NABP offers pharmacists self-evaluation tool

Pharmacists who wonder whether they've still got what it takes can now go on-line to get a confidential evaluation of their professional savvy using a tool developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

The Pharmacist Self-Assessment Mechanism (PSAM) is an evaluation tool to help pharmacists get objective, nonpunitive feedback on their knowledge base, according to NABP. Designed for use by general practice pharmacists in all settings, the PSAM consists of 100 multiple-choice questions in three sections of equal length. Pharmacists can complete all three sections at once or finish one section at a time. However, once a section is started, it must be completed.

"Today's escalating complexities of healthcare delivery and the evolving role of the pharmacist as the patient's medication expert make it increasingly important for pharmacists to participate in a formal lifelong learning program," said NABP president Donna Horn. "The PSAM will greatly aid pharmacists as they endeavor to better serve their patients because it provides objective feedback on their knowledge base-an outcome that is often difficult for pharmacists attempting to evaluate themselves."

The PSAM is one part of NABP's larger continuing professional development program, which is a cyclical process that includes five components: reflecting on one's practice, conducting a learning needs assessment, developing a learning plan, and evaluating the learning plan outcomes. The evaluation tool helps pharmacists conduct a needs assessment and develop a learning plan.

The cost of the PSAM is $75, payable by credit card. It is available only on-line. For more information, contact the NABP Competency Assessment Department at (847) 391-4406, send an e-mail to custserv@nabp.net
or go to http://www.nabp.net/ on the Web.