PC2004:03
Professional Pharmacy Practice 1
| Townsville | HECS Band 2 |
36 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials, 36 hours practicals. Semester 1.
Available to students enrolled in level 2 of the Bachelor of Pharmacy.
Staff: Assoc. Professor B Glass, Dr G Grant, Dr R Rasiah, Dr M Ridd and invited lecturers.
This subject examines the social and behavioural aspects of pharmacy practice and the pharmacist’s role as a primary health care provider within the multidisciplinary health care team. It has been designed to increase the students’ knowledge and understanding of verbal communication, history taking, interpersonal and counselling skills that consider the different cultural and socioeconomic needs of the patient. The provision of appropriate primary health care promotion information and the principles underlying quality use of medicines is introduced.
The student will also extend their knowledge and application of the pharmaceutics, solid pharmaceutical formulations, dosage forms, pharmaceutical correctness and appropriate presentation of the final product.
Learning Objectives:
- demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the concepts of pharmaceutical care and of quality use of medication and their relevance to rural and remote health care;
- further develop verbal communication and counselling skills required for the education of patients and the provision of advice to other health care professionals;
- develop awareness of the nature of the health care professions and the pharmacist’s role in both the primary and secondary care team;
- understand the fundamental concepts of quality in health care;
- consolidate understanding of the forensic aspects of pharmacy practice;
- demonstrate an understanding of the pharmaceutics of solid pharmaceutical formulations and dosage forms;
- develop an appreciation of the need for accuracy and thoroughness in extemporaneous dispensing and manufacturing operations;
- outline the principles of reaction kinetics and drug stability.
Assessment by a three-hour examination (60%); pharmacy practice assignment (10%), dispensing practical component (30%). The dispensing practical component is composed of 6% for four practical write-ups, 6% for the pre-practical examination and 18% for the practical examination. A satisfactory performance in all aspects of the course is required. This is defined as at least 60% in the dispensing practical examination and all laboratory reports and at least 50% for all other sections. Attendance at practicals is compulsory.