Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
Unit Descriptor |
This unit describes the application of skills and knowledge in the use of medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care It describes the skills and knowledge required for a safe level of independent practice under the supervision of a medical practitioner |
Application of the Unit
Application |
The unit builds on knowledge and skills developed in:
It includes mechanisms of action, medication groups and commonly used medicines; methods of drug administration; terminology and abbreviations; basic dose calculation; medicines supply, transport and storage; and the legal, professional and safety aspects of medicines use It involves the supervision of other workers and management of clinic medicines stocks This competency unit is available only within the context of qualifications at Diploma level or higher in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not Applicable
Pre-Requisites
Pre-requisite |
This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:
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Employability Skills Information
Employability Skills |
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Determine medication requirements |
1.1 Compile a detailed medication history in line with organisational policies and procedures 1.2 Correctly interpret written medicines orders in consultation with medical practitioners and other senior health staff as required 1.3 Apply accurate calculations and measures in the use of medicines |
2. Educate clients in use of medicines |
2.1 Identify varieties of traditional/bush medicines commonly used in the local community 2.2 Promote the role of traditional healers and use of traditional/bush medicines consistent with local beliefs and practices as an adjunct to western medical treatment 2.3 Provide clients with plain language information based on interpretation of appropriate reference sources relating to mechanisms of action, dosing and common side effects of commonly used medicines 2.4 Obtain feedback from client to determine their understanding of information provided 2.5 Teach clients as required how to swallow tablets and capsules and how to correctly use metered dose aerosol inhalers and spacer devices 2.6 Provide clients with information about obtaining prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) |
3. Administer medications safely and manage reactions |
3.1 Administer medications by appropriate methods observing universal precautions and in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements 3.2 Identify potential drug interactions and refer to a medical practitioner 3.3 Recognise special precautions and contraindications in the use of particular medicines and refer to a medical practitioner 3.4 Safely give intramuscular injections (deltoid, lateral thigh and gluteal) and subcutaneous injections 3.5 Correctly measure out and administer medicine for nebulised inhalation using an electronic nebuliser 3.6 Identify signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and manage according to standard protocols 3.7 Label medicines in accordance with statutory requirements 3.8 Undertake administration of medicines according to organisational policies and procedures and the appropriate legal and regulatory framework 3.9 Fully document administration of medicines and maintain records in line with organisation and legal and regulatory requirements |
4. Manage administration of chronic medicines |
4.1 Maintain accurate records of chronic medicines administration 4.2 Establish and maintain systems for managing chronic medication administration within the clinic in consultation with the health team 4.3 Refer individual chronic medication regimens for regular review by a medical practitioner 4.4 Involve pharmacists in chronic medication management including, where appropriate, medication reviews or use of Webster-packs 4.5 Check doses of medicine made up by other health staff for accuracy, including dose, indication and consideration of contraindications 4.6 Support and instruct other health workers in the safe and efficacious use of medicines 4.7 Monitor appropriate use of medicines by other health staff |
5. Initiate therapy using standard treatment manuals |
5.1 Initiate assessment and treatment using standard treatment manuals as used in the workplace 5.2 Consult a medical practitioner in accordance with standard treatment manuals and organisational policies and procedures 5.3 Dispense medicines according to organisational policies and procedures and the appropriate legal and regulatory framework 5.4 Document clinical assessments, any advice sought and therapy initiated in client medical files |
6. Manage the ordering, transportation, storage and disposal of medicines |
6.1 Ensure medicines stocks are ordered, securely stored and used in accordance with poisons licence conditions and in keeping with the legislative and regulatory framework 6.2 Establish working relationships with local medical practitioners and pharmacists to support management of clinic medicines stores 6.3 Monitor patterns of medicines use and use this information to inform reorder quantities and ensure minimum stock holdings 6.4 Ensure clinic medicines stocks are checked regularly and re-ordered in appropriate quantities 6.5 Source medicines supplies as locally appropriate 6.6 Add new stock and dispose of out-of-date stock according to organisational policies and procedures 6.7 Organise clinic medicines stock logically and securely, with access to clinic medicines store monitored and restricted to authorised personnel 6.8 Correctly apply cold chain transport for medication requiring refrigeration |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit. |
Essential knowledge : The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role This includes knowledge of:
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Essential skills : It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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 Training Package. |
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Critical aspects of assessment : |
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Conditions of assessment : |
This unit includes skills and knowledge specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture Assessment must therefore be undertaken by a workplace assessor who has expertise in the unit of competency or who has the current qualification being assessed and who is:
or:
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Context of assessment : |
Competence should be demonstrated working individually, under supervision or as part of a primary health care team working with Aboriginal and/or Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible. |
Related units : |
This unit may be assessed independently or in conjunction with other units with associated workplace application |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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. |
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Cultural respect |
This competency standard supports the recognition, protection and continued advancement of the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples It recognises that the improvement of the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must include attention to physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing, community capacity and governance Its application must be culturally sensitive and supportive of traditional healing and health, knowledge and practices |
Community control |
Community participation and control in decision-making is essential to all aspects of health work, and the role of the health worker is to support the community in this process |
Supervision |
Supervision must be conducted in accordance with prevailing state/territory and organisation legislative and regulatory requirements References to supervision may include either direct or indirect supervision of work by more experienced workers, supervisors, managers or other health professionals A person at this level should only be required to make decisions about clients within the organisation's standard treatment protocols and associated guidelines |
Legislative requirements |
Federal, state or territory legislation may impact on workers' practices and responsibilities. Implementation of the competency standards should reflect the legislative framework in which a health worker operates. It is recognised that this may sometimes reduce the application of the Range of Variables in practice. However, assessment in the workplace or through simulation should address all essential skills and knowledge across the Range of Variables Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers may be required to operate in situations that do not constitute "usual practice" due to lack of resources, remote locations and community needs. As a result, they may need to possess more competencies than described by "usual practice circumstances" Under all circumstances, the employer must enable the worker to function within the prevailing legislative framework |
Medicines supplies may be sourced , for example from : |
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Interpretation of medicines orders may include : |
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Calculations and measures applied in the use of medicines may include : |
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Workplace procedures in the administration of medicines must include : |
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Commonly used medication may include : |
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The effects of medications may include : |
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Medication history may include : |
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Relevant documentation may include : |
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Legislative requirements may include : |
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Relevant information to be provided and explained to clients includes : |
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Workplace policies and procedures may include : |
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Methods of medication administration may include : |
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Appropriate dispensing and administration must include : |
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Medication side effects and contraindications may include : |
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Universal precautions include : |
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Unit Sector(s)
Not Applicable