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

Client identification and confirmation of identification

Client rights and responsibilities

CMI

purpose and layout

sources of ie pharmacy computer system National Prescribing Services online CMI search

Documentation

assessment of clients ability to manage medications eg on a Medication Management Plan

medications brought into hospital

that CMI or other medicationrelated information has been issued to clientcarer

Knowledge and purpose of dose administration aids DAAs ie dosettes WebsterPaks and limitations and problems with these devices

Law of consent to medical treatment

Legal and ethical requirements and responsibilities related to the collection and provision of information to clients and other health professionals

Limitations of own work role including

identification and referring of issues outside scope of practice to the appropriate person

awareness of circumstancessituations where referral to a pharmacist is necessary

Organisation policies procedures and guidelines

Patient medication lists eg MediList

purpose and layout

sources and method of preparation of ie pharmacy computer system National Prescribing Service

Pharmacy or health facility pharmacy storage systems to be able to elicit information from clients own medicines with need for pharmacists review before any medicines are returned to client

Principles of effective communication strategies including recognition of communication and language difficulties and how to overcome these

Principles and practices of ethical and professional codes of conduct

Principles of privacy and confidentiality in relation to collecting and providing information

Purpose and methods for standardised assessment of clients ability to manage medications eg ability to read labels open containers etc which is part of medication management assessment detailed on the National Medication Management Plan

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

Purpose of client education to aid compliance with administration of medicines

Respiratory devices

care of respiratory devices

demonstration of respiratory devices

knowledge purpose and selection criteria for respiratory devices including

dry powder inhalers eg Accuhaler Turbuhaler Handihaler

metered dose inhaler

spacers eg Volumatic Breathatech

Standard pharmaceutical 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

musculoskeletal system

nervous system

reproductive system

respiratory system

the special senses smell taste vision equilibrium and hearing

urinary system

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

analgesics and antiinflammatory agents

anticoagulants

antidepressants

antidiabetic agents

antiepileptics

antigout agents

antihistamines

analgesics and antiinflammatory agents

antihypertensives

anxiolytics and hypnotics

asthma treating agents

cholesterol and lip lowering agents

corticosteroids

cytotoxics

diuretics

gastrointestinal agents

heart medicines

hormonal medicines

Understanding of different medicine groups including

osteoporosis medicines

viral and antibacterial agents antifungals or antibiotics

Understanding of the following factors affecting medicine groups

blood pressure

breast feeding

geriatric

paediatric

pregnancy

Understanding of the following terms

bioavailability

bioequivalence

drug absorption

drug distribution

drug elimination

drug halflife

drug metabolism

Understanding of the concept of drugdrug 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

This includes the ability to

Prepare and present information related to administration of medicines in response to a range of enquiries

Assess client understanding of information provided

Demonstrate care for and use of

DAAs ie dosettes WebsterPaks

respiratory devices including

dry powder inhalers eg Accuhaler Turbuhaler Handihaler

metered dose inhaler

spacers eg Volumatic Breathatech

Collate relevant CMI for client

Communicate effectively including

active listening

clarify and ascertain correct meanings from communication

clear concise and correct written and verbal communication

communicate on a onetoone basis

correct presentation of correspondence

documentation and record keeping

elicit information

establish rapport

passing on verbal and written messages

use correct grammar spelling and punctuation

use literacy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility

Comply with legal and ethical requirements and organisation policies and procedures 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

Identify issues outside scope of practice and refer to the appropriate person

Identify particular issues that require followup counselling by the pharmacist

Locate access and print CMI

Make appointments to meet a range of client needs

Manage difficult situations

Respond to meet the needs of a range of clients in a range of situations including those with special needs

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

This includes the ability to

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

Use information technology to collect and provide information from to clients

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 professional practice standards particularly the Society of Hospital Pharmacists SHPA Standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacy and Standards of Practice for the Provision of Consumer Medicines Information by Pharmacists in Hospitals and the PSA Professional Practice Standards on Counselling when collecting and providing specific information tofor clients

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

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions

Assessment may be mostly practical and examples covering a range of situations relevant to health services provided in the workplace

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

Appropriate assessment environment

Participants for role plays

Method of assessment

Case studies and scenarios

Observation in the workplace

Oral questioning

Simulations and role play

Supporting statement of workplace supervisor

Written assignmentsprojects 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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Special needs may include but are not limited to:

Standard assessment tools may include:

Manage their medicationsmay include:

Modes of communication may include:

Relevant information is limited to: