Required skills

communication skills to

provide relevant information to a pharmacist

seek and respond to direction from a pharmacist

initiative and enterprise skills to follow environmental protection practices such as safely disposing of waste according to pharmacy waste management procedures

literacy skills to

interpret and follow pharmacy procedures

interpret compounding worksheets and any additional pharmacist directions

prepare labels in plain English

record prescription information using appropriate pharmacopoeia name or active ingredient and quantity

numeracy skills to

follow pharmaceutical numerical conventions when recording quantities and units of measurement

measure ingredients accurately

planning skills to plan and organise work to meet compounding workflow requirements

teamwork skills to work in a dispensary team under the direction of a pharmacist

technology skills to

package and label extemporaneous prescription items consistent with protocols and procedures

select and use appropriate mixing equipment tools and techniques

use measuring instrumentation

Required knowledge

care and storage requirements for compounding equipment

dispensary procedures relating to assisting a pharmacist in the preparation of extemporaneous prescription medicines

equipment calibration schedules and responsibilities and procedures for checking calibration

cleaning methods and procedures for

use with waterbased ingredients

use with oilbased ingredients

disinfecting equipment and surfaces

common terms and abbreviations used in prescription writingas detailed in the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook APF of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

common terms and abbreviations used in prescription writingas detailed in the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF) of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

compounding work area equipment and layout

hazards and control methods associated with crosscontamination

methods to measure liquids including accurate reading of meniscus

mixing techniques to achieve even distribution of ingredients including levigation

work health and safety WHS information and procedures including

hazards and risks associated with materials and handling processes to be used

information such as chemical hazard codes and symbols

location and purpose of material safety data sheets MSDS

personal limitations and responsibilities of the pharmacy assistant assisting a pharmacist preparing extemporaneous prescriptions

properties and characteristics of ointments creams gels and pastes

housekeeping checklist and responsibilities

raw material characteristics including

quality or grades

forms

strengths

storage conditions for ingredients before and after compounding

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to

apply pharmacy protocols and procedures when assisting with the preparation of extemporaneous prescriptions

apply relevant WHS and personal hygiene practices

communicate effectively with a pharmacist to meet compounding requirements

follow procedures for handling and storing dispensary materials

maintain housekeeping standards in the compounding area and handle and dispose of waste according to environmental and waste handling procedures

plan and carry out work to meet compounding workflow requirements

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure that competency is

consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the assessment

demonstrated in a real workplace environment that meets Pharmacy Board of Australia and relevant industry standards for dispensary layout and equipment requirements for supplying extemporaneous prescriptions

Assessment must ensure access to

relevant pharmacy procedures

access to state and territory legislation and guidelines where appropriate

dispensary recordkeeping systems

dispensary recordkeeping systems

relevant documentation such as

real or simulated prescriptions

compounding worksheets

raw materials or ingredients and storage areas

cleaning and disinfecting materials and equipment

clothing and equipment that ensure WHS

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

a qualified workplace assessor or a technical expert working in partnership with the assessor to observe the dispensary assistant performing a range of compounding activities

written or oral questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test relevant underpinning knowledge

review of thirdparty reports and evidence that indicate the completion of timely and accurate workplace documentation and records relevant to compounding operations

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended

Compounding worksheetmay include:

Measuring and mixing equipmentmay include:

Personal protective equipment and clothingmay include:

Personal hygiene proceduresmay include:

Dispensary procedures may include:

Compounded productsmay include:

Storage conditionsmay include:

Waste managementmay include: