Elements and Performance Criteria

This range of variables provides further advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competence

Stakeholders and representatives may include:
Pharmacists
Doctors
Nurses
Patients/clients
Pharmacy technicians
Pharmacy assistants
Pharmacy storepersons
Administration staff
Wholesalers

Departments may include:
Wards
Hospital departments
Specialist services
Support services

Work environment may include:
Hospital pharmacy
Wards
Community health setting
Manufacturing pharmacy

Facilities may include:
Public hospital
Private hospital
Community health setting
Rural health centres

Roles and responsibilities may include:
Confidentiality
Client identification

Philosophies and values of the organisation may include:
Access and equity policies and procedures
Anti-discrimination policies and procedures
Sexual harassment policies and procedures
Privacy legislation
Relevant drugs and poison legislation
Guidelines for pharmacists for the use of pharmacy support personnel
Local and organisational Policies and Procedures
Code of Conduct
Code of Ethics
Standard for Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons
SHPA (Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia) guidelines

A commitment to principles of access and equity includes:
A non-discriminatory approach to all people using the service, the family and friends, the general public and co-workers
Ensuring the work undertaken takes account of and caters for differences including cultural, physical, religious, economic and social

Clients with special needs may include:
Those from different cultural and social contexts
Indigenous Australians
People from non-English speaking backgrounds
Specific religious groups
People with a disability

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Work demonstrates an understanding of underpinning policies, values and philosophies in the pharmacy department and the organisation
Work is carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policy, legislative requirements, industrial awards and agreements and in-house standard operating procedures (SOP's)
Work is performed in a safe manner
Issues identified outside scope of practice are referred to authorised person
Demonstrated knowledge of the ramifications of breaches of confidentiality, policies and legislation
Demonstrated knowledge of ramifications of infections control breaches
Identification and reporting of workplace hazards and poisons as applied to broad OHS area
Identification of own responsibilities within the workplace
Work within the pharmacy environment recognising the roles and responsibilities of the members of the team
Work under the supervision of a pharmacist and in accordance with standard procedures

Relationship with other units:
This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pharmacy units of competency is encouraged.

Essential knowledge required includes
Legislative requirements may include:
Relevant drugs and poison legislation
Guidelines for pharmacists for the use of pharmacy support personnel
Local and organisational policies and procedures
Health care team concept
Principles of access and equity
Workplace Health and Safety
Principles and practices of ethics and values
Principles and practices of confidentiality
Principles and practices of duty of care
Organisational philosophy and guidelines
Knowledge of own role and responsibilities
Code of ethics
Code of conduct

Essential skills required include
Using time management strategies to set priorities
Using technology to work safely and competently
Reading and writing skills - literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. The level of skill may range from the ability to understand symbols used in OHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals, to reading labels and handling chemicals. Literacy support available in the workplace may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available. Literacy may be required in English or a community language.
Oral communication skills - language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. Organisations may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group.
Numeracy skills may range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and recording numbers
Problem solving skills required included ability to use available resources

Resource implications
Resource requirements include all the relevant resources commonly provided in the health service setting. Specific tools may include:
Relevant policies and procedures manuals, legislation and standards
Organisation's mission statement, strategic and business plan
Other documentation relevant to the work context such as:
Organisational charts
Floor plans
Instructions for the use of equipment
Specific instructions for staff

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Observation of work performance
Written tasks
Interview and questioning
Authenticated portfolio/log book
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment under the normal range of work conditions.

Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances to establish consistency.

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.