Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

SIRCDIS005 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assist in preparing extemporaneous prescriptions

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SIRCDIS005 - Assist in preparing extemporaneous prescriptions
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist pharmacists to prepare ingredients and non-sterile extemporaneous pharmaceutical products from fixed formulas.This unit applies to senior dispensary assistants working in community pharmacies. When preparing extemporaneous prescriptions, they work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and their role is limited to those compounding functions that do not require them to exercise professional pharmaceutical judgement or discretion.This unit incorporates the requirement for pharmacy assistants to comply with federal, state and territory law and Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for supplying scheduled Pharmacy Medicines (S2) and Pharmacist Only Medicines (S3). At the time of publication, they are not, however, required to hold an occupational licence or to be certified as competent in this unit to dispense scheduled medicines.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Skills must be demonstrated in a pharmacy with a designated operational compounding area and storage facilities for pharmaceutical raw materials. This must be in an industry workplace which meets Pharmacy Board of Australia and relevant industry standards for preparing extemporaneous prescriptions.

Assessment must ensure use of:

information technology hardware and software

dispensary and stock control software currently used by the community pharmacy industry

refrigerator or freezer dedicated to pharmaceuticals

measuring and mixing equipment:

heating equipment

mixing slabs

mortar and pestle

spatulas and mixing rods

syringes

tweezers

volumetric containers; beakers and measuring cylinders

a range of containers:

air-tight containers

light-resistant (amber glass or high-density plastic) containers

moisture-proof containers

sealed containers for ready-to-use unit-doses

secure packaging including child-resistant containers

waste disposal bags and containers for pharmaceutical waste including sharps containers

personal protective equipment:

closed footwear

disposable gloves

face masks

hairnets

lab coats

safety glasses or goggles

a diverse commercial product range of pharmaceutical raw materials in these forms:

drops

creams

gels

liquid

ointments

pastes

powders

purified water

cleaning and disinfecting products used for:

compounding work areas and work bench surfaces

compounding equipment

cleaning cloths:

dry

lint-free

wet

fully completed compounding worksheets for a diverse range of extemporaneous prescriptions

cautionary and advisory medicine labels

pharmacy medicine labels to insert customer details and directions for use

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Professional Practice Standards – provisions relevant to compounding (extemporaneous dispensing)

organisational procedures for preparing extemporaneous prescriptions

pharmaceutical and cleaning product Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or plain English workplace documents or diagrams that interpret SDS content

pharmacists with whom the individual can interact

assessment activities that allow the individual to work with commercial speed, timing and productivity to complete compounding activities within nominated deadlines.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors, and:

have worked in the pharmacy sector for at least two years.

Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Dispensary
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for compounding process.
  • Follow organisational procedures for preparing extemporaneous prescriptions throughout compounding process.
  • Obtain and interpret compounding worksheet and seek additional direction from pharmacist when clarification needed.
  • Clean compounding work area to avoid spoilage of pharmaceutical products.
  • Maintain personal hygiene, handle ingredients, equipment and containers hygienically throughout compounding process to avoid contamination.
  • Select measuring and mixing equipment of correct type and size for the task.
  • Safely assemble, ensure cleanliness and check calibration of equipment before use.
  • Select and use personal protective equipment to avoid personal injury during the compounding process.
       
Element: Select and measure ingredients.
  • Identify and select required ingredients specified in compounding worksheet.
  • Sort and safely assemble raw materials according to sequence of compounding processes.
  • Measure ingredient quantities according to worksheet specifications.
       
Element: Prepare compounded products.
  • Prepare ingredients by grinding, milling or heating according to worksheet specifications.
  • Combine ingredients according to worksheet specifications.
  • Inspect compounded product to confirm quality and adjust according to individual responsibility or refer to pharmacist.
  • Confirm labelling requirements with pharmacist and prepare accurate and complete labels.
  • Select dispensing containers specified by pharmacist.
  • Attach medication, cautionary and advisory labels to containers as directed.
  • Transfer final compounded product to labelled containers.
  • Present completed compounded items, prescription and worksheet to pharmacist for verification.
  • Check pharmacist worksheet calculations and alert pharmacist to any discrepancies.
       
Element: Maintain records and compounding materials.
  • Record prescription information using appropriate pharmacopoeial name, active ingredient and quantity.
  • Follow pharmaceutical numerical conventions when recording quantities and units of measurement.
  • Return unused ingredients to storage and adjust stock records.
  • Maintain inventory levels of raw materials and consumable equipment.
  • Monitor storage conditions to ensure product integrity is maintained.
  • Dispose of waste, especially hazardous substances, according to environmental requirements and organisational waste management procedures.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for compounding process.

1.1.Follow organisational procedures for preparing extemporaneous prescriptions throughout compounding process.

1.2.Obtain and interpret compounding worksheet and seek additional direction from pharmacist when clarification needed.

1.3.Clean compounding work area to avoid spoilage of pharmaceutical products.

1.4.Maintain personal hygiene, handle ingredients, equipment and containers hygienically throughout compounding process to avoid contamination.

1.5.Select measuring and mixing equipment of correct type and size for the task.

1.6.Safely assemble, ensure cleanliness and check calibration of equipment before use.

1.7.Select and use personal protective equipment to avoid personal injury during the compounding process.

2. Select and measure ingredients.

2.1.Identify and select required ingredients specified in compounding worksheet.

2.2.Sort and safely assemble raw materials according to sequence of compounding processes.

2.3.Measure ingredient quantities according to worksheet specifications.

3. Prepare compounded products.

3.1.Prepare ingredients by grinding, milling or heating according to worksheet specifications.

3.2.Combine ingredients according to worksheet specifications.

3.3.Inspect compounded product to confirm quality and adjust according to individual responsibility or refer to pharmacist.

3.4.Confirm labelling requirements with pharmacist and prepare accurate and complete labels.

3.5.Select dispensing containers specified by pharmacist.

3.6.Attach medication, cautionary and advisory labels to containers as directed.

3.7.Transfer final compounded product to labelled containers.

3.8.Present completed compounded items, prescription and worksheet to pharmacist for verification.

3.9.Check pharmacist worksheet calculations and alert pharmacist to any discrepancies.

4. Maintain records and compounding materials.

4.1.Record prescription information using appropriate pharmacopoeial name, active ingredient and quantity.

4.2.Follow pharmaceutical numerical conventions when recording quantities and units of measurement.

4.3.Return unused ingredients to storage and adjust stock records.

4.4.Maintain inventory levels of raw materials and consumable equipment.

4.5.Monitor storage conditions to ensure product integrity is maintained.

4.6.Dispose of waste, especially hazardous substances, according to environmental requirements and organisational waste management procedures.

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

interpret and follow compounding worksheets to assist in preparing each of the following types of extemporaneous prescriptions which must be of consistent quality and of varying quantities:

Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook formulations for both adults and children

combined proprietary products

dermatological preparations (simple creams)

modified formulations to remove colours or preservatives

reconstituted products

assist in preparing extemporaneous prescriptions for products in each of the following forms:

creams

drops

gels

liquids

ointments

pastes

powders

use the following range of measuring and mixing equipment to prepare each of the above:

heating equipment

mixing slabs

mortar and pestle

spatulas and mixing rods

syringes

tweezers

volumetric containers; beakers and measuring cylinders.

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

role boundaries and responsibilities of dispensary assistants and pharmacists in preparing extemporaneous prescriptions

circumstances which require and trigger referral to a pharmacist

basic aspects of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Professional Practice Standards – provisions relevant to compounding (extemporaneous dispensing)

organisational procedures for preparing extemporaneous prescriptions:

validation of worksheet content and calculations

calibrating measuring equipment

requirements for pharmacist checks of compounded items

record keeping for compounding, prescription and stock control activities

cleaning and maintenance of compounding area

personal hygiene

waste disposal

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

properties and characteristics of:

drops

creams

gels

liquids

ointments

pastes

powders

pharmaceutical raw materials:

forms

quality or grades

strengths

storage conditions for optimum quality

methods to measure liquids, including accurate reading of meniscus

mixing techniques to achieve even distribution of ingredients, including levigation

layout of compounding and storage areas:

arrangement of measuring and other equipment

grouping and positioning of pharmaceutical raw materials

equipment used to prepare extemporaneous prescriptions:

essential features and functions

care and storage requirements

calibration schedules

safe operational practices

cleaning and disinfecting techniques and products used for:

compounding work areas and work bench surfaces

compounding equipment

effective cleaning of water based ingredients

effective cleaning of oil based ingredients

role, use and basic content of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or plain English workplace documents or diagrams that interpret SDS content:

for work health and safety purposes

for environmental protection purposes

workplace hazards, associated health and safety risks and safe work practices for:

using sharp equipment

handling hazardous substances; both, pharmaceutical raw materials and cleaning products

types and correct use of personal protection equipment for preparing extemporaneous prescriptions

the meaning of a range of chemical hazard codes and symbols

personal hygiene practices to avoid contamination of pharmaceutical raw materials and compounded items

environmentally sound disposal methods for hazardous waste:

pharmaceutical raw materials

cleaning products

pharmaceutical sharps

features and functions of dispensary and stock control software specifically for:

recording extemporaneous prescription and compounding information

recording stock levels.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for compounding process.

1.1.Follow organisational procedures for preparing extemporaneous prescriptions throughout compounding process.

1.2.Obtain and interpret compounding worksheet and seek additional direction from pharmacist when clarification needed.

1.3.Clean compounding work area to avoid spoilage of pharmaceutical products.

1.4.Maintain personal hygiene, handle ingredients, equipment and containers hygienically throughout compounding process to avoid contamination.

1.5.Select measuring and mixing equipment of correct type and size for the task.

1.6.Safely assemble, ensure cleanliness and check calibration of equipment before use.

1.7.Select and use personal protective equipment to avoid personal injury during the compounding process.

2. Select and measure ingredients.

2.1.Identify and select required ingredients specified in compounding worksheet.

2.2.Sort and safely assemble raw materials according to sequence of compounding processes.

2.3.Measure ingredient quantities according to worksheet specifications.

3. Prepare compounded products.

3.1.Prepare ingredients by grinding, milling or heating according to worksheet specifications.

3.2.Combine ingredients according to worksheet specifications.

3.3.Inspect compounded product to confirm quality and adjust according to individual responsibility or refer to pharmacist.

3.4.Confirm labelling requirements with pharmacist and prepare accurate and complete labels.

3.5.Select dispensing containers specified by pharmacist.

3.6.Attach medication, cautionary and advisory labels to containers as directed.

3.7.Transfer final compounded product to labelled containers.

3.8.Present completed compounded items, prescription and worksheet to pharmacist for verification.

3.9.Check pharmacist worksheet calculations and alert pharmacist to any discrepancies.

4. Maintain records and compounding materials.

4.1.Record prescription information using appropriate pharmacopoeial name, active ingredient and quantity.

4.2.Follow pharmaceutical numerical conventions when recording quantities and units of measurement.

4.3.Return unused ingredients to storage and adjust stock records.

4.4.Maintain inventory levels of raw materials and consumable equipment.

4.5.Monitor storage conditions to ensure product integrity is maintained.

4.6.Dispose of waste, especially hazardous substances, according to environmental requirements and organisational waste management procedures.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Follow organisational procedures for preparing extemporaneous prescriptions throughout compounding process. 
Obtain and interpret compounding worksheet and seek additional direction from pharmacist when clarification needed. 
Clean compounding work area to avoid spoilage of pharmaceutical products. 
Maintain personal hygiene, handle ingredients, equipment and containers hygienically throughout compounding process to avoid contamination. 
Select measuring and mixing equipment of correct type and size for the task. 
Safely assemble, ensure cleanliness and check calibration of equipment before use. 
Select and use personal protective equipment to avoid personal injury during the compounding process. 
Identify and select required ingredients specified in compounding worksheet. 
Sort and safely assemble raw materials according to sequence of compounding processes. 
Measure ingredient quantities according to worksheet specifications. 
Prepare ingredients by grinding, milling or heating according to worksheet specifications. 
Combine ingredients according to worksheet specifications. 
Inspect compounded product to confirm quality and adjust according to individual responsibility or refer to pharmacist. 
Confirm labelling requirements with pharmacist and prepare accurate and complete labels. 
Select dispensing containers specified by pharmacist. 
Attach medication, cautionary and advisory labels to containers as directed. 
Transfer final compounded product to labelled containers. 
Present completed compounded items, prescription and worksheet to pharmacist for verification. 
Check pharmacist worksheet calculations and alert pharmacist to any discrepancies. 
Record prescription information using appropriate pharmacopoeial name, active ingredient and quantity. 
Follow pharmaceutical numerical conventions when recording quantities and units of measurement. 
Return unused ingredients to storage and adjust stock records. 
Maintain inventory levels of raw materials and consumable equipment. 
Monitor storage conditions to ensure product integrity is maintained. 
Dispose of waste, especially hazardous substances, according to environmental requirements and organisational waste management procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SIRCDIS005 - Assist in preparing extemporaneous prescriptions
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

SIRCDIS005 - Assist in preparing extemporaneous prescriptions

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: