This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

apply literacy skills to read and interpret instructions for assisting in the preparation of dose administration containers record information and prepare labels in plain English

demonstrate procedures for preparing packaging containers and related equipment consistent with protocols and procedures

pack and label dose administration aids

use dispensary information system to maintain packing details

respect and maintain privacy and confidentiality of customer information

maintain dispensary packing area to meet good housekeeping requirements

plan and organise work to meet packing workflow requirements

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

pharmacy policies protocols and procedures relating to packing medicine into dose administration aids

dispensary workflow and layout

procedures for controlling accessing and maintaining security of the dispensary

personal hygiene requirements

properties characteristics and applications of different dose administration aids

features and operating requirements of dose administration aid equipment

handling and storage requirements of dispensed items

characteristics of medicine not suitable for packaging in dose administration containers eghydroscopic medicines medicines that may be crosscontaminated

medicine storage and handling requirements

literacy skills to confirm packing requirements and to check that label information is legible and expressed in plain English

information to be displayed on dose administration aids

communication methods and systems to operate as part of a team and provide relevant information to a pharmacist and other pharmacy staff as required

handling and disposal of waste including maintaining confidentiality of customer details on waste containers

dispensary databases and information systems

dispensary housekeeping checklist and responsibilities

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 TrainingPackage

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

Evidence of the following is essential

applies pharmacy policies standards and guidelines industry legislation and codes of practice in regard to filling of dose administration aids including

identifying dose administration aids and dispensed medicines for filling

filling medicines into dose administration containers manual or automated

preparing and attaching labels

handling medicines to meet handling and storage requirements

procedures for reconciling dispensed medicines with packed medicines

respects and protects customer privacy when disposing of containers that may contain customer information and maintaining customer records

recognises situations requiring referral to a pharmacist or other pharmacy staff according to pharmacy policy

applies OHS and personal hygiene practices

maintains housekeeping standards in the dispensary packing area

plans and carries out work to meet workflow requirements

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

demonstration of preparation of dose administration aids over a period of time

demonstration of working with dispensed medicines with special handling and storage requirements

performance is observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor

assessment must be undertaken in a real workplace environment that meets Pharmacy Board and relevant industry standards for dispensary layout and equipment requirements for pharmacies engaged in supplying extemporaneous prescriptions

access to relevant pharmacy protocols and procedures

access to state and territory legislation and guidelines where appropriate

access to dispensary stock control recordkeeping systems

access to relevant documentation such as

service contracts

orders or requisitions

prescription purchase orders

access to a range of medicines

access to dose administration containers and related packaging equipment

Methods 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 preparing dose administration aids over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

evidence that completion of workplace documentation and records relevant to dose administration aids is timely and accurate

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

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically in the context of the job role and with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification

Preparing dose administration aids must comply with:

Personal hygiene procedures may include:

Clean and prepare packing work area and equipment may include:

Dose administration and packaging documentation may include:

Packaging containers may include:

Equipment may be operated manually or automatically and may include:

Labels may include: