Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:14 AM AWST

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Work under instructions to support the safe use of medications

Work under instructions to support the safe use of medications

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAMED001
State Code
OEO15
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
061399 - Public Health, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
11/08/2023
Nominal Hours
110
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to follow instructions from authorised primary health care team members for clients’ medication, and to support clients to self-administer. This includes assistance with measuring the dose but does not involve determining the required dose. It also requires the ability to provide information about the safe use, storage and transportation of medication.Medications can be prescribed, over the counter, or traditional and bush medicines.This unit is specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working as health workers. They work under supervision and as part of a multidisciplinary primary health care team to provide primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients.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. Confirm scope of own role in relation to medication.
  • 1.1. Confirm own role within primary health care team, and lines of supervision for reporting and clarifying issues that relate to use of medication.
  • 1.2. Identify legal boundaries and responsibilities of own job role in supporting use of medication.
  • 1.3. Discuss and confirm emergency procedures for own job role.
  • 1.4. Clarify any concerns or queries about scope of job role with supervisor or relevant member of primary health care team.
2. Obtain instructions for medication.
  • 2.1. Gather relevant information about client medication requirements.
  • 2.2. Discuss information with authorised members of primary health care team to confirm medication requirements.
  • 2.3. Clarify and confirm instructions for medication with primary health care team.
3. Communicate with client about medication requirements.
  • 3.1. Communicate consistently in culturally appropriate and safe ways with client and/or significant others.
  • 3.2. Clearly and accurately explain the purpose of medication to the client and why it is important to take medication as prescribed.
  • 3.3. Encourage client and significant others to ask questions to clarify understanding of medication’s purpose and prescription instructions.
  • 3.4. Confirm client understanding of required medication and obtain informed consent.
  • 3.5. Seek clarification and assistance from primary health care team.
  • 3.6. Document client informed consent in client records according to organisational policies and procedures.
4. Follow instructions to support safe use of medication.
  • 4.1. Assist client with medications according to prescribed and general instructions.
  • 4.2. Explain medication dosage to client and assist client to measure required dosage according to medication instructions.
  • 4.3. Assist client to use correct routes and methods to take medications according to medication instructions.
  • 4.4. Confirm client has taken the medication through observation and questioning.
  • 4.5. Observe client for any immediate adverse effect and event and advise primary health care team.
  • 4.6. Document the medication taken in client records according to organisational policies and procedures.
5. Provide information about storage and transport of medication.
  • 5.1. Explain to client how to store medication and purpose of correct storage.
  • 5.2. Confirm client can access or has an appropriate place to store medication, discuss any problems and advise primary health care team.
  • 5.3. Explain to client how to transport medication and importance of cold chain management.
  • 5.4. Confirm client understanding of storage and transportation requirements.
  • 5.5. Document all information given to client about storage and transport of medication.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG666 HLTAHW015 Work under instructions to support the safe use of medication Unit of competency