About self-assessment

Self-assessment using shpaclinCAT provides pharmacists with the means to identify professional
development requirements, plan career progression and provide supporting documentation for reregistration. shpaclinCAT allows pharmacists to compare their own performance in the workplace
against a framework developed in the context of Australian standards and guidelines of clinical
pharmacy practice.
shpaclinCAT can prompt pharmacists to consider what areas of clinical pharmacy practice they
currently do well and what skills or knowledge they would like to develop further. Self-assessment
can identify knowledge/ skill gaps or serve as a useful reminder of practice standards.
The shpaclinCAT self-assessment can be a standalone activity for pharmacists wishing to construct a
focussed CPD plan or may be a precursor to undergoing an shpaclinCAT evaluation. Pharmacists
wishing to undertake a self-assessment should use the shpaclinCAT Assessment tool with
evaluation.
Self-assessment undertaken in preparation for an shpaclinCAT evaluation is an accredited CPD
activity. Pharmacists will achieve the following outcomes:
Learning objectives:
1. Reflect upon current clinical pharmacy practice in the context of the SHPA Clinical Competency
Assessment tool (shpaclinCAT) in preparation for a peer evaluation
2. Identify specific areas of clinical pharmacy practice improvement using the elements and
performance criteria outlined in the shpaclinCAT
3. Document a proposed CPD plan based using the areas of practice improvement identified by selfassessment using the shpaclinCAT.
4. Discuss and document your proposed CPD plan with an shpaclinCAT evaluator following an
shpaclinCAT workplace evaluation
Pharmacist competency standards addressed include:

Standard 1.2 Practise to accepted standards

Standard 1.5 Maintain and extend professional competence
*National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia, 2010
Accreditation:

Accreditation number: S2014/71

These activities have been accredited for 2.5 hours of Group 2 CPD (or 5 CPD credits) (for the selfassessment and feedback session with an shpaclinCAT trained evaluator) suitable for inclusion in an
individual pharmacists CPD plan. This activity may lead to follow-up quality improvement or practiceimprovement activities in the workplace. If such Group 3 activity is subsequently developed then this
should be described and recorded in accord with the Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for
Group 3 activities.

The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia

PO Box 1774 Collingwood Victoria 3066 Australia 03 9486 0177
http://shpa.org.au - shpa@shpa.org.au ABN: 54 004 553 806

Prior familiarisation with the elements, performance criteria and rating scales used in the
shpaclinCAT Assessment tool with evaluation is strongly recommended before undertaking a selfassessment. SHPA members requiring some guidance on completing the document and drafting a
self-directed CPD plan can view the How to undertake a self-assessment using shpaclinCAT lesson
in ecpd at https://shpa.moodle.com.au
Click here to access the shpaclinCAT Assessment tool with evaluation or for questions regarding
the use of shpaclinCAT as a self-assessment tool review the FAQs or email cpd@cpd.org.au.

How do I perform a self-assessment?

To undertake a self-assessment use the shpaclinCAT Assessment tool with Evaluation.
Step one- Review the frequency ranges for the assessment ratings on page (1) of the document
Frequency Ranges for Assessment Ratings
Definitions
Rating

Consistently

Consistently demonstrates the expected standard

Percentage expression

85-100%

practice, with very rare lapses

Usually

Demonstrates expected standard practice with

51-84%

occasional lapses
Sometimes

Demonstrates expected standard practice less than

25-50%

half of the time observed. Much more haphazard than

Rarely

mostly
Very rarely meets the standard expected. No logical

0-24%

thought process appears to apply

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Step two- Review each element and performance criterion in the shpaclinCAT tool with evaluation
and consider how often you undertake these tasks when required in clinical practice. Using the selfrating scale enter your assessment (frequency) rating for each performance criterion. Enter additional
information you wish to record in the comments boxes below.
Element
1.1.4
Patient consent

Performance Criteria & Evidence Guide

Obtain patient consent where appropriate before requesting patientspecific information from other healthcare providers
Explain need to contact other healthcare providers

Request permission to obtain patient-specific information from other healthcare providers, such as
GPs, community pharmacists and community nurses
Obtain patient consent before discussing medication details with carer or person managing the
patients medicine
Document when consent is denied or withdrawn
Self

1.1.5
Allergy and ADR
review

Rarely

Sometimes

Usually

Consistently

Unable to
Comment

Rarely

Sometimes

Usually

Consistently

Unable to
Comment

Comment

Evaluation
Comment

Note: the tasks within the evidence guide are illustrative of the typical tasks described by that
criterion. There may be workplace variation in how often these tasks are performed at individual sites
based on local hospital practice and departmental priorities. If you are unsure how to rate, circle the
appropriate option and make a note in the comments section when undertaking the selfassessment.

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Step three- Complete the two Professional Development Plan pages under Delivery of Patient
Care and Personal and Professional Qualities noting any CPD activities you would like to
undertake. Your comments will form the basis for the feedback session with the shpaclinCAT trained
evaluator. Note that Professional Development Opportunities section can be completed during the
feedback session.

Professional Development Plan: Part 1

(Delivery of Patient Care)
Pharmacist

Position

Evaluator

Position

Date of
Review

Review
(Please tick)
__ / __ / __

Ward/clinical
area

Baseline
Review 1
Review 2
Other (please specify)

Usual area of
practice

Areas in which pharmacist is performing well

Pharmacist Comments

Evaluator Comments

Pharmacist Requests (skill/activity/knowledge pharmacist would like to gain/experience/undertake)

Activity / skill / knowledge

Comments

Professional Development Opportunities

Skill / knowledge to be
improved

Action to be taken by pharmacist

Assistance
required?

Proposed
time frame

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is self-assessment?

Self-assessment is a process designed to allow a person to collect information about his/her own
work performance and compare it with the goals and/or the criteria for his/her work. Self-assessment
is an important skill necessary for the continuing development of a health care professional
throughout their career.
The professional self-assessment cycle can be summarised as follows:

Tools I can use or

experts I can consult

Things I am, I can do

or not do

Things I will apply

Adapted from: Motycka C, Rose R, Ried D & Brazeau G. Self-assessment in pharmacy and health
science education and professional practice. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 2010;
74 (5) Article 85.
How can self-assessment using shpaclinCAT help me?

Self-assessment using shpaclinCAT provides pharmacists with the means to identify professional
development requirements, plan career progression and provide supporting documentation for reregistration. shpaclinCAT allows pharmacists to compare their own performance in the workplace
against a framework developed in the context of Australian standards and guidelines of clinical
pharmacy practice.
How do I prepare for self-assessment?

Prior familiarisation with the elements, performance criteria and rating scale within the shpaclinCAT
Assessment tool with Evaluation is strongly recommended. Pharmacists undergoing an
shpaclinCAT evaluation are advised to discuss the self-assessment process with an shpaclinCAT
trained evaluator before undergoing peer review.
How long should a self-assessment take?

On average, pharmacists who have used shpaclinCAT to undertake a self-assessment have taken
one hour to complete the documentation. Pharmacists unfamiliar with the document may take longer.
It is not necessary to perform the self-assessment in one sitting.
How accurate are the rating scales in the self-assessment process?

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The rating scales are estimates of an individuals performance only. With respect to competency,
self-assessment conducted in isolation is not as informative as self-assessment followed by peer
evaluation. Major differences in self-ratings and evaluator ratings against the performance criteria in
shpaclinCAT provide the most useful information with respect to areas of focus for professional
development.
When should I undertake a self-assessment using shpaclinCAT?

Pharmacists can use shpaclinCAT to perform a self-assessment at any time. However, pharmacists
preparing to undergo a scheduled peer evaluation using shpaclinCAT should undertake a selfassessment approximately 1-2 weeks prior to review. Self-assessment is a necessary pre-requisite to
the shpaclinCAT peer evaluation process.
What should I do if tasks described in the performance criteria/ evidence guide are not routinely
undertaken at my workplace?

The shpaclinCAT evidence guide is based on professional standards of clinical pharmacy practice
and the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia. If tasks in the
evidence guide are not undertaken as part of routine practice, pharmacists should consult their local
shpaclinCAT evaluator to discuss this before peer evaluation or make an explanatory note in the
comments section when completing their ratings. Unable to comment is not an appropriate option in
this situation.
Is the self-assessment exercise accredited CPD?

Yes, pharmacists may claim 1 hour of Group 2 CPD (or 2 CPD) credits for undergoing a selfassessment provided that they self-rate, discuss and document a proposed CPD plan with a trained
evaluator following an shpaclinCAT workplace evaluation. The self-assessment and feedback
session comprise a total of 5 CPD credits suitable for inclusion in an individual pharmacists CPD plan.
See the shpaclinCAT and CPD information.
How often can I claim CPD credits for undertaking self-assessments?

CPD credits can be claimed each time a pharmacist undertakes a self-assessment and undergoes
peer evaluation. This may be once or twice a year in most departments.
Who receives a copy of my self-assessment?

Pharmacists should retain a copy of their self-assessment and CPD plan for their personal CPD
portfolio. Individual hospital pharmacy departments will have their own local policy on record keeping
with respect to shpaclinCAT.
What have pharmacists said about self-assessment?
Pharmacists who have undertaken self-assessment describe the process as particularly useful in
identifying areas for improvement and reinforcing standards of clinical pharmacy practice.
Self assessment helped me identify areas to improve
Self-assessment is an opportunity to self-critique. It is useful as it reminds one of whats expected.
I can see which areas need improving and it gives me a clearer definition of clinical pharmacy and
what I should be achieving in terms of clinical pharmacy practice.
It is always good to see what areas need to be improved and which are already doing quite well
Yes it really makes you think about your practice as a pharmacist and it identifies areas that need
improvement that I may not have been aware of previously
What do shpaclinCAT evaluators say about self-assessment?

Evaluators have identified self-assessment as one of the most useful aspects of the shpaclinCAT
tool with evaluation, particularly in driving self-reflection and identifying knowledge or skill gaps.
I guess it allows self reflection prior to the actual assessment which I think helps with the comfort of
the individual......the self-assessment was great.
I feel that it is nice for the pharmacist to have the tool evaluate themselves to know what they should
be doing
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I also did a self-evaluation and then wrote out everything and developed a CPD plan and so forth
from it. And so having that plan in writing is really good I think to say you know by this time I want to
attend that conference or that seminar or provide these case studies
I think that is a really really useful process. They have identified themselves in a lot of cases some of
their own weaknesses and you are giving feedback about how to improve them.

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The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia