Buttercups Training
Dispensing Assistant Course Welcome to the Buttercups Dispensing Assistant Course! This course is designed to be completed by pharmacy support staff involved in the supply or manufacture of prescribed medicines or the management of pharmacy stock. It has been written by Buttercups Training Ltd. Upon successful completion of this course you will be a qualified Dispensing/Pharmacy Assistant and will have met the Pharmacy Regulator's minimum requirements for staff working in pharmacies.
The course modules provide the underpinning knowledge for the qualification. Most students will complete modules 1-12, however, those involved in the manufacture of medicines within hospitals and manufacturing units will need to complete additional modules (and possibly omit one or more of the first 12 modules) to ensure the course meets their needs. If you are involved in the manufacture of medicines you will be advised which modules to complete upon enrolment. The objectives for each module can be found in the course matrix which follows this introduction and are repeated on the first page of each module. Any reference sources needed are also given at the start of the module. You should record the title of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that are relevant to each module either in the space provided on page 1, or within your workbook. SOPs are introduced in Module 1 and whilst studying this course you must ensure you locate and read the ones relevant to your role as staff must abide by them at all times. After each module there is a set of activities to complete which can be found in the separate workbook. These vary from module to module and are designed to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the module and how to apply the knowledge you have acquired to your working practice. You cannot complete the course if you do not submit the completed learner agreement and all relevant workbook declarations. TThhee aannsswweerrss wwrriitttteenn iinn yyoouurr wwoorrkkbbooookk aanndd aallll ddaatteess aanndd ssiiggnnaattuurreess mmuusstt bbee iinn iinnkk.. The completed tasks do not need to be sent to Buttercups for assessment at the end of each module but they must be completed and kept in a safe place as they may need to be submitted for verification at any time, even after you have completed the course. At the end of each module's tasks your pharmacist/pharmacy technician will need to review your answers. Once this is done, they then sign the declaration for that module to confirm they have reviewed the work and are satisfied you are competently putting the knowledge acquired into practice.
Course Structure
The Modules
The Workbook Tasks
In
trod
uctio
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Introduction
Buttercups Training
Dispensing Assistant Course
Introduction Version 3: January 2011 Page 2 Copyright Buttercups Training Ltd
Introduction
Once the declaration has been completed by your pharmacist/pharmacy technician you should complete the multiple-choice assessment questions for the module. TThhee aannsswweerrss ttoo tthhee mmuullttiippllee--cchhooiiccee qquueessttiioonnss mmuusstt bbee wwrriitttteenn iinn iinnkk aanndd aa mmaaxxiimmuumm ooff ttwwoo
mmoodduulleess sshhoouulldd bbee ssuubbmmiitttteedd ffoorr mmaarrkkiinngg aatt aannyy ttiimmee.. Write your name and pharmacy address neatly on each sheet and photocopy your work before sending the originals to Buttercups for marking. Homework is marked on receipt and returned by second class mail within 48 hours. If you have not received your marked work within a week please contact us. Pass Marks
The pass mark for each module is 70%, except for calculations where students must achieve 100%. If you do not pass a module the questions answered incorrectly will be identified and you will be given the opportunity to submit them again. If you do not pass on resubmission, a different set of questions will be sent to you. If you fail to meet the pass mark you may be withdrawn from the course prior to discussion with your employer. The course will typically take a year to complete, this is based on the assumption that at least one module will be completed each month. If you fall behind, please get in touch so we can work together to get you back on track. A sample learning log is available on the course website (see below) which can be used to set target dates and record your progress. Alternatively, the course matrix which follows has a blank column which can be used to record target and completion dates if preferred. Candidates completing this course as part of a funded programme e.g. as part of an apprenticeship, must complete the learning logs issued by the Funding Team at Buttercups.
At the very beginning of your workbook there is a Learner Agreement for you and your supervising pharmacist/pharmacy technician to read and sign before you start the course. It sets out your responsibilities, those of your supervising pharmacist/pharmacy technician and those of Buttercups Training as your training provider. TThhee ccoommpplleetteedd aaggrreeeemmeenntt mmuusstt bbee ssuubbmmiitttteedd wwiitthh tthhee mmuullttiippllee--cchhooiiccee aasssseessssmmeenntt qquueessttiioonnss ffoorr
MMoodduullee 11..
The Workbook Multiple-Choice Assessment Questions
Course Duration
Learner Agreement
Buttercups Training
Dispensing Assistant Course
Introduction Version 3: January 2011 Page 3 Copyright Buttercups Training Ltd
Introduction
Upon enrolment you will be issued with a username and password for the Buttercups Pharmacy e-learning Training Service (PeTS) website which can be accessed through our main website (address below). The PeTS site allows you to view your module marks and access the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) area for this course. Students are also notified of course updates and amendments through this website. The student handbook is also available on-line and contains information about how the course is assessed, our plagiarism policy and the appeals process. If you need help with your coursework you can call the student support line on the number below. It is manned in the evenings and at weekends, as well as during office hours. You can also e-mail us for help. If you have any special learning needs, or need additional support for any reason, please let us know. We can help you to get the most from your course.
WWee pprriiddee oouurrsseellvveess oonn bbeeiinngg aa
ffrriieennddllyy ttrraaiinniinngg pprroovviiddeerr ssoo pplleeaassee
ccoonnttaacctt uuss wwiitthh aannyy qquueerriieess.. OOnnee ooff
uuss wwiillll bbee aabbllee ttoo hheellpp!!
Information, Support and Guidance
Contact Details Tel: 0115 9374936 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 0115 9371675 www.buttercups.co.uk
Buttercups Training Ltd 1-2 The Courtyard Main Street Keyworth Nottingham NG12 5AW
Buttercups Training
Dispensing Assistant Course
Introduction Version 3: January 2011 Page 4 Copyright Buttercups Training Ltd
Introduction
Module Objectives Target & Achievement Dates
Module 1 Working in the Pharmacy Team Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be able to:
Identify key members of the Pharmacy Team
Discuss the importance of effective communication and good working relationships on teamwork
Describe the structure of the Health Service
Outline the role of other organisations in relation to pharmacy
State what a standard operating procedure is and know the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures at all times
Name three reference sources used frequently by the Pharmacy Team
Module 2 Communicating with Pharmacy Customers Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be able
to:
Give examples of internal and external customers
Explain the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication
Give an example of one physical barrier and one psychological barrier to communication
Identify patients with special communication needs
Briefly explain the way the Data Protection Act 1998 affects the information you can provide to customers
List some of the services that pharmacies offer
Handle complaints according to their organisation's procedures
Dispensing Assistant Course Contents Matrix
Buttercups Training
Dispensing Assistant Course
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Introduction
Module Objective Target & Achievement Dates
Module 3 Law, Regulations and Health and Safety in Pharmacy Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be able to:
Name the laws that affect pharmacy and understand their impact on practice
Name and understand the health and safety laws that relate to pharmacy
Module 4 Receiving a Prescription Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be able to:
Recognise private and NHS prescription
forms
Check that a prescription meets the legal
requirements
Confirm that a prescription contains
sufficient information for dispensing
Understand Latin abbreviations used on
prescriptions
Explain what to do if they suspect a
prescription is fraudulent
Understand the procedures and records
which must be kept for emergency
supplies of prescription-only medicines
Module 5 The Drug Tariff Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be able to:
Confirm whether a medicine, food or
cosmetic can be prescribed under the
National Health Service (NHS)
Correctly endorse prescriptions
Locate and use the Dental and Nurse
Practitioner Formularies in the Drug Tariff
Calculate the charges payable for
prescriptions
Buttercups Training
Dispensing Assistant Course
Introduction Version 3: January 2011 Page 6 Copyright Buttercups Training Ltd
Introduction
Module Objective Target & Achievement Dates
Module 6 Controlled Drugs Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will:
Have an understanding of the Misuse of
Drugs Act 1976 and the Misuse of Drugs
Regulations 2001, as amended
Be able to check that prescriptions for
Controlled Drugs meet all the legal
requirements
Know the records which must be kept in
relation to the receipt and supply of
Controlled Drugs
Know the storage requirements for
Controlled Drugs
Have an understanding of the rules
relating to the destruction of Controlled
Drugs
Be aware of the use of Controlled Drugs in
the treatment of addiction
Module 7 Calculations Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be able to:
Convert quantities between units of mass and
between units of volume
Calculate the percentage strength of a
product
Work out the quantity to supply based on the
dose and duration of treatment
Calculate a dose based on a patient's weight
Calculate the quantity of ingredients needed
for an extemporaneous preparation from the
formula
Buttercups Training
Dispensing Assistant Course
Introduction Version 3: January 2011 Page 7 Copyright Buttercups Training Ltd
Introduction
Module Objective Target & Achievement Dates
Module 8 Assembling a Prescription Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be able to:
Understand the equipment and facilities a
dispensary should have and know their
importance
Understand some of the risks associated
with dispensing and how to minimise those
risks
Have a working knowledge of the different
stages of the assembly process
Know the details which need to be on the
label of a dispensed medicine
Be able to perform an in-process self-check
of dispensed items
Module 9 Giving Out a Prescription and Patient Counselling Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will:
Know their role/responsibilities in relation
to supplying prescribed items and
counselling patients
Know the importance of maintaining patient
confidentiality when counselling a patient
Understand the importance of confirming a
patient's name and address at the point of
supply
Have an awareness of the key points
discussed when counselling a patient
Understand that in addition to telling
patients information about their
prescription it may be necessary to
demonstrate how to use an item, provide
written information, or refer the patient to
an electronic source of information
Know when and how to refer to their
pharmacist or a pharmacy technician when
counselling patients
Buttercups Training
Dispensing Assistant Course
Introduction Version 3: January 2011 Page 8 Copyright Buttercups Training Ltd
Introduction
Module Objective Target & Achievement Dates
Module 10 Ordering, Receiving, Storing and Issuing Stock Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be able
to:
List the things that need to be considered
before an order is placed
Name the common sources of
pharmaceutical stock
Identify the checks that should take place
before an order is placed and upon receipt
Give examples of items requiring special
storage conditions
List the factors that can affect the stability
of medicines
Describe how stock should be stored
Outline the process of issuing stock
State the four categories assigned to
recalled products
Module 11 Medicines for Veterinary Use Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be able
to:
State the different classifications of
veterinary medicines
Confirm whether a prescription for a
veterinary medicine meets all the legal
requirements
Know the records to make when
supplying a veterinary medicine
Have an understanding of the
"prescribing cascade" system used by
veterinary surgeons
State the identification number of the
form used to report suspected adverse
reactions to veterinary medicines
Buttercups Training
Dispensing Assistant Course
Introduction Version 3: January 2011 Page 9 Copyright Buttercups Training Ltd
Introduction
Module Objective Target & Achievement Dates
Module 12 Dispensing Errors Training Solution Training Module Training Workbook
By the end of this module a student will be
able to
Give examples of common errors
Be able to classify errors
State the possible consequences of an
error
Identify factors that contribute to and can
cause errors
Suggest ways to prevent errors
State their organisation's procedure for
reporting near misses and errors
State their role and responsibilities in
managing an error