Summary

This article contains information on how to complete a Collaborative Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPs).

What is the DOPs LX?

The Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) is a Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) tool that can be used to provide formative assessment as part of an approved training and development program and/or for inclusion towards ANZCAP recognition.

It can be used to facilitate exploration of a pharmacist's professional critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-time completion of a procedural skill.

The main outcome of the interaction between pharmacist and collaborator should be to promote feedback and reflection of current professional practice (critical thinking and problem solving) in a chosen professional setting or topic.

Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) Process

The process for completing a DOPS is as follows:

🧩 Prepare

🗓️ Observe

💭 Reflect

The pharmacist arranges a time suitable with the collaborator(s) to engage in the DOPs process. Or alternatively the pharmacist highlights to the collaborator(s) when a procedure that is appropriate becomes available/is required for completion.
The pharmacist and collaborator should also confirm the practice recognition level and clinical setting/topic that the DOPs is to focus on.

The pharmacist completes the procedure while also verbalizing any decision making/considerations that arise during the procedure.
Collaborator engages pharmacist in discussion to further explore knowledge and skills critical to the situation. Aims to explore pros and cons of alternative methods for completion.

This discussion should typically take 15-20 minutes (depending on the duration of the procedure).

Pharmacist and collaborator engage in reflection of this discussion utilizing the Pendleton/Positive critique method
Collaborator assists pharmacist to identify key development goals from the reflection utilizing the SMART goal method

The reflection and goal setting should typically take 10-15 minutes

The total time for a DOPs should take between 20-30 minutes.

A DOPs should be conducted in an appropriate working space that lends itself to privacy due to patient confidently and pharmacist comfort.

Choosing a Procedure

Examples

Dispensing process for Special Access Scheme (SAS) medications
Aseptic technique
Engaging in a Partnered Pharmacist Charting discussion with the medical registrar

Ideally a DOPs should be conducted in real time so that the collaborator(s) can observe the pharmacist completing the procedure. However, due to availability/timing of the choosing procedure in practice the collaborator and pharmacist may engage in reflection and feedback discussion retrospectively.

Prior to the DOP the pharmacist and collaborator should confirm the practice recognition level that the DOPs will allow the pharmacist to show. Alternatively, a workplace may have a list of appropriate procedures for each clinical area.

Practice Recognition Level

The DOPs Learning Experience is mapped to Domain 1 of the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2016.

Please refer to the ANZCAP recognition descriptors article for the further guidance on markers of performance for each ANZCAP recognition level. The pharmacist and collaborator should indicate on the learning experience tool which of the three levels of practice recognition (resident, register, consultant) they are currently practicing at or a candidate for. Please note that not all the domain 1 indicators listed in this document may be relevant to this Learning Experience.

Complexity

In some scenarios the same procedure 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.

The pharmacist and collaborator should come to an agreement on the complexity (low, medium or high) of the case in relation to the level of recognition the pharmacist is practicing at.

Collaborator

The collaborator must be familiar with the Direct Observation of Procedure (DOPs) process.

Collaborators must be professionally competent in the clinical setting/topic being assessed in the DOP.

Collaborators may come from a variety of health professional backgrounds e.g. pharmacy, medical, surgical.

Further guidance for collaborators involved in this learning experience can be found here.

Reflection, Feedback & Goal Setting

The main aim of the DOP as a Learning Experience is to promote feedback and reflection of a pharmacist's professional problems solving and critical thinking skills in a chosen direct procedure. This feedback can cover the outcomes of the procedure but also the justification for the steps taken.

Skill Evaluation

Within the DOPS tool there are key skills (and descriptors) that the pharmacist and collaborator should discuss during the feedback and reflection. Each skill should be evaluated with comments from the discussion and a marker of; below, meets, exceeds or n/a.

Below	Performance is below that expected for the indicated practice recognition level.
Meets	Performance meets the standard expected for the indicated practice recognition level.
Exceeds	Performance is above the standard expected for the indicated practice recognition level and is moving towards progression in recognition level.
N/A	Key skill is not present in this particular professional experience.

Feedback

The DOPS tool encourages use of the Pendleton feedback method to guide reflection. This method encourages self-reflection and proactive discussions for development.

Development Goals

The pharmacist and collaborator are encouraged to utilize the SMART goal technique to develop any learning or development goals that are identified from the reflection and feedback discussion.

Although some collaborators who are also supervisors or clinical educators in a formalized training program may choose to use this tool as an initiation for delivery of formal teaching, this is an extension of the DOP tool and not a requirement.

Forms and Templates

The DOP tool is available on the ANZCAP Digital platform. Ideally pharmacists and collaborators will enter relevant information into the digital tool in real time and confirm involvement and accomplishment of a Collaborative Learning Experience.

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

Can’t find what you are looking for? Search the ANZCAP knowledgebase or Contact us with your questions or request further assistance.

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