognition descriptors article for the further guidance on markers of performance for each ANZCAP recognition level.

Complexity 

In some scenarios the same skill or situation may be used for pharmacists aiming for different levels of practice recognition. However, the complexity and expected knowledge and skills expected to be displayed will vary. 

Collaborator 

Pharmacists may have engaged in discussion with professional peers, mentors or managers to encourage reflective practice. However, this is an Autonomous Learning Experience and therefore the final submission should be completed by the pharmacist without collaboration. 

Reflection & Goal Setting 

The pharmacist is encouraged to utilize the SMART goal technique to develop any learning or development goals that are identified from self-reflection after the experience. 

Forms and Templates 

The Autonomous NCS tool is available on the ANZCAP Digital platform. Ideally pharmacists will enter relevant information into the digital tool after completion of the case presentation. 

Alternatively, pharmacists may use an equivalent tool/record from their own workplace and upload it to the digital platform where they can then confirm completion of an Autonomous NCS Learning Experience. 

For further details on how to complete a Learning Experience on the ANZCAP digital platform please refer to the How to complete a Learning Experience article.

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