2.34904 PHARMACY DISPENSING

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the skills and attitude necessary to correctly dispense medicines and to provide information and advice on the rational use of medicines by the patient. To provide the students with a detailed examination of the laws applicable to the practice of pharmacy in PNG. On completion, the student should be able to read and interpret prescriptions correctly; demonstrate a high accuracy in the dispensing of medicines; provide proper directions on how the patient should use his/her medicines; provide important information on drug effects, therapeutic, adverse drug reactions and drug interactions as applicable; understand how to manage an area medical store; have an understanding of the legal aspects relating to the activities of managing a pharmacy and including the manufacturing, packaging, safe storage and supply of medicines, poisons and other dangerous substances in accordance with the pharmacy law in PNG; have an understanding of the ethics involved in the practice of pharmacy; and have a knowledge of the legal limitations of the practice of pharmacy. Students will be visiting hospital pharmacies and area medical stores and work for a specified period of time in these places under the supervision of pharmacy personnel. They will also be trained in how to write clinical reports and their progress will be monitored by appropriate university teaching staff. Interpretation of prescription requirements, interpretation of formulae from official compendia (books of drug standards), calculation of quantities from formulae, checking drug doses, methods of preparation of prescription content packaging and labelling.

Contact hours: 6 hours working in a hospital pharmacy and area medical stores.

Prerequisite: Completion of Year 2 courses.

Assessment: Tests, assignments, structured supervisory reports (60%), written reports, final exam (40%).