Unit Code: PHM713

Unit Name: Community Pharmacy & Law

Description: This course is designed to provide students with the unique knowledge and skills of the pharmacist in optimizing the use of medicines and improving health outcomes of the people necessary for pharmacy practice. The overall objective of this unit is for the students to develop a good practical knowledge and understanding of pharmacy practice and application of that knowledge to solve practice-related problems. In semester one, students will be introduced to topics concerning over-the-counter or non-prescription products for a range of of conditions managed by community pharmacists. There is focus on quality use of medicines, pharmaceutical care, patient counselling and development of communication and dispensing skills. Pharmacy practice is governed by rules, regulations and laws. In the second semester students will learn legislations governing pharmacy practice in Fiji in order to have integrity and professionalism in practice. As well as lectures and tutorials, this unit also features a two-week placement in a retail pharmacy and undertaking a health promotion activity. Particular emphasisis is placed on the integration of knowledge gained from other units within the pharmacy course and application of that knowledge to solve practice-related problems.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate use of Over the Counter (OTC) medicines and the ability to diagnosis and treat simple medical conditions encountered in everyday practice 2. Demonstrate effective communication skills when dealing with patients, colleagues and other health care professionals. 3. Design and present a health promotion project and reflect on its importance to public health awareness. 4. Discuss the role of nutritional supplements in healthcare and apply this knowledge to appropriately advice patients on its safe use. 5. Discuss the concepts important to Health Economics with special focus on Pharmacoeconomics. 6. Explain the theory and practice of managing a community pharmacy from both the professional and business perspectives 7. Explore and reflect on community pharmacy practice and related professional activities and services provided by a pharmacist 8. Describe the general structure of the legal system in Fiji and explain the reasons for drug-related legislation 9. Demonstrate the skills to read and interpret primary legislation (Acts) and subsidiary or secondary legislation (Regulations) 10. Review the Pharmacy Profession Act and apply it to practice based case scenarios with the aim of ensuring public safety 11. Review the Medicinal Products Act and interpret the controls it places on the access, sales and importation of Medicinal products 12. Describe the Illicits Act and its application to control access to medications that have potential for abuse 13. iscuss the concepts in the Pharmacy Regulations and its application to everyday pharmacy practice scenarios

Prerequisite: PHM613

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 30

Offered In: Semester 1,2