The Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) stands as a pillar of quality assurance within the Australian community pharmacy sector. For over two decades, this robust program has been instrumental in offering crucial support and guidance to pharmacies. It focuses on enhancing professional health services and optimizing pharmacy business operations to meet the highest standards.
Established in 1997 by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, QCPP’s development was a collaborative effort, incorporating insights from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and other key industry stakeholders. The program’s impact was quickly recognized, with the first accreditation awarded in 1998 to a pharmacy in Maryland, NSW. Today, QCPP’s widespread adoption is evident, with over 94% of community pharmacies across Australia holding QCPP accreditation, demonstrating its significant role in the industry.
The core objective of the QCPP is to ensure that every community pharmacy delivers services characterized by quality, safety, and consistency in both professional practices and customer care. This commitment aims to elevate the overall standards of pharmacy services available to the Australian public.
QCPP accreditation is benchmarked against the Australian Standard AS 85000:2017 – quality management system for pharmacies in Australia. This standard provides a comprehensive framework that QCPP uses to accredit pharmacies. Detailed requirements for meeting this standard are further outlined in the QCPP Requirements documentation. QCPP accredited pharmacies gain exclusive access to the Australian Standard through the Quality Care Knowledge Hub, a valuable resource for maintaining and improving their services.
To maintain accreditation, pharmacies undergo a rigorous process that includes an initial assessment followed by reaccreditation assessments conducted every two years. This regular evaluation ensures continuous compliance with the Australian Standard and QCPP guidelines.
The credibility of QCPP is further reinforced by its accreditation as a conformity assessment body by JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand). This accreditation underscores QCPP’s commitment to impartial and competent assessment practices.
QCPP Assessment Partnership with EY
Since July 2016, QCPP has partnered with Ernst & Young (EY) to manage and execute its accreditation assessments. EY’s team of QCPP endorsed assessors comprises professionals from diverse fields including pharmacy, health and safety, engineering, and accountancy. These assessors are rigorously trained and adhere to the QCPP Assessor Code of Conduct, ensuring a high level of professionalism and ethical standards in the assessment process.
QCPP Governance: Committees and Panels
To ensure thorough and transparent governance, QCPP operates with several key committees and panels:
Interpretations and Rulings Panel: This panel convenes bi-weekly, or as needed, to address queries and requests for interpretations and rulings concerning QCPP requirements. The outcomes of these deliberations are promptly added to the Knowledge Hub, ensuring up-to-date guidance for accredited pharmacies.
Impartiality Committee: Meeting quarterly, the Impartiality Committee is dedicated to upholding open and transparent decision-making processes within the QCPP program. This committee plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of QCPP operations.
Clinical Governance Committee: The Clinical Governance Committee provides essential oversight and governance for QCPP. This committee is responsible for ensuring the program’s strategic direction and adherence to best practices in clinical governance within the pharmacy setting.
Through these structures and partnerships, the Quality Care Pharmacy Program ensures a high standard of pharmacy services across Australia, ultimately benefiting both pharmacy professionals and the patients they serve.
