Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) and Performance Monitoring and Strategic Commissioning Tests

Finalised revised Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework and Strategic Commissioning Tests

Following an extensive consultation on the original documents NHS PCC can now publish the finalised revised Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF). Comments received from PSNC, PCTs, pharmacy contractors, and contractor organisations have helped re-shape the CPAF into a more user friendly and progressive framework.

We have included a revised introduction and ‘how to use the framework’ section, as well as a revised top-ten tips. The new CPAF also includes a ‘pre-visit declaration questionnaire’ and a ‘post visit contractor feedback to PCT’ form, which we hope contractors and PCTs will find useful. 

To supplement the community pharmacy strategic commissioning tests, published in final draft in May, we also include here a supporting document developed by the National Pharmacy Association, which expands on the tests and suggests pointers in which PCTs might meet them, to fully realise the benefits of the community pharmacy contractual framework.

The Framework (Revised August 2007):

1. Introduction and principles underpinning the development of this resource, use of the framework and  Pre-visit questionnaire declaration template

2. Essential Services:

Essential Service 1 - Dispensing
Essential Service 2 - Repeat dispensing
Essential Service 3 - Disposal of unwanted medicines
Essential Service 4 - Promotion of Healthy lifestyle
Essential Service 5 - Signposting
Essential Service 6 - Support for self care
Essential Service 8 - Clinical governance

3. Advanced Services - Medicines Use Review

4. Monitoring of hours and Directed Services

a.) Policy for monitoring pharmacies that open for 100 hours – Chorley and South Ribble PCT, June 2006

b). Procedure for monitoring pharmacy contractor & appliance contractor opening hours -Central Lancashire PCT, January 2008

5. DH Guidance on non-compliance

6. Top Ten Tips for using the Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework

7. Community Pharmacy Strategic Commissioning Tests - realising the benefits of the contractual framework - PCT performance against the Strategic Tests

8.NPA Summer Strategic Tests Flyer   

9. Contractor Feedback form