This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of

Basic hygiene and the importance of maintaining a clean working environment and equipment

Infection control policies guidelines and symbols and their relevance to working in a hospital pharmacy

Identification and handling of products including

formulary drugs and nonformulary drugs eg clinical trial drugs and special access scheme drugs

products with the required integrity as well as those whose integrity has been compromised eg damaged contaminated or deteriorated stock

routine handling of products and products requiring special handling eg cytotoxics and its spill management refrigerated and frozen items light sensitive materials and flammables

Legal requirements and principles of pharmaceutical product labelling eg product name batch numbering and expiry date

Australias NCCTG Guidelines for Preparation of Pharmaceuticals in Hospitals and guidelineslegislation on the filling of dose administration containers

specific labelling requirements for filling Webster style containersdosette boxes

Knowledge of and the rationale for applicable legislation organisation policy and inhouse standard operating procedures SOPs relating to packagingprepackaging of pharmaceuticals

OHS policies guidelines and symbols and their relevance to working in a hospital pharmacy

Personal hygiene and the use of protective clothing

Principles of calculations weights and measures

Properties of container types and principles of selection for use

Storage requirements and rationale for different types of product

Various pack sizes and appropriateness

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Effectively package andor prepackage products in accordance with organisation requirements

Label appropriately

Maintain effective quality control during the packagingprepackaging process

Refer issues identified outside scope of practice to authorised person

Work in accordance with relevant organisation policy legislative requirements industrial awards and agreements and inhouse operating procedures SOPs

Work in a safe manner

In addition the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to

Enter and access data on pharmacy computer system

Maintain packagingprepackaging documentation

Operate the specified equipment

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use literacy numeracy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility

Use problem solving skills

Use available resources and prioritise workload

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where for reasons of safety space or access to equipment and resources assessment takes place away from the workplace the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible Acceptable simulation requires

Scope to determine that work is conducted within legislative and regulatory requirements

Scope to determine that work is conducted within OHS and infection control requirements

Resources essential for assessment include

Access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place

Relevant legislation regulations and guidelines

Weighing and measuring equipment

Relevant packing machinery

Instructions on the use of equipment

Method of assessment may include

Observation in the work place if possible

Written assignmentsprojects eg for fundamentals of microbiology and principles of cleaning and disinfection

Interviewing and questioning

Formal appraisal systems

Supporting statement of supervisors

Access and equity considerations

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Packaging equipment/apparatus may be operated manually or automatically and may include but are not limited to::

Storage and work are conditions may include but are not limited to:

Packaging materials and products may include but is not limited to:

Dose administration container labels may include but are not limited to:

Products may include: