Knowledge Assessment Helps Identify Areas of Improvement

THE KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT EXPERIENCE

The Knowledge Assessment uses a multiple-choice question format and registrants can access resources of their choice throughout the assessment, including the CPS. This is reflective of pharmacy practice where pharmacists are expected to access and apply current, reliable and evidence-based references to support patient care.

The multiple-choice questions are developed and reviewed by peer pharmacists from various practice settings, including community, hospital and other settings. Having a cross-section of pharmacists from different practice environments helps ensure the assessment is appropriate and reflective of the Part A pharmacist population in Ontario.

Immediately after completing and submitting the Knowledge Assessment, pharmacists are provided with a summary of their results presented by topic area to help them validate their areas of strength and identify areas of growth or continued learning.

OPTIMIZING PATIENT CARE

Part of the College’s commitment to protecting the public is helping to ensure that pharmacy professionals maintain appropriate skills and knowledge throughout their career. All components of the Quality Assurance Program, including the Knowledge Assessment, assure the public that pharmacy professionals are practicing to the standards of the profession and are engaged in safe, quality care.

With the open-book format, Part A pharmacists demonstrate their ability to access and apply current evidence-based knowledge to optimize the health outcomes of their patients – even if the knowledge is outside their current, specific area of practice. This supports individual and system-wide continuous quality improvement.

ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK

The College uses feedback gathered from registrants to inform and support enhancements to the Knowledge Assessment experience going forward.

The below is a sampling of what we heard from the May 2023 Knowledge Assessment participants:

The format was an excellent way to gauge knowledge using a case-based approach. Scenarios were realistic and matched patients and scenarios I see in my practice regularly.

Questions were challenging and helped to improve my knowledge and will contribute immensely to my practice.

Very informative. A few therapeutic topics I never or rarely see in my practice and this was a good chance to review.

Pointed out some knowledge gaps in a positive way so I can focus on some areas of improvement.

CLICK HERE FOR A TEXT ONLY VERSION OF THE ABOVE QUOTES

“The format was an excellent way to gauge knowledge using a case-based approach. Scenarios were realistic and matched patients and scenarios I see in my practice regularly.”

“Questions were challenging and helped to improve my knowledge and will contribute immensely to my practice.”

“Very informative. A few therapeutic topics I never or rarely see in my practice and this was a good chance to review.”

“Pointed out some knowledge gaps in a positive way so I can focus on some areas of improvement.”

MAY 2023 KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT QUICK FACTS

99% of participants successfully completed the Knowledge Assessment.
Of the registrants who completed the Knowledge Assessment feedback survey:
- 85% had an overall positive experience in completing the assessment
- Over 85% agreed the Knowledge Assessment was helpful in confirming their current core patient care/clinical knowledge.
- 88% agreed resources, such as the CPS, supported them in completing the Knowledge Assessment.
- Over 85% agreed the Knowledge Assessment helped them identify areas for continued learning.
- 84% agreed the Knowledge Assessment was reflective of pharmacist practice in general.