Chemotherapy capability recognition and cross-credentialing across WCMICS

Building on WCMICS’ focus on workforce capability and supporting a more connected cancer workforce, WCMICS has undertaken a benchmarking exercise across seven health services to explore how existing chemotherapy capability, education, assessment and credentialing are recognised across organisations.

The benchmarking identified considerable variation in training models, assessment approaches, documentation, reassessment requirements and governance arrangements. At the same time, there were common elements that could provide opportunities for greater consistency and recognition of existing capability.

Consultation with participating health services identified four key priorities: greater consistency in core competency requirements; recognition and transferability of existing competency; greater consistency in assessment and assessor expectations; and improved workforce mobility, with less duplication when staff move between organisations.

The next phase will bring together clinical, education, operational and governance stakeholders to explore a practical approach to capability recognition and cross-credentialing. Importantly, the work is not intended to replace existing organisational competency programs or standardise local chemotherapy administration processes. Instead, it will explore whether common principles can support greater confidence in recognising existing capability across health services, while retaining necessary local requirements.