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: Awareness of indemnity issues in relation to Commonwealth/ state/territory regulatory and legislative requirements Different methods of disposal of unwanted pharmaceutical products and outdated stock Identification and handling of products, including: formulary medicines and non-formulary medicines (e.g. clinical trial medicines and Special Access Scheme (SAS) medicines) products with the required integrity as well as those whose integrity has been compromised (e.g. damaged, contaminated or deteriorated stock) routine handling of products and products requiring special handling, (e.g. cytotoxics and their spill management, refrigerated and frozen items, light sensitive materials and flammables) Infection control principles, including: maintaining a clean working environment and equipment personal hygiene and the use of protective clothing Knowledge of and the rationale for applicable legislation, organisation policy and in-house standard operating procedures (SOPs), relating to stock procurement, storage maintenance and distribution Knowledge of the legal responsibilities of providers of health care in relation to confidentiality, client rights, duty of care and implications of negligence Limitations of own work role, including identification and referring of issues outside scope of practice to the authorised person Medical/pharmaceutical terminology required for hospital / health services pharmacy work Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies, guidelines and symbols relating to stock procurement, storage, maintenance and distribution Packaging and transport specifications for various products Pharmacy or health service computer system to input and access data relevant to stock control Principles of procurement of pharmaceutical products including: central supply systems and tender processes purpose and process of purchasing contracts sources of stock, including non-formulary items and SAS items sources to determine legitimate receivers of stock stock ordering processes Principles and practices of ethical and professional codes of conduct Principles and procedures of stock control and maintenance including: input and access of data relevant to stock control financial implications of stock level control maintaining security of pharmaceutical products purpose of batch numbering and expiry dates on pharmaceutical items procedures for dealing with drug alerts and company recalls Procedures for dealing with returned stock Principles of storage of pharmaceutical products including storage requirements and the rationale for different types of items Standard pharmaceutical references including Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF), MIMs, AMH and Micromedex Understand the difference between generic drug and trade name/(s) of medicines Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to: Procure and store pharmaceutical stock accurately and efficiently Refer issues identified outside scope of practice to the appropriate person Work in accordance with relevant work health and safety, and infection control guidelines Work in accordance with relevant organisation policy, legislative requirements, industrial awards and agreements and in-house standard operating procedures (SOPs) to procure, store, maintain and distribute pharmaceutical stock Apply correct distribution principles to prevent contamination or deterioration of the items, damage to packs or confusion of items Communicate and interact effectively with colleagues, health care practitioners and clients Distinguish between ‘look alike’ and ‘sound alike’ pharmaceutical items in procuring, storing and disposing of stock Ensure optimal usage of stock prior to expiry date Enter and access data on pharmacy computer system Identify discrepancies/deviations of pharmacy stock and refer to the appropriate person Identify, maintain and report working stock levels, (e.g. slow moving items, overstocks, discrepancies, out-of-stocks, expired stock and damaged stock) Store and maintain pharmaceutical products, including: maintenance of location maps maintenance of stock control documentation maintenance of stock security monitoring the quality of stock and storage conditions, including temperature, light, humidity, pest control and stock organisation Source supplier and place an order Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues Use available resources and prioritise workload 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 |