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

 The Independent Non-Clinical Skills (NCS) is an Independent 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 key stakeholders  

• Working with a team or leading a team that implemented a new guideline or held a campaign 

• Chaired or participated in a committee/working group  

• Participating in an interview panel for recruitment 

• Data collection for a research project 

Independent Non-Clinical Skills (NCS) Process 

An Independent 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 Independent NCS tool. See some suggested examples above. Ideally an Independent 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 pharmacist will independently identify a conference or seminar that applies to the level of practice recognition that they are currently performing at or working towards (resident, register, consultant) to include in the conference/seminar report. 

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 Independent 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 Independent 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 Independent NCS Learning Experience. 

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