Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides details of the scope of the Elements and Performance Criteria to allow for differences within enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present but not limited to -

State/Territory/Commonwealth:
legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice, standards and guidelines, pharmacy policies, procedures and protocols in regard to assisting in dispensary stock control.

Stock procurement procedures may include but are not limited to:

determining the present state of stock holding

determining the quantity/available discounts/order frequency

generating the order

cash flow considerations

anticipated demand.

Stock procurement and incoming stock documentation may include but is not limited to:
purchase orders
invoices/statements
packing slips
credit slips
standing orders
electronic data interchange forms.

Dispensary stock ordering may be:
written, verbal or electronically transmitted.

Dispensary stock reconciliation against received products may include but is not limited to:

checking dispensary stock received against order placed

reporting shortages, breakages and other deviations and arranging for credit/reimbursement

products requiring refrigeration being delivered in a satisfactory condition.

Dispensary stock may include but is not limited to:

scheduled products

formulary drugs and non-formulary drugs

products with the required integrity as well as those whose integrity have been compromised eg. damaged, contaminated or deteriorated dispensary stock

routinely handled products and products requiring special handling eg. refrigerated stock

raw materials for compounding and manufacturing

equipment used in dispensary area, including disposable equipment.

Shelf tickets may include but are not limited to:

PDE number

drug name

pack quantity

strength.

Storage conditions may include but are not limited to:

correct temperature

cold chain requirements

humidity, light, security

ventilation

correct storage of hazardous substances

layout/location.

Dispensary security procedures may include but are not limited to:

control of access to dispensary area

access and control of keys

control of dispensary record keeping

appropriate disposal of documents and information waste.

Dispensary stock control procedures may involve but are not limited to:

maintaining storage conditions

dispensary stock rotation

keeping dispensary stock undamaged

monitoring expiry dates

aiding dispensary stock selection

implementing procedures to detect similar packaging/similar names of medication.

Dispensary stocktaking documentation and procedures may include but are not limited to:
departmentalising the dispensary area
conducting the stock take - eg using portable data entry systems, POS
reconciling the results.

Dispensary stocktaking calculations may be:
performed manually or electronically.

Records may be recorded:
manually or through the use of computer based systems and be in print form and/or in an electronic system.

Dispensary stock for disposal may include but is not limited to:

obsolete or expired products

returned patient dispensary stock

damaged stock

recalls.

Disposal may include but is not limited to:

return to supplier

safe destruction according to pharmacy policy, legislative requirements and environmental protection guidelines

disposal service.

Procedures for pharmaceutical waste disposal must be performed:
under pharmacist supervision and in accordance with Local/Commonwealth/State/Territory legislation and regulations.

Regulatory requirements:
vary between States and Territories which may affect the extent to which pharmacy staff members are able to perform some of the functions.

Regulatory and legislative requirements as applicable for each State and Territory may include but are not limited to:

Consumer Law, Environmental Law, Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Law specific to Local Government, State and Federal Legislation

The Pharmacy/Pharmacists Act and related regulations

Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances/Poisons Act and related regulations

Therapeutic Goods Act

Health Act and related regulations

Privacy legislation

Pharmacy Board Guidelines and/or directives

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Professional Practice Standards

Codes of conduct/ethics.

Infection control guidelines may include but are not limited to:

handwashing

wearing gloves and appropriate protective clothing

sterilising, disinfecting and/or cleaning equipment.

The following components of the Evidence Guide relate directly to the Performance Criteria and the Range Statement for the unit of competency and will inform and provide guidance for assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Evidence of the following knowledge and skills is considered essential to demonstrate competency in this unit. This includes demonstration of the Key Competencies at the performance level identified at the end of this unit.
Consistently applying pharmacy policies, standards and guidelines, industry legislation and codes of practice in regard to dispensary stock control tasks including:
identify and storing dispensary products
procurement and stocktaking procedures
maintenance of storage conditions
location and positioning of dispensary products
risk management procedures to minimise selection errors
safe and legal disposal of dispensary waste.
Identification and application of the procedures for the return of dispensary stock including - the procedures for returning pharmacy products to supplier/manufacturer and procedures for returned goods from customer to pharmacy.
Evidence of the ability to consistently use effective communication techniques to provide information to patients/other pharmacy staff while maintaining an awareness of the need for discretion, tact and confidentiality.
Evidence of the ability to read, accurately interpret and consistently apply instructions for performing dispensary stock control tasks.
Demonstration of the ability to source, record and disseminate stock control information.
Identifying and understanding different types of dispensary stock control documents.
Consistently making effective use of time and resources by prioritising tasks.
Recognition of the situations requiring referral to the pharmacist and/or other pharmacy staff according to pharmacy policy.

Underpinning Knowledge and Skills
The following knowledge, understanding and skills are essential to perform work to the required standard in this unit.
Knowledge and application of pharmacy policies, standards and guidelines, industry codes of practice, legislative and regulatory requirements in regards to:
ordering and receiving dispensary stock
storage and security of dispensary stock
performing a dispensary stock take
stock rotation and product positioning procedures
product return and recall procedures
waste disposal of dispensary stock.
Skills in the following areas:
collecting, analysing and organising information from a variety of sources
preparing and organising information in regard to stock control in the dispensary.
Knowledge of principles, techniques and skills in:
communicating ideas and information
maintaining confidentiality and privacy
working with others and in teams
planning and organising activities
managing routines and procedures
demonstrating tact
solving problems.
Language, literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the job role and function.
Awareness of the circumstances/situations under which referral to the pharmacist and/or other pharmacy staff is indicated.
Operational skills to consistently use time effectively and provide quality customer service in the pharmacy environment.

Context of Assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the pharmacist and/or an experienced person at the workplace.
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include customer interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the pharmacy.
Assessment should be undertaken in an environment that meets pharmacy industry codes of practice and relevant industry regulations and legislation.

Interdependent Assessment of Unit
Unit WRPDIS303A
All units which relate to a job function can be considered as co-requisites to assist with an integrated approach to assessment.
For advice on interdependent assessment of units within and across pharmacy qualifications, refer to the Assessment Guidelines.

Assessment Methods
The following assessment methods are suggested:
Observation of the pharmacy staff member performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate her/his handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:
ordering and receiving dispensary stock
performing drug storage tasks
performing dispensary stock control
disposing of dispensary waste.
Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of relevant dispensary stock control procedures including methods of disposal of dispensary stock and drug storage requirements. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the pharmacy staff member.
Completing workplace documentation relevant to dispensary stock control.

Assessment Resources
This refers to the resources that are necessary for undertaking the assessment.
All resources must be provided for the assessment. If workplace based, the resources should relate specifically to pharmacy policies, procedures and range of stock and equipment. If an off the job or simulated work environment is used then resources should be applicable to the work environment.
Resources may include:
A real or simulated pharmacy environment.
Relevant documentation such as:
pharmacy policies and procedures for dispensary stock control
industry codes of practice
state and federal legislation as appropriate.
Access to a range of stock control tasks and related products/equipment/documentation.
A qualified workplace assessor and/or a technical expert working in partnership with the assessor.

There are a number of processes that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies. Key competencies are generic competencies that focus on the capacity to apply knowledge and skills in an integrated way in work situations, but are not specific to any particular industry. Key competencies foster the development of skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to perform work operations. The questions below highlight how these processes could be applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = the competence needed to undertake tasks effectively, 2 = the ability to manage tasks, and 3 = the ability to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.
Communicating ideas and information
By communicating ideas and information relative to stock procurement, ordering and receiving, drug storage, dispensary stock control and waste disposal with pharmacy staff. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By identifying information sources relative to dispensary stock control, gathering information on procurement, ordering and receiving, drug storage, stock control and waste disposal, selecting and collating this data in a suitable format and undertaking necessary analysis. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By organising activities associated with dispensary stock control for pharmacy staff. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By involving pharmacy staff in stock procurement, ordering and receiving, storage and waste disposal; encouraging participation and contribution to effective dispensary stock control. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques are likely to be utilised in all aspects of maintaining effective control of dispensary stock. (2)

Solving problems
By independently resolving all routine issues with procurement, ordering and receiving, drug storage and waste disposal associated with dispensary stock control; accessing suitable support within or outside the pharmacy to resolve non-routine problems. (2)

Using technology
Technology may be utilised in accessing information relative to stock control management. Information may be accessed or recorded using technology in relation to procurement, ordering and receiving, drug storage, stock control tasks and waste control. (1)