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

 The Independent Autonomous Non-Clinical Skills (NCS) is an Independent Autonomous Learning Experience Tool (LX) 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 LX 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 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  group within your organisation

• Participating in an interview panel for recruitment recruitment  

• Data collection for a research project project

Autonomous Non-Clinical Skills (NCS) Process 

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

Choosing a Situation or Skill 

 There There is a wide variety of skills or situations that may be appropriate for reflection using the Independent Autonomous NCS toolLX. See some suggested examples above. Ideally an Independent 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 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. 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.

• Domain 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Competence Standards for Pharmacists in Aotearoa New Zealand Pharmacists, 2023. Please note that not all the Domain 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 behaviours listed in these competence standards 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 Independent 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 completion of the experienceactivity. 

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. Evidence of the NCS activity is documented directly into the ANZCAP digital platform as an Autonomous Learning Experience (LX). For further step by step instructions on how to do this please refer to the How to complete a Learning Experience article.

If ANZCAP members wish to use a NCS form from their own organisation, the completed form may be uploaded into the Supporting Evidence section of the LX. (Please note that for the LX to become validated the candidate must still complete all sections marked with an asterisk *).

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