About the course
ABOUT THE COURSE
This course is designed for Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Assistants working in a ward based/clinical setting assessing patients’ own medication and organising further supply.
The use of patients’ own drugs (PODs) is widespread within healthcare organisations in the UK. It has been shown to have a beneficial effect on medicines wastage and drug expenditure and also, facilitates the transfer of patients between care settings.
Module 1 develops the skills and competency of Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Assistants determining the suitability of PODs for use.
Module 2 focuses on developing skills and competency to order medicines, and identify and resolve risks associated with the supply of medicines. It therefore covers skills such as the ability to recognise inappropriate use of medicines and missed doses, and also covers effective waste management through correct storage conditions.
Both modules also cover:
The identification of discrepancies and issues that may arise as part of the process
How these discrepancies and issues are dealt with in the workplace through appropriate referral
Underpinning skills which are fundamental to the work and professionalism of pharmacy technicians and assistants
It may suit your workplace to undertake both modules at the same time; however, there may be instances where only one of the modules needs to be undertaken.
The course is delivered using a blended learning delivery method, consisting of e-learning, face-to-face teaching and the collection of workplace evidence.
To complete the course, candidates are required to:
- Complete e-learning packages
- Attend a virtual study day
- Build a portfolio of evidence, including a log of 100 correctly checked PODs (Module 1) and a log of 100 correctly transcribed items (Module 2)
- Undertake and reflect on five holistic observations per module
- Complete an external review
Once registered candidates will need to complete the following depending on their role.
Pharmacy technicians need to complete the following:
- CPPE ‘professionalism’ workshop
Pharmacy assistants need to complete the following online learning prior to
attending the study day:
- Basic Pharmaceutical Calculation
- Communication Skills
- Formulations, routes of administration and abbreviations
Entry Criteria and Pre-requisites
ENTRY CRITERIA
The minimum entry requirements:
- Has at least 3 months’ experience of working within the organisation where they will be working in a medicines management role.
- A recommendation from the Senior Pharmacy Manager or designated Deputy to undertake the Programme.
- Will work in a patient facing role and has had a three-month induction in this area.
- Evidence of NVQ level 2 for pharmacy assistants or a relevant pharmacy technician qualification
PRE-REQUISITES
Prior to attending the study day, all candidates should:
- Have been assigned a suitably qualified Educational Supervisor*
- Be familiar with local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to the medicines management role in which they will be working
- Have completed a full induction into the area where they will be working with a suitably experienced Pharmacist or Pharmacy Technician who is accredited in medicines management or has equivalent experience at the practice base to be acknowledged as occupationally competent
*Educational Supervisors must be on the UEA approved list. All new Educational Supervisors are required to email.
Dates and Registration
ONLINE TRAINING
Wednesday 16th Oct 2024
Wednesday 22nd Jan 2025
Wednesday 14th May 2025
REGISTRATION
Pharmacy Technicians wishing to register for the Programme should do so via the link to the UEA Application Form below:
On entering the site you will be prompted to create a user account and then select 'Professional Development Applications' to apply for the course