Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit covers skills and knowledge required to assist a pharmacist to measure ingredients and prepare basic mixes to fill extemporaneous prescriptions. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit applies to community pharmacy employees working as dispensary assistants. Work is carried out under direction of a pharmacist. The role of dispensary assistants in assisting in the preparation of extemporaneous prescriptions is regulated by the state or territory pharmacy board. This unit should only be selected in states and territories that recognise a role for dispensary assistants in assisting a pharmacist with this activity. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
SIRPPKS001A Support the sale of pharmacy and pharmacist-only medicines SIRPDIS003A Assist in dispensary operations |
Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
The required outcomes described in this unit contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit is packaged will assist in identifying employability skills requirements. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
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1 |
Prepare to measure and mix ingredients. |
1.1 |
Identify scope and boundaries of roles and responsibilities of dispensary assistants and pharmacists in the preparation of extemporaneous prescriptions. |
1.2 |
Read and interpret common terms and abbreviations used in prescription writing . |
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1.3 |
Identify worksheet documentation for compounded products . |
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1.4 |
Confirm that compounding work area is clean and ready for use. |
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1.5 |
Confirm that measuring and mixing equipment is appropriate for the task and ready for use . |
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1.6 |
Select and fit appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment . |
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1.7 |
Follow personal hygiene procedures in preparation for handling materials. |
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2 |
Collect and measure required ingredients. |
2.1 |
Identify ingredient requirements specified by the worksheet. |
2.2 |
Locate and collect raw materials. |
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2.3 |
Measure ingredient quantities to meet worksheet requirements. |
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3 |
Prepare compounded products. |
3.1 |
Prepare ingredients as required to meet worksheet requirements. |
3.2 |
Combine ingredients as required to meet worksheet requirements. |
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3.3 |
Inspect prepared product to confirm product quality. |
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3.4 |
Confirm labelling and advice requirements with pharmacist and prepare labels. |
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3.5 |
Collect dispensing containers as specified by pharmacist. |
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3.6 |
Attach labels and other relevant cautionary and advisory advice to containers as directed. |
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3.7 |
Transfer final product to labelled containers. |
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3.8 |
Supply completed compound items, prescription and worksheet to a pharmacist for verification. |
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3.9 |
Check worksheet calculations and alert a pharmacist to any discrepancies. |
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4 |
Maintain the compounding materials and work area. |
4.1 |
Return unused ingredients to storage and adjust stock records as required. |
4.2 |
Monitor storage conditions to ensure product integrity is maintained. |
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4.3 |
Dispose of waste according to environmental requirements and pharmacy waste management procedures. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:
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The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:
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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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the following is essential:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure:
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Methods of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
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Assessing employability skills |
Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts. Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically in the context of the job role and with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification. |
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. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. |
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Assisting in preparing extemporaneous prescriptions must comply with: |
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Scope and boundaries of roles and responsibilities must comply with: |
This must be consistent with federal and state or territory legislation and regulations. The legal boundaries of dispensary assistant job roles will vary according to state and territory requirements. Roles will also reflect the business model, policies, protocols and procedures of the community pharmacy. |
Common abbreviations used in prescription writing refers to: |
Abbreviations as detailed in the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF), Pharmaceutical Society of Australia; and in the British Pharmacopoeia (BP), Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. |
Compounded products prepared to supply extemporaneous prescriptions are one-off items produced for a specific patient and may include: |
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Measuring and mixing equipment may include: |
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Ready for use may include: |
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Personal protective clothing and equipment may include: |
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Personal hygiene procedures may include: |
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Prepare ingredients may include: |
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Checking worksheet calculations : |
Responsibility for worksheet calculations rests with a pharmacist. The dispensary assistant may assist a pharmacist by double-checking calculations. |
Storage conditions may include: |
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Waste management may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Sector |
Community Pharmacy |
Competency field
Competency field |
Dispensary |