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

Awareness of indemnity issues in relation to Commonwealth stateterritory regulatory and legislative requirements

Different methods of disposal of unwanted pharmaceutical products and outdated stock

Identification and handling of products including

formulary medicines and nonformulary medicines eg clinical trial medicines and Special Access Scheme SAS medicines

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 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 inhouse 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

Medicalpharmaceutical 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 nonformulary 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 names 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 inhouse 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 discrepanciesdeviations of pharmacy stock and refer to the appropriate person

Identify maintain and report working stock levels eg slow moving items overstocks discrepancies outofstocks 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

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 WHS and infection control requirements

Resources essential for assessment include

access to relevant workplace or a simulated environment where assessment can take place

relevant legislation regulations and guidelines

stock reporting and data systems

Method of assessment

Formal appraisal systems

Interviewing and questioning

Observation in the work place

Supporting statement of supervisor

Written assignmentsprojects

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 culturally and linguistically diverse CALD environments

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

Check condition of stock includes checking:

Storage requirements may include:

Monitor stock includes but is not limited to monitoring:

Security procedures may apply to:

Pack items correctly includes complying with procedures:

Data entry requirements include:

Orders may be from :