Unit Code: PHM713

Unit Name: Pharmacy Practice 2

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 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 emphasis 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, the students will be able to: 1. Describe the general structure of the legal system in Fiji and explain the reasons for drug-related legislation. 2. Explain the concepts of primary legislation (Acts) and subsidiary or secondary legislation (Regulations) and different process of formulating each type. 3. Distinguish between legislation controlling the professional practice of pharmacy and the legislation controlling access to drugs and poisons. 4. Review the Pharmacy Profession Act and apply it to practice based case scenarios with the aim of ensuring public safety. 5. Review the Medicinal Products Act and interpret the controls it places on the access, sales and importation of Medicinal products. 6. Describe the Illicit Act and its application to control access to medications that have potential for abuse. 7. Discuss the concepts in the Pharmacy Regulations and its application to everyday pharmacy practice scenarios. 8. Explain the role of pharmacists in prevention and treatment of poisoning in the home and in hospital settings. 9. Discuss the concepts important to Health Economics with special focus on Pharmacoeconomics. 10. Discuss the role of nutritional supplements in healthcare and apply this knowledge to appropriately advice patients on its safe use. 11. Demonstrate basic financial management skills including the preparation and analysis of balance sheets; preparation of financial reports; cost and accrual accounting. 12. Design and present a health promotion project and reflect on its importance to public health awareness. 13. Explore and reflect on community pharmacy practice and related professional activities and services provided by a pharmacist. 14. Demonstrate use of Over the Counter (OTC) medicines and pharmacists role in the diagnosis and treatment of simple medical conditions encountered in everyday practice. 15. Demonstrate effective communication skills when dealing with patients, colleagues and other health care professionals in an ethical manner.

Prerequisite: PTH610, PHM610, PHM612, PHM611 & PHM613

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 30

Offered In: Semester 1,2