Seminar LM1: Performance management – mission impossible?

Linked to EAHP statements:
Section 4: Clinical Pharmacy Services
Section 5: Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

ACPE UAN: 0475-0000-17-007-L04-P. A knowledge based activity.

Abstract

Performance management, it has been said, rather than clinical pharmacy or another pharmaceutical speciality will be the imperative that shapes our future.

Increasing expectations together with a worsening economy has introduced new words into the vocabulary of the hospital pharmacist, such as efficiency, productivity, outcome and performance measures. For many this appears to be a retrospective step but the presenters will argue that in reality performance management actually develops confidence and builds careers.

What markers could be used that positively affirm to a hospital pharmacist that the work they are doing on a daily basis could be regarded as being well done? That the tasks they perform add value, that they possess the appropriate competencies and training. Furthermore if an individual feels under pressure, this can sap confidence, the cause could be a competency issue, a lack of relevant training or a lack of managerial support; how can the cause be identified? Performance management supports both individuals delivering services and those responsible for managing them.

By introducing a Quality Management System (QMS) into a Pharmacy department it will reduce and eventually eliminate non-conformance to standards in the most cost effective, supportive and efficient manner and it gives a way in which to achieve a consistent and efficient service.

Learning objectives

After the seminar, the participant should be familiar with the concept of a quality management system in the context of Hospital Pharmacy.

Keywords: clinical pharmacy, quality management

* No conflict of interest has been declared.