Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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.

System may include:
a structured quality program, such as the Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP), which includes specific Pharmacist Only and Pharmacy Medicines (POP) standards
other quality programs that address development of policies, protocols and procedures relating to the sale of pharmacist-only and pharmacy medicines.

Scheduled medicines are defined by Standards for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) and may include:
general medicines (non-scheduled)
pharmacy medicines (S2)
pharmacist-only medicines (S3)
prescription-only medicines (S4)
controlled medicines (S8).


Standards relating to the sale of pharmacy and pharmacist-only medicines may include:
customer care and advice
indirect supply
documentation
pharmacy design and environment - display and storage
pharmacy design and environment - customer consultation
rights and needs of customers.


Training needs may include:
general training related to S2 and S3 medicines
training to support understanding of new medicines that are down-scheduled and require a specific level of sales support.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applies pharmacy protocols and procedures to assist in managing the sale of pharmacy or pharmacist-only medicines, including:
identifying changes to the scheduling of s2 and s3 items in a timely manner
updating pharmacy protocols and procedures to reflect scheduling changes
maintaining stock locations and shelf facings to support item schedule
providing information and support to staff as required to support implementation of revised procedures
providing a role model to others through implementation of appropriate procedures and behaviours
sources current advice on scheduled medicines
updates and maintains information systems
provides information to staff in ways appropriate to their needs and demonstrates appropriate techniques to support mentoring
works within the boundaries of responsibilities and roles to assist in managing the sale of pharmacy and pharmacist-only medicines and collaborates with other team members as appropriate
plans and carries out work to ensure the timely maintenance of protocols and procedures relating to pharmacy and pharmacist-only medicines.


Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
demonstration of procedures to support the management of pharmacy or pharmacist-only medicines, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
performance is observed by the assessor or a technical expert working in partnership with the assessor.
access to a real or simulated workplace environment that meets Pharmacy Board and relevant industry standards for dispensary operations
access to relevant pharmacy standards, protocols and procedures
access to state or territory legislation and guidelines where appropriate
access to information management systems used to manage quality standards and procedures
access to typical pharmacy storage locations, shelf facings and signage for a range of S2 and S3 medicines
access to staff training and development systems and procedures.


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:
observation of the candidate in the workplace assisting the management of pharmacy and pharmacist-only medicines
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
role plays to confirm communication skills to support staff development and understanding of revised protocols and procedures.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.


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.