National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in ...

Standard 4.2 Consider the appropriateness of prescribed medicines
Performance Criteria
Evidence Examples
Element 3 – Promote optimal medicines use
2
1 Liaises with the prescriber
regarding suggested changes in
therapy to resolve or minimise
issues likely to adversely impact
on adherence.
• Ability to describe to the prescriber the rationale behind recommended
changes in treatment and to discuss alternative therapeutic options
where necessary.
The Competency Standards
2 Initiates action, in consultation
with prescribers and/or
consumers, to address issues
impacting on adherence.
3 Understands the need
to accurately code and
record clinical interventions
consistent with professional
standards or conventions
and workplace policy.
Standard 4.3 Dispense prescribed medicines
• Ability to recognise when a dose administration aid (DAA) or administration
device (e.g. spacer) may assist therapy.
• Ability to use a systematic classification and recording system for
clinical interventions.
• Ability to describe the process by which data on clinical interventions is
captured, analysed and used.
This Standard covers the physical process of dispensing prescribed medicines (including
into DAAs), with associated record management functions, and the supply of medicines and
medicines information to consumers. This latter function encompasses the application of
appropriate communication processes and professional judgement to provide the consumer
with sufficient information to use their medicines safely and effectively.
Pharmacists involved in dispensing will usually experience competing demands for their time and attention. Since such
circumstances can compromise the accuracy and quality of dispensing pharmacists must be vigilant about the rigour of
their dispensing processes and comply with workplace risk management policies and procedures.
Pharmacists are required to maintain records of dispensed medicines in a manner that meets legal and site specific
requirements. The unique features of the dispensing and other software and the relative importance of maintaining
inventory control electronically will often drive the systems used for record maintenance. Consumer medication records
will usually include relevant details such as age, weight, gender, allergies and details of the dose, form, and quantity of
dispensed medicines. They may also include laboratory test results, medical conditions and diseases, and details of
over‐the-counter medicines supplied.
Provision of medicines information is intended to enhance the consumer’s understanding, willingness and ability to
use medicines safely and effectively. The level of detail provided and the aspects of treatment discussed are matters of
professional judgment and will vary according to individual consumer’s needs. Information will usually be given verbally,
but should be supplemented by demonstration of technique and/or provision of written information (e.g. Consumer
Medicine Information (CMI) leaflets, consumer medication record cards or administration instruction sheets).
Standard 4.3 Dispense prescribed medicines
Performance Criteria
Evidence Examples
Element 1 – Apply a systematic dispensing procedure
1 Uses professional judgement
to determine the priority order
in which prescription medicines
are dispensed.
2 Maintains a logical, safe
and disciplined dispensing
procedure.
• Ability to decide a priority order for prescribed medicines, taking account of
factors such as the urgency of clinical need, professional activities involved
(e.g. compounding and recording), consumer safety and legal requirements.
• Ability to operate computerised dispensing and bar code scanning systems
to accurately select medicines and maintain consumer medication records.
• Ability to describe factors known to be associated with dispensing errors
(e.g. stock with similar corporate packaging, frequent interruptions).
• Ability to apply a systematic process which incorporates sequential checks
for accuracy.
• Ability to accurately select product, dosage form and required quantity.
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National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2010