Use of a general level framework to facilitate performance improvement in hospital pharmacists in Singapore.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the acceptability and validity of an adapted version of the General Level Framework (GLF) as a tool to facilitate and evaluate performance development in general pharmacist practitioners (those with less than 3 years of experience) in a Singapore hospital.


METHODS
Observational evaluations during daily clinical activities were prospectively recorded for 35 pharmacists using the GLF at 2 time points over an average of 9 months. Feedback was provided to the pharmacists and then individualized learning plans were formulated.


RESULTS
Pharmacists' mean competency cluster scores improved in all 3 clusters, and significant improvement was seen in all but 8 of the 63 behavioral descriptors (p ≤ 0.05). Nonsignificant improvements were attributed to the highest level of performance having been attained upon initial evaluation. Feedback indicated that the GLF process was a positive experience, prompting reflection on practice and culminating in needs-based learning and ultimately improved patient care.


CONCLUSIONS
The General Level Framework was an acceptable tool for the facilitation and evaluation of performance development in general pharmacist practitioners in a Singapore hospital.
Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. colemanvicky@hotmail.com
Victoria
V
Rutter
Camilla
C
Wong
Ian
I
Coombes
Lynda
L
Cardiff
Catherine
C
Duggan
Mei-Ling
ML
Yee
Kiat
K
Wee Lim
Ian
I
Bates
D002983:Clinical Competence; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005791:Patient Care / Q000592:standards; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D024382:Professional Role; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012846:Singapore; D013997:Time Factors