Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is the first of the integrated pharmacy practice units in the Master of Pharmacy program. This unit begins by introducing students to the role of the pharmacist as a provider of primary health care, and establishes the context for the applied knowledge of pharmacy. It provides foundation knowledge necessary for further pharmacy practice units throughout the course.

Students are introduced to the area of pharmacy governance which encompasses regulatory, legislative and ethical frameworks that form the cornerstones of the practice of pharmacy. Consideration is given to the legislation controlling pharmaceutical products and pharmacy practice and the nature and operation of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the responsibilities of the pharmacist in relation to this scheme. Students develop communication skills and a sound understanding of the principles of evidence-based medicine that are essential for delivering health care information to patients and others. The use of drug information resources available to the pharmacist is reviewed. The role of the pharmacist as a health care practitioner is exemplified by experiential opportunity to interview patients about their health and medicines.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the role of the pharmacist as a healthcare provider; (2) describe the concept of ethical practice and the role of reflection in a pharmacist's professional development; (3) appreciate that pharmacists, as healthcare providers, must respect the beliefs, values and attitudes of the diverse population they serve; (4) identify, access and understand the regulatory and legislative frameworks that apply to the practice of pharmacy; (5) describe the concept of evidence-based medicine and use appropriate sources for obtaining medicine and health information; (6) explain the elements of effective communication and demonstrate basic communication with patients and healthcare practitioners; (7) identify the minimum requirements for prescriptions; and (8) demonstrate a basic knowledge of common medicines and their doses.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written assessments; (2) oral assessment; (3) assignments; and (4) professional behaviour assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the professional behaviour assessment component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Ms Jamie Ly
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
51500 Master of Pharmacy
Co-requisites
PHCY5606 Foundations of Primary Care (ID 3714)
Contact hours
6 hours per week
Recommended
reading

Australian Medicines Handbook, current edn: Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd

Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook, current edn: Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

Kyle, G., Firipis, M. and Tietze, K. Skills for Pharmacists: a Patient-focused Approach: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier 2015

Chen, T. et al. Medication Review: a Process Guide for Pharmacists, current edn: Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

Chen, T. et al. Pharmacist Only and Pharmacy Medicines: a Process Guide for Pharmacists, current edn: Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

Gowan, J. and Roller, L. Practical Disease State Management for Pharmacists, current edn: Australian Pharmaceutical Publishing Company

 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.