Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician Course

This course helps facilitate an appropriate skill-mix that will enhance the pharmaceutical care of the patient and use the knowledge and skills of both technicians and pharmacists more effectively. The scope of the course is to accredit technicians to carry out the final accuracy check of dispensed items clinically screened by the pharmacist. It does not encompass aseptic dispensing, self checking of own dispensing or pre-packing. The framework is dependent upon Standard Operating Procedures being in place (for accuracy checking which define the scope of what both a learner and fully qualified ACPT can and cannot check against a clinically screened prescription).

Facilitators

Upon enrolment the learner must supply the name of a facilitator who will offer support, guidance and feedback to them during the course. A facilitator must be a registered pharmacist, or an ACPT (Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician) with at least three years' post qualification experience. All facilitators will receive a website login to support them in the role. Part of the training pack involves an optional module on Medication Errors which we strongly advise is completed.

Programme Approval

This education and training programme has been formally approved by APTUK demonstrating it meets the standards of the recognised APTUK National Education Framework for Accuracy checking for Pharmacy Technicians.

Revalidation

From 1st June 2018 we will no longer require those completing the Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technicians course to re-accredit with us every two years. This is because pharmacy technicians are a registered professional in their own right, and from 2018, have a professional duty to revalidate with the GPhC.

However, we do advise all ACPTs the importance of keeping an accuracy checking portfolio to demonstrate on-going competence post-qualification. To support you with this we have devised a framework and toolkit to build your portfolio, which is available to download from the link below.

Revalidation Framework and Toolkit

Accuracy Checking Revalidation Service

In line with the changes from June, if you wish to have your competence formally assessed, Buttercups has launched an Accuracy Checking Revalidation Service to any individuals who meet the requirements outlined in our framework above, for a fee of £43 (Exc VAT). This may be helpful if you have moved employer or had a break from accuracy checking.

You should be aware that your employer may have alternative processes for revalidation of your competence and you should seek their advice on the correct way to meet the requirements of your organisation.

Full details and an application form for the service is available in the revalidation framework and toolkit document.

We are continuing to take a pragmatic approach to revalidation for Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technicians that have been impacted by COVID, to align with the GPhC requirements as they evolve. For those revalidating before 31^st May 2022 , we will be able to accept fewer revalidation activities due to COVID.

As a minimum, and in line with GPhC guidance, we will require a reflective account on your accuracy checking practice of the last two years.

You will not need to submit a peer discussion record or any planned or unplanned CPD records, unless a checking error has occurred during this period. If you have collected CPD over the two-year period, feel free to document this as usual.

Please note that you will still be required to complete and submit a reflective CPD account(s) for any checking error(s) which occur during your revalidation period.

Full revalidation requirements for ACPT's to be reinstated from 1st October 2022

In 2020 revalidation requirements were eased enabling ACPT's, who wished to have their competency formally assessed by Buttercups, to submit just one reflective account for revalidation. This was implemented to reduce the pressures on pharmacy staff during the pandemic as they worked hard to protect patients and the public.

In line with the GPhC's revalidation requirements for Pharmacy Technician's, notification that as of 01.10.22 full revalidation requirements will be reinstated for ACPT's when submitting their Buttercups ACPT Revalidation application.

See page 12 of the application for a checklist of what must be included