The Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) is a cornerstone of quality assurance for community pharmacies across Australia. For over two decades, QCPP has provided crucial support and guidance to pharmacies, focusing on professional health services and efficient business operations, ultimately ensuring Australians receive high-quality pharmaceutical care.
QCPP: A History of Excellence in Pharmacy Care
Established in 1997 by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and key industry stakeholders, QCPP represents a commitment to excellence. The program awarded its first accreditation in 1998 to a pharmacy in Maryland, NSW. Today, QCPP boasts an impressive accreditation rate, with over 94% of Australian community pharmacies participating in the program. This widespread adoption underscores the program’s value and its vital role in upholding consistent standards of care.
Adherence to Australian Standards: The Foundation of QCPP
QCPP accreditation is based on adherence to the rigorous Australian Standard AS 85000:2017 – Quality Management System for Pharmacies in Australia. This standard, detailed within the QCPP Requirements, outlines specific benchmarks for pharmacy operations. Accredited pharmacies can access this standard via the online Quality Care Knowledge Hub, a valuable resource for maintaining compliance and best practices. To maintain accreditation, pharmacies undergo an initial assessment and subsequent reaccreditation every two years, ensuring ongoing commitment to quality. This continuous evaluation process ensures that pharmacies consistently meet the evolving needs of the community and maintain the highest standards of practice.
Independent Accreditation: Ensuring Impartiality and Trust
QCPP’s credibility is further strengthened by its accreditation from the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). This independent recognition affirms QCPP’s status as a reputable conformity assessment body, reinforcing public trust in the program and the pharmacies it accredits. This external validation ensures the program maintains the highest standards of objectivity and rigor.
EY: QCPP’s Assessment Partner for Quality Assurance
Since 2016, QCPP has partnered with Ernst & Young (EY) to manage and conduct its accreditation assessments. EY’s team of QCPP-endorsed assessors brings a wealth of experience from diverse fields, including pharmacy, health and safety, engineering, and accountancy. These highly qualified professionals ensure a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation process. Each assessor adheres to the QCPP Assessor Code of Conduct, guaranteeing ethical and professional conduct throughout the assessment process.
Committees and Panels: Upholding Transparency and Governance
QCPP operates with transparency and accountability through its various committees and panels:
- Interpretations and Rulings Panel: Meeting bi-weekly, this panel addresses queries and provides interpretations of QCPP requirements, ensuring clarity and consistency in application. Rulings are published on the Knowledge Hub, providing readily accessible information for all participating pharmacies.
- Impartiality Committee: This committee convenes quarterly to maintain transparency and fairness in all QCPP program decisions, safeguarding the integrity of the accreditation process.
- Clinical Governance Committee: Providing crucial oversight, this committee governs all clinical aspects of the QCPP, guaranteeing the program’s continued alignment with best practices in patient care.
Conclusion: QCPP’s Commitment to Quality Pharmacy Care
The Quality Care Pharmacy Program plays a crucial role in ensuring that Australian community pharmacies provide consistent, high-quality care. Through rigorous standards, independent accreditation, and ongoing assessment, QCPP fosters a culture of continuous improvement in pharmacy practice, ultimately benefiting patients and the community. By upholding these standards, QCPP ensures that Australians have access to safe, reliable, and professional pharmacy services.
