Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:22 PM AWST

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Support the safe use of medications

Support the safe use of medications

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAMED002
State Code
OEO17
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2023
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Original Release Date
11/08/2023
Nominal Hours
180
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities to safely use medication through the provision of accurate information about medications.This unit does not cover skills to assist clients with self-administration of medication, or to administer medications. Those skills are covered by complementary units.This unit is specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working as health workers or health practitioners. They work as part of a multidisciplinary primary health care team to provide primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No regulatory requirement for certification, occupational or business licensing is linked to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Obtain client information and determine client information needs.
  • 1.1. Review client records and identify current and past social, medical and medication history.
  • 1.2. Recognise client allergies and adverse drug reactions, and contraindications for client use of medications, and clarify with practitioners or other senior health staff.
  • 1.3. Consult with client and/or significant others about medication history and any allergies and adverse reactions.
  • 1.4. Update client records to include additional medication information provided by client.
  • 1.5. Engage client and/or significant others in discussion to evaluate understanding of medication and client’s needs.
2. Deliver information to support clients in their use of medications.
  • 2.1. Deliver clear and accurate information in culturally appropriate and safe ways to support client’s quality use of medications.
  • 2.2. Provide information to client on therapeutic effects and common side-effects of their medications.
  • 2.3. Explain to client, the dosage, frequency and correct routes and methods for taking medication and support client to question and clarify all information provided.
  • 2.4. Provide consumer medicines information in a format that assists understanding.
  • 2.5. Support and promote role of traditional healers, traditional and bush medicines as an adjunct to western medications.
  • 2.6. Encourage client and significant others to ask questions and seek advice about medications from relevant health professionals and resources.
  • 2.7. Confirm client understanding of information provided, and support client to make decisions and further enquiries about medications.
  • 2.8. Document information provided about medications according to organisational procedures.
3. Provide advice about storage, transport and disposal of medication.
  • 3.1. Explain to client how to correctly store and secure medication and importance of doing this.
  • 3.2. Advise client on importance of only using in-date and undamaged medication.
  • 3.3. Explain to client how to transport medication and importance of cold chain management.
  • 3.4. Provide advice on correct ways to handle and dispose of medications.
  • 3.5. Confirm client understanding and document information provided according to organisational procedures.
4. Assist clients with medication benefit schemes.
  • 4.1. Support clients to obtain prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
  • 4.2. Assist clients to access other benefit schemes and supports as appropriate.
  • 4.3. Provide information to clients and significant others about the role of government databases in medication and health care management
5. Provide information and support to family and community groups.
  • 5.1. Identify requirements for medication information and source relevant information.
  • 5.2. Provide clear and accurate medication information to family and community groups, according to their needs.
  • 5.3. Inform groups about relevant information sources that can assist better understanding of the use of medications.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG688 HLTAHW037 Support the safe use of medications Unit of competency