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

Appropriate methods of disposal of unwanted pharmaceutical products and outdated stock

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

Hospital or health facility inhouse computer system

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

Input and access of data relevant to stock control

Knowledge of and the rationale for applicable legislation organisation policy and inhouse standard operating procedures SOPs relating to the distribution of pharmaceutical products

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

Packaging and transport specifications for various products

Principles and procedures of stock control and maintenance

Principles and procedures of maintaining security of pharmaceutical products

Procedures for dealing with returned goods

Relevant reference material

Sources to determine legitimate receivers of stock

Storage requirements and rationale for different types of product

Storage requirements and the rationale for different types of products

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

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

Work in a safe manner

Distribute stock accurately and efficiently according to organisation policies and procedures

Refer issues identified outside scope of practice to the authorised person

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

Apply good distribution principles to prevent contamination or deterioration of the products damage to packs or confusion of products

Communicate and interact appropriately with colleagues health care practitioners and clients

Comply with organisation procurement policies and procedures

Ensure optimal usage of stock prior to expiry date

Enter and access data on pharmacy computer system

Maintain stock security

Maintain stock control documentation

Monitor the quality of stock and storage conditions including temperature light humidity pest control and stock organisation

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

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

Packaging and labelling resources

Order information system

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

Products may include:

Sources of orders may include:

Stock ordering may include:

Data entry requirements include:

Documentation recording may include:

Storage requirements may include: