The Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) is an important part of community pharmacy practices in Australia. However, as a pharmacy student you may not be fully aware of its purpose and significance.
What is QCPP?
QCPP is a quality assurance and accreditation program that evaluates community pharmacies against the Australian Standard 85000 – Australian Community Pharmacy Standard. This Standard sets the benchmark for quality and safety practices, ensuring pharmacies operate professionally and deliver safe, high-quality patient care.
QCPP accreditation is based on a quality management system that encompasses all aspects of the pharmacy business operations, including:
- Pharmacy Management and Governance
- Consumer Centred Care
- Human Resources
- Premises
- Infrastructure and Stock
- Pharmacy Services.
It helps maintain high standards of practice in Australian community pharmacies, ensuring they deliver safe, consistent and high-quality professional services and patient care.
How does QCPP impact community pharmacy?
All QCPP-accredited pharmacies must demonstrate that they have best practice systems and processes in place across key areas such as dispensing, staff training, risk management, and customer service. By following the QCPP framework, community pharmacies establish a strong foundation for safer medication use, better patient outcomes, and ongoing quality improvement.
Does every pharmacy need to be QCPP-accredited?
While QCPP accreditation is not mandatory, it is highly regarded and recommended . It is required for participation in some government programs, including the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) . Many pharmacies choose to be accredited to demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality care to the communities in which they operate.
What does QCPP mean for pharmacy students?
For students, interns and early career pharmacists, understanding QCPP can help you:
- Improve your employability – Many pharmacies prefer hiring staff who are familiar with the QCPP accreditation program.
- Enhance patient care skills – The program covers essential areas like medicine safety and customer service.
- Understand pharmacy operations – Learning about QCPP gives insight into pharmacy workflow, risk management, and compliance.
How can students learn more about QCPP?
Students can explore QCPP through:
- Internships and placements – Ask your preceptor about QCPP accreditation and how it impacts daily pharmacy practice.
- The QCPP website – The website provides detailed information about the program and assessment process, as well as resources to assist pharmacies with their accreditation.
- The Pharmacy Guild events and workshops – Attending pharmacy conferences and student-focused sessions can provide further insight into quality assurance in pharmacy.
Will I need to be involved in QCPP as a pharmacist?
Yes! As a registered pharmacist, you’ll likely be involved in maintaining QCPP accreditation, ensuring that your pharmacy meets high standards of quality, safety and compliance. This may include participating in audits. Understanding QCPP early in your career will prepare you for future responsibilities in community pharmacy.
Being familiar with QCPP can give you an edge in your career and help you become a more effective healthcare professional. Whether you plan to work in a community pharmacy or own one in the future, understanding the quality standards, compliance, and accreditation requirements is an essential part of professional pharmacy practice.
