Elements and Performance Criteria

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Compounding worksheetmay include:
data fields, such as:
date
formula name
formula source
ingredients
quantities
source
batch number
expiry date
procedure and notes
prescribing doctor
copy of label
signature.
Measuring and mixing equipmentmay include:
heating equipment
mixing slabs
mortar and pestle
tweezers
syringes
spatulas and mixing rods
volumetric containers, such asbeakers and measuring cylinders.
Personal protective equipment and clothingmay include:
closed footwear
face masks
hairnets
gloves
lab coats
safety glasses or goggles.
Personal hygiene proceduresmay include:
no food or drink in the compounding work area
no food stored next to ingredients used in compounding
no jewellery or cosmetics, such as hand moisturiser or nail polish
tying back hair or using a hairnet
washing hands before and after compounding.
Dispensary procedures may include:
checking worksheet calculations
confirming quality requirements are met
filling compounded products into dispensary containers and preparing and attaching labels and relevant cautionary advice
mixing ingredients
protecting safety of self and product
selecting required equipment and preparing it for use
selecting measuring instrumentation appropriate to the volumes required.
Compounded productsmay include:
one-off products prepared for a specific patient to an extemporaneous prescription, such as:
dermatological preparations (simple creams)
Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook formulations for both adults and children
reconstituted products
combined proprietary products
modified formulations, e.g.to remove colours or preservatives.
Storage conditionsmay include:
clearly displayed expiry dates on stock
containers that are tightly sealed
locations that protect product from light, humidity and heat
temperature-controlled storage.
Waste managementmay include:
following dispensary procedures to dispose of materials that could be hazardous to the environment
sorting waste according to waste disposal requirements, e.g.placing sharps in designated container
using spill-control procedures as required.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
apply pharmacy protocols and procedures when assisting with the preparation of extemporaneous prescriptions
apply relevant WHS and personal hygiene practices
communicate effectively with a pharmacist to meet compounding requirements
follow procedures for handling and storing dispensary materials
maintain housekeeping standards in the compounding area and handle and dispose of waste according to environmental and waste handling procedures
plan and carry out work to meet compounding workflow requirements.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure that competency is:
consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the assessment
demonstrated in a real workplace environment that meets Pharmacy Board of Australia and relevant industry standards for dispensary layout and equipment requirements for supplying extemporaneous prescriptions.
Assessment must ensure access to:
relevant pharmacy procedures
access to state and territory legislation and guidelines where appropriate
dispensary recordkeeping systems
relevant documentation, such as:
real or simulated prescriptions
compounding worksheets
raw materials or ingredients and storage areas
cleaning and disinfecting materials and equipment
clothing and equipment that ensure WHS.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
a qualified workplace assessor or a technical expert working in partnership with the assessor to observe the dispensary assistant performing a range of compounding activities
written or oral questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test relevant underpinning knowledge
review of third-party reports and evidence that indicate the completion of timely and accurate workplace documentation and records relevant to compounding operations.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.