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

SIRCDIS303 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assist in dispensing prescriptions

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SIRCDIS303 - Assist in dispensing prescriptions
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work in a dispensary to assist with the preparation of prescriptions. The dispensary assistant’s role is limited to those functions that do not require the exercise of professional judgement or discretion with regard to prescriptions.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to dispensary assistants working in the dispensary area of a community pharmacy. A person undertaking this role is required to work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites SIRCDIS301Accept prescriptions and return dispensed medicines to customersSIRCHCS201Support the supply of Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines
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: Check prescription details.
  • Check patient details and prescription details to ensure prescription is complete and valid.
  • Refer incomplete or invalid prescriptions to pharmacist for action.
       
Element: Enter prescription information.
  • Enter patient and prescription details from original prescription into the dispensing computer system.
  • Check that entered electronic data matches patient and prescription details.
  • Refer to pharmacist to check patient record and dispensing software flagged medication interactions.
  • Use computer software to select and record any brand change.
  • Ensure prescriber’s specific directions are entered for the medication label.
  • Generate one printed label for each pack, repeat authorisations and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) where applicable.
       
Element: Select and label prescribed medications.
  • Refer to original prescription document to accurately select medications manually or robotically and check medication, strength and quantity.
  • Check printed label for expiry date, directions for use, drug strength and quantity against original prescription and apply to each pack.
  • Apply appropriate cautionary and advisory labels.
  • Ensure important information on manufacturer’s label is not obscured by pharmacy labels.
  • Swipe barcode with scanner and check on computer screen for drug name, patient’s name, address and date.
       
Element: Assemble prescribed medications and finalise documentation.
  • Assemble prescribed medicines with all relevant documentation and counselling aids.
  • Ensure dispensing pharmacist checks all items belonging to the prescription.
  • Place in a container that leaves all items visible.
  • Place container in pharmacy-designated private collection location for return of prescription medication to customer.
       


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.

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:

check patient details and prescription details to verify that prescriptions are complete and valid

enter prescription information and use dispensary software for a range of dispensing tasks

refer to pharmacist to check patient record for each prescription

follow dispensary procedures to assemble, label and check prescribed items

plan and carry out dispensing tasks to meet dispensary workflow requirements

recognise and act on software alerts or respond to other contingencies by referring to the pharmacist.

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 operations, which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the pharmacy.

Assessment must ensure access to:

pharmacy dispensary policies and procedures

a dispensary software system

a range of real or simulated customer prescriptions with different requirements

a range of Pharmacist Only Medicines and related dispensing equipment.

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:

observation of the candidate in the dispensary:

assisting a dispensing pharmacist by performing a range of dispensing tasks, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

using dispensary software

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

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance assisting with dispensary operations.

Guidance information for assessment

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

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.

Required skills

communication skills to:

provide relevant information to and seek direction from a pharmacist as required

ask questions to identify and confirm pharmacist requirements

literacy skills to:

check that patient and prescription details are complete and valid

follow prescription information

prepare labels in plain English

identify and select correct product with reference to form, dose, strength and quantity

confirm that directions for use on prescribed medications match the relevant prescription

apply procedures for selecting bioequivalent generic medicines

numeracy skills to apply prescription requirements relating to:

drug strength

quantities

planning and organising skills to:

apply procedures for assembling and preparing prescription items

organise work to meet dispensary workflow requirements

teamwork skills to operate as part of a dispensary team, working under the supervision of a pharmacist

technology skills to use the dispensary software system to:

enter patient and prescription information

access patient medications dispensing history

print medication labels

scan medication labels

Required knowledge

dispensary workflow and layout, including:

alphabetical arrangement of medications

sequential positioning of medications along shelves

controlled substances under specific storage conditions

grouping of Pharmacist Only Medicines (S3)

refrigeration

dose forms and abbreviated names

key areas of the dispensary software system

legal requirements and principles for product labelling, such as:

product name

batch numbering

expiry date

major drug groups and their expected effects on the body

personal role boundaries and responsibilities in assisting a pharmacist with dispensing activities

pharmacy procedures relating to dispensary activities, including:

protecting customer privacy

controlling, accessing and maintaining security of the dispensary

pricing dispensary items

dispensary housekeeping checklist and responsibilities

prescribing conventions, abbreviations and medical terminology used in prescriptions and instructions for the use of medicines

procedures and rationale for validating prescriptions

relevant regulations and guidelines, including:

Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for Dispensing of Medicines

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) requirements

Medicare Australia regulations

Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP)

types of prescriptions presented for dispensing at community pharmacies, including:

PBS prescriptions, including:

authority

concession

dental

general

pension

podiatrist

optometrist

private prescriptions, including:

medicines that do not count towards the safety net

items not subsidised by PBS

prescription written for a person without a Medicare card, such as an overseas visitor

quantity not subsidised by PBS

repeats not subsidised by PBS

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Patient detailsmay include:

address

allergies

any other contact

body weight

concessional entitlements

date of birth

home telephone or mobile number

name

Medicare number.

Prescription detailsmay include:

advised substitution options

authority approval

date

doctor’s signature

prescription requirements

controlled drug requirements.

Prescription may include:

PBS prescriptions

private prescriptions

electronic or hard copy format.

Patient recordmay include:

dispensing history for consistency of treatment

evidence of misuse

interactions with other medications

labels

repeats.

Cautionary and advisory labelsmay include:

warning against undesirable effects, including interactions with other medicines or foods

being designed to maximise efficacy in the use of medications.

Important informationmay include:

batch number

expiry date

name

strength.

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
Check patient details and prescription details to ensure prescription is complete and valid. 
Refer incomplete or invalid prescriptions to pharmacist for action. 
Enter patient and prescription details from original prescription into the dispensing computer system. 
Check that entered electronic data matches patient and prescription details. 
Refer to pharmacist to check patient record and dispensing software flagged medication interactions. 
Use computer software to select and record any brand change. 
Ensure prescriber’s specific directions are entered for the medication label. 
Generate one printed label for each pack, repeat authorisations and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) where applicable. 
Refer to original prescription document to accurately select medications manually or robotically and check medication, strength and quantity. 
Check printed label for expiry date, directions for use, drug strength and quantity against original prescription and apply to each pack. 
Apply appropriate cautionary and advisory labels. 
Ensure important information on manufacturer’s label is not obscured by pharmacy labels. 
Swipe barcode with scanner and check on computer screen for drug name, patient’s name, address and date. 
Assemble prescribed medicines with all relevant documentation and counselling aids. 
Ensure dispensing pharmacist checks all items belonging to the prescription. 
Place in a container that leaves all items visible. 
Place container in pharmacy-designated private collection location for return of prescription medication to customer. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SIRCDIS303 - Assist in dispensing 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

SIRCDIS303 - Assist in dispensing 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: