Using a collaborative decision-making approach to identify, prioritise and respond to issues influencing Good Pharmacy Practice across countries of the Western Pacific Region

Abstract

The Western Pacific Pharmaceutical Forum aims to foster Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) in the Western Pacific Region (WPR). Our objective in this work was to develop and implement a process that equitably and constructively engaged pharmacy associations from the diverse cultures, languages and models of pharmacy practice in the WPR to identify common issues influencing the implementation of GPP. The World Café concept was incorporated into a modified Tuckman's model for group development to conduct a workshop of leaders from the major pharmacy associations of the WPR. Facilitated discussion groups and collaborative decision-making were used to gather opinions and achieve agreement between the regional leaders. Participants reported the method to be open, systematic and enabled full contribution. Two major issues were identified in relation to each of the four key pharmacist roles associated with GPP. The regional pharmacy leaders agreed the common priority issue for implementing GPP as: 'National competency standards should be established to enable the formulation of professional development framework that lead to enhanced pharmacy practice and patient care' and developed a strategy and work plan to address this issue. Identification of GPP issues and the common major priority occurred with shared knowledge of the current state of practice across the WPR. The adopted methodology overcame cultural and practice differences to ensure full and equal participation of all delegates. The approach ensured ownership by all participants of the strategy and work plan developed to address competency and professional development in the WPR.