Application
The application of knowledge and skills take place around, guidelines, policies and procedures and under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist Work performed requires a range of well developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required and individuals may take responsibility for their own outputs Application of this unit should be contextualised to reflect specific legal and ethical requirements and issues relevant to the workplace, role and function |
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Identify and address requirements for data and information collection | 1.1 Obtain and clarify instructions from pharmacist to ensure correct understanding 1.2 Identify purpose and audience of the data/ information to be collected 1.3 1.4 Establish timeframe for data/information collection 1.5 Collect data/information to address identified requirements |
Prepare data/information for use | 2.1 Check data/information for completeness and accuracy 2.2 Analyse data/information to address identified purpose and audience 2.3 Collate data/information in a logical manner and prepare for presentation |
Present workplace data/information | 3.1 Select appropriate modes of communication to suit the purpose and context of the information being provided 3.2 Explain data/information to others as required to support its application to workplace operations 3.3 Answer questions about the data/information collected and clarify appropriately within scope of practice 3.4 Record and store data/information |
Required Skills
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: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) and other medication incidents: data required for reporting meaning of ADR process for reporting purpose of reporting Biochemical, haematological and microbiology tests: purpose of tests understanding, of the abbreviations used understanding of the concept of reference range Client data: client unit record number how to ensure client data retrieved is for the correct client understanding concept of key performance indicators and data reported understanding of how to identify and access client data understanding of the concept of reference range Clinical trials: purpose of collection of information and the data required understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality/blinding Law of consent to medical treatment Legal and ethical requirements and responsibilities related to the pharmacy support worker Medication reconciliation: meaning and purpose of medication reconciliation potential sources of data on medication history and medication management (e.g. hospital records, community pharmacy, patient’s own medications, etc) Organisation clinical information system Organisation clinical policies and procedures Pharmacy or health facility computer system related to the collection and presentation of workplace data and information Principles and practices of ethical and professional codes of conduct Principles of privacy and confidentiality in relation to collecting and providing information Role of the drug information pharmacist or medicines management pharmacist, Quality Use of Medicines Pharmacist, Drug Utilisation Evaluation Pharmacists, Clinical Trial Pharmacists and when to utilise them 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: Standard references including Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF), MIMs, AMH and Micromedex Structure and functions of the body systems and associated components, including: cardiovascular system cells, tissues and organs digestive system endocrine system integumentary system lymphatic system musculo-skeletal system nervous system reproductive system respiratory system the special senses – smell, taste, vision, equilibrium and hearing urinary system Therapeutic drug monitoring: medicines that require monitoring purpose of monitoring understanding of the concept of therapeutic range Understand the order of referencing i.e. primary, secondary, tertiary references Understand the concept of Drug Utilisation Evaluation and the data reported Understand concept of key performance indicators and data reported Understanding of different medicine groups, including: analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents anti-coagulants anti-depressants anti-diabetic agents anti-epileptics anti-gout agents anti-histamines anti-hypertensives anxiolytics and hypnotics asthma treating agents cholesterol and lip lowering agents corticosteroids diuretics gastro-intestinal agents heart medicines 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: Understanding of different medicine groups, including (contd): hormonal medicines osteoporosis medicines viral and anti-bacterial agents, anti-fungals or antibiotics Understanding of the following factors affecting action of medicine groups: blood pressure breast feeding geriatric hepatic impairment paediatric pregnancy renal impairment Understanding of the following terms: bioavailability bioequivalence drug absorption drug distribution drug elimination drug half-life drug metabolism Understanding of the concept of drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions and incompatibilities |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability 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 It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to: Follow instructions Complete tasks accurately and efficiently Identify issues outside scope of practice and refer to the authorised person Work in accordance with work health and safety, and infection control guidelines related to the collection and presentation of workplace data and information Work in accordance with relevant organisation policy, legislative requirements, industrial awards and agreements, in-house standard operating procedures (SOPs) and professional practice standards, particularly the Society of Hospital Pharmacists (SHPA) Standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacy related to the collection and presentation of workplace data and information This includes the ability to: Arrange information and present it in a form appropriate for the organisation’s work practices Comply with legal and ethical requirements and organisation policies and procedures related to the collection and presentation of workplace data and information, including: demonstrating respect for clients’ rights meeting requirements for provision of duty of care working in accordance with legislation relevant to the workplace and specific work functions Screen biochemical, haematological and microbiological tests for abnormal results and to notify the pharmacist Source and gather relevant information including: any preparatory information required for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions and other medication incidents, Drug Utilisation Evaluation, and clinical trials information about medicines biochemical, haematological and microbiological tests drug levels information needed to interpret drug levels information requested by the pharmacist organisation clinical policies and procedures specific client data Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues Use literacy, written and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care industry Use numeracy skills required to accurately interpret and record findings Use technology to collect and present workplace data and information |
Evidence Required
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 performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace is essential for assessment of this unit Assessment must contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of workplace situations Evidence of workplace performance over time and covering a range of workplace situations must be obtained to inform a judgement of competence 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: | Resource requirements may include: Relevant guidelines, standards and procedures |
Method of assessment may include: | Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice. Observation in the work place Questioning verbal and written Simulation Supporting statement of workplace supervisor Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge |
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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. | |
Instructions may include: | By phone Verbal Via electronic means Written |
Data and information may include: | Admission information Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) Data for clinical trials Data for drug utilisation reviews and evaluations (DUE) Data for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and other medication incidents Key performance indicator data Laboratory results, including drug levels Manufacturers instructions Safety audit data |
Sources of data/information may include: | Client medical records Client medication profiles Communications technology – facsimile, phone, email Electronic databases Manufacturer's instructions Pharmacy computer system Workplace computer files Workplace operating procedures and policies |
Checks for completeness and accuracy may include: | Appropriate date and time of laboratory results Client record number / medicare number / individual healthcare identifiers (IHI) and name Specific CMI for client’s own medicines or treatment Specific laboratory results requested |
Modes of communication may include: | Power point presentation Use of spreadsheets, graphs and charts |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.