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What is the Independent QiPAT LX?

The Independent Quality Improvement Project Assessment (QiPAT) is an Independent Learning Experience that can be used to document and self-reflect on a pharmacist's contribution to a quality improvement project within their team, organization or profession and encourage self-reflection of the skills utilized during the project.

It is a Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) tool 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 situation that utilizes a combination of skills including (but exclusive to); communication, project management, process change theory, innovation and leadership skills in a chosen professional area. 

Examples 

• Review of factors contributing to near miss dispensing errors and implementation of a new checklist to complete after each medication is dispensed 

• Review of VTE prescribing for all post operative surgical patients after the roll out of a new local VTE guideline.

Independent QiPAT Process 

Choosing a QiPAT Situation 

There is a wide variety of skills or situations that may be appropriate for reflection using the Independent QiPAT tool. See some suggested examples above. Ideally an Independent QiPAT should focus on a project 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 quality improvement Project opportunity that applies to the level of practice recognition that they are currently performing at or working towards (resident, register, consultant) to include in the Independent QiPAT Learning Experience. 

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 project may be used for pharmacists aiming for different levels of practice recognition. However, the complexity and expected knowledge, skills and role 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 QiPAT tool is available on the ANZCAP Digital platform. Ideally pharmacists will enter relevant information into the digital tool after completion of the QiPAT experience. 

Alternatively, pharmacists may use QiPAT tools from their own workplace and upload it to the digital platform where they can then confirm completion of an Independent Learning Experience. 

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