Training for team-based care: Development of a continuing education curriculum for General Practice pharmacists in Australia

Abstract

Background: The integration of pharmacists into primary care and general practice teams is expanding. Equipping pharmacists with the skills and knowledge to perform as part of a primary care team will facilitate this expanded scope of practice. Aim: This paper describes the rationale and approach for the development of a competency aligned curriculum of a postgraduate pharmacist education programme in Australia. Methods: The authors describe an evidence-based approach to curriculum development including establishing an educational programme advisory committee, consultation with an expert panel of pharmacy practice educators, and mapping of curriculum to both learning outcomes and competency standards. Conclusions: The curriculum design approach ensures the programme is designed to provide pharmacists with the skills, training and knowledge required to perform the General Practice pharmacist role. The education programme is due to be piloted in 2020, followed by an evaluation to allow further adjustment and improvement of the course design.