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Appropriate methods of disposal of unwanted medicines including short and outdated stock

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

Charging for pharmaceuticals eg organisation policy and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Common proprietary and generic names

Drug forms dose strength and quantity

Hospital or health facility inhouse computer system

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

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

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

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

Medicine administration and use and effect on basic human physiology

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

Personal hygiene and the use of protective clothing

Prescribing conventions and abbreviations and medical terminology used for instructions for the use of medicines

Principles and procedures of maintaining security of pharmaceutical products

Principles and range of storage requirements for pharmaceutical products

Principles of calculations weights and measures

Procedures and rationale for validating prescriptions

continued

Essential knowledge contd

Procedures for dealing with returned goods

Procedures to follow regarding dispensing of controlled drugs

Procedures for dealing with drug alerts and company recalls

Processes for reconstitution of products

Properties of container types and principles of selection for use

Relevant reference material

Requirements to be satisfied for a complete unambiguous and valid prescription and actions to take if validity is questionable

Types of prescriptions and their use

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Assist pharmacist effectively in the preparation of prescription requirements

Follow instructions and complete tasks accurately and efficiently

Refer issues identified outside scope of practice to the appropriate 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

Apply checking processes through out dispensing procedure

Communicate and interact appropriately with colleagues health care practitioners and clients

Create labels which are legal clearly readable with instructions expressed in simple language including all information specified by the prescriber

Demonstrate safe dispensing practices

Enter and access data on pharmacy computer system

Identify discrepanciesdeviations and refer to the authorised person

Identify drugs by generic and proprietary names or readily access the information

Identify and select correct product with reference to form dose strength brand and quantity

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

Use measuring devices appropriately

Use ancillary and cautionary labels and explanatory statements and directions as specified by most recent Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary APF

Use time management strategies to set priorities

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 possibleAcceptable 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

Relevant policies Good Practice requirements

Weighing and measuring equipment and instructions

Method of assessment may include

Observation in the work place

Written assignmentsprojects

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

Storage and location requirements may include but is not limited to:

Prescription validity may include but is not limited to:

Prescriptions may be for:

Prescription information may include:

Label presentation may include:

Medication form and related abbreviations may include but are not limited to:

Means of calculation may include:

Prescription discrepancies and/or situations requiring additional assistance may include but are not limited to:

Suitable containers may include: