for dispensing assistants

Accuracy Checking Course For Dispensing Assistants

Introduction

Introduction .......................................................................................................... 2 Course Materials ...................................................................................................... 2

How to Complete the Course ..................................................................................... 5 Stage 1 - The Underpinning Knowledge .......................................................................... 5 Stage 2 - The Practical Tasks ....................................................................................... 7 Stage 3 – Probation and Certification ............................................................................. 8 Stage 4 - Re-Accreditation .......................................................................................... 8

Rules and Regulations ............................................................................................ 10 The Accuracy Checking Dispensing Assistants Qualification ................................................. 10 Extenuating Circumstances ........................................................................................ 11 Student Handbook ................................................................................................... 12

The Learner Agreement ......................................................................................... 13 Declaration ........................................................................................................... 14

Contents



Version 2: March 2020 Copyright Buttercups Training Ltd

Introduction

Welcome to the Accuracy Checking Course for Dispensary Assistants and your new role of accuracy

checking.

This course was established in response to requests from pharmacists to enhance the skills of

dispensing assistants and enable appropriate skill mix in line with the Clinical Governance agenda

and the NHS Plan.

The scope of this course is to enable dispensing staff to carry out a final accuracy check of listed

dispensed items clinically approved by a registered pharmacist. It does not encompass aseptic

dispensing, self-checking of own dispensing or pre-packing. The qualification is dependent upon

standard operating procedures being in place.

The aim of this course is to help explain the accuracy checking role and all the implications it has on

practice within your dispensary. We will teach you the underpinning legal requirements, the

communication and teamwork involved and the consequences of making errors. Once you have an

understanding of the role then you must demonstrate that knowledge by collecting your own portfolio

of evidence. This is when you practise checking prescriptions in your own dispensary under the

supervision of another person qualified to check.

You may have a printed copy of this course or you may be accessing the materials on-line. Either

way, here is the content of the course:

Module 1 - Law Refresher

Module 2 - Dispensing Errors*

Module 3 - Psychology of Errors

Module 4 - Medication Errors*

Module 5 - Standard Operating Procedures*

Module 6 - Checking Activity

Module 7 - Re-accreditation*

*These modules have assessments or paperwork which must be submitted to Buttercups Training.

You are required to complete modules 1 to 5 before module 6 can be started.

Introduction

Course Materials




Introduction

The modules that follow do not contain everything you will ever need to know - current theory and

practice are constantly changing and progressing! Instead the training materials within this course

are designed to provide you with an account of the information you need to perform as an effective

accuracy checker. They have been compiled using our pharmacists’ knowledge and experience as

well as the relevant and up-to-date reference sources used in pharmacy.

Each module is broken down into smaller sections relating to a particular aspect of pharmacy. This

allows you to work at your own pace; you can tackle each section on an individual basis without the

need to endure long study sessions, which are not often welcome after a hard day at work. Please

be aware that you are not expected to remember every single fact and piece of information in this

course. You should, of course, do your best to understand the information covered and put it into

practice; and the course materials and workbook should be kept safe so that you can refer back to

them in the future.

Throughout the course we use several symbols to help draw your attention to important points and

guide you through the material. The material is also set out so that important information is

highlighted to make it clearer and easier to follow.

Tick: This symbol is used to highlight a checklist or contents page

Scales: This symbol is used to highlight legal or professional matters

E.g.: This symbol is used when we talk about a specific example to explain a concept or

treatment

Pencil: This symbol is used when we ask you to write something or complete an activity

Green cross: This symbol is used whenever we provide information about referring to the

pharmacist




Introduction

Speech bubble: This symbol is used to highlight advice or useful information you can give to

your customers

Exclamation mark: This symbol is used to highlight very important information or warnings

that you must be aware of

Within the course we will also use some common terms which are defined below:

The Candidate

This will be you the Dispensing Assistant undertaking this course.

The Facilitator

This will be the pharmacist, an accredited checking pharmacy technician or GP who has signed

your enrolment form. Their role is to provide guidance, general support and feedback to you.

Clinical Screen

This is a review of the prescription or prescription chart by a pharmacist, or a GP in a dispensing

practice, to assess appropriateness of the drug, dose, form and strength, and any legal

requirements. The prescription must be clearly endorsed with any action or information

required, and initialed to say this screening process has occurred.

The Invigilator

This can be any pharmacist, accredited checking pharmacy technician or GP who is not your

facilitator. Their role is to check the exam is set up correctly and to supervise you during the

exam.




Introduction

The course follows a set order and there is a limited number of attempts you can have at each stage

of the process. The overview of the course will now be explained over the next few pages. We will

also indicate in this section when work needs to be submitted and the timescales for doing so to act

as a quick reminder once you have started.

This overview of the course will be explained in more depth as you progress though each stage of

your course, along with details of when you may need to contact Buttercups for further advice.

How to Complete the Course

Stage 1 - The Underpinning Knowledge

Read Introduction Submit Learner Agreement

No Assessment

Submit MCQ Assessment

Submit MCQ Assessment

Submit SOP Declaration to Buttercups

No Assessment

Complete Module 1

Complete Module 2

Complete Module 3

Complete Module 4

Complete Module 5

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Introduction

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) will assess the knowledge you have gained by studying the

module and your ability to put that knowledge into practice. It makes sense to complete this

assessment online if possible; your results will be given instantly and your record will be

updated immediately to show you have achieved the module. When completing the

assessment online you will be given two attempts to pass the test before being ‘locked out’

(the pass mark is 80% for each modules). After being ‘locked out’ you will have one final

attempt to pass the test.

Alternatively the module tests can be completed on paper and you should post your answers to

us; the pass mark is still 80%. Remember to photocopy your answers before sending them (in

case of loss) and that there will be a delay due to postage and marking before you receive your

results.

If any module test is not achieved after three attempts then alternative test questions will be

set by Buttercups. If these new questions are not passed on the first attempt you will be

withdrawn from the course.




Introduction

Checking Activity - 1000 items (could be extended to 1250 items on first attempt)

You must check 1000 items which someone else has dispensed and your work must then be

checked by a qualified accuracy checker or pharmacist, or if working in a dispensing practice a

GP could also complete the check.

To pass this assessment you must reach the 1000 items without any serious checking errors or

only up to 2 less serious checking errors.

If any serious errors or 3 less serious errors are made the checking activity will be extended to

1250 items and no further errors can be made. Please contact Buttercups at this stage.

If any further errors are made this is classed as a failed attempt at your checking portfolio and

you must then restart your portfolio again, you will need to contact Buttercups before

restarting. You will then have a second attempt to complete a 1000 item checking portfolio. If

you fail to do so on your second attempt then you may be withdrawn from the course; you will

need to contact Buttercups for advice at this stage. No more than two attempts are allowed

before re-training is required.

Stage 2 - The Practical Tasks

Read Module 6 No Assessment

Candidate Records Checking Activity in Portfolio

Start 1000 Item Checking Activity

Appraisal Completed with Facilitator

On Reaching

1000/1250 Items

Appraisal Completed with Facilitator.

Return all portfolio records to Buttercups for assessment

(Appendix 1, 3, 4 and appraisals)

On Reaching 500

Items

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Introduction

Stage 3 – Probation and Certification

Receive confirmation from Buttercups that you can proceed to the probation period

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2 week probation period within the dispensary Second checking gradually decreases to zero

Certificate issued Valid for 2 years

Return declaration to Buttercups on successful completion of probation period

Stage 4 - Re-Accreditation

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Return re-accreditation

paperwork to Buttercups after

2 years

Module 7 (re-accreditation workbook) to be completed over

two year period

Re-accreditation Certificate issued Valid for 2 years




Introduction

As part of our commitment to giving our students the highest quality of education, all of the

following benefits are offered to our learners:

You have access to our password protected PeTS website (Pharmacy e-learning Training

Service) which offers online support in the form of course materials, tutorials, course

information and much more

We run a telephone helpline 7 days a week so you can speak to one of us if you need help

whenever you are studying

You can email us at any time with a course query or pharmaceutical query and the appropriate

member of our team will respond as soon as possible. Remember to include your name and

the course you are taking as well as details of your query.

Course tutors are available to talk through any course issues with candidates and employers

Our teaching team is on hand to offer students additional support when required

Tutorial sessions can be delivered via telephone

We hope that you enjoy your training course and the new knowledge and abilities it will give you;

remember, the more effort you put in to your learning the more benefits you will get out of it. We

are here to help you as much as we can so please make the most of the resources on offer. The

Buttercups team wishes you every success in your training and for your on-going development in the

workplace.

Before continuing with your course, please read the rules and regulations of your course then sign

the learner agreement. This is the agreement between Buttercups Training, your pharmacist and

yourself which sets out the obligations and responsibilities we each have in relation to your learning.

Good Luck!

Contact Details

Tel: 0115 9374936 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0115 9371675

www.buttercups.co.uk

Buttercups Training Ltd Buttercups HouseCastlebridge Office VillageCastle Marina RoadNottinghamNG7 1TN

http://www.buttercups.co.uk/




Introduction

Your answers to any activities must be written neatly in ink, using full sentences. Work completed

in pencil will be returned unmarked. Only approved abbreviations may be used when writing your

answers e.g. errors codes will be accepted in your checking log but drug names should be written

in full.

You must undertake training to demonstrate your competency in this role, such as this course.

Buttercups Training requires you to complete this course in no less than 3 months but no more

than 12 months, unless there are extenuating circumstances (see next section).

What could happen if you do not complete within the timeframe allowed by Buttercups?

You may be withdrawn from the course

You may have to repeat course work or do further assessments

You may be given an extension based on extenuating circumstances

Your employer may ask you to complete an alternative course

What could happen if you fail the course?

You may have to restart the course from the beginning and complete new assessments

You may be withdrawn from the course

Your employer may ask you to complete an alternative course with a different training

provider

What happens if you wish to be reinstated to the course after you have been withdrawn?

This will depend on the circumstances of why you were withdrawn; if you were withdrawn due to

failure or malpractice you will not be eligible for reinstatement. If you were withdrawn due to

illness, a change of circumstances or extenuating circumstances then it is possible to be reinstated.

Please contact us at Buttercups for advice as it will depend on the amount of time that has elapsed

since being withdrawn; possible options are:

You will be reinstated at the point you were withdrawn

You will be reinstated at the point you were withdrawn but additional up to date assessments

may be required by your workplace pharmacist

You will be reinstated but will need to restudy the course from the beginning

Presentation

The Accuracy Checking Dispensing Assistants Qualification

Rules and Regulations




Introduction

What happens if you change employer?

Your course can only be transferred to your new employer if you are working in a dispensary and any

contractual arrangements with your employer have been met. Depending on the stage you are at

within the course you may also need to repeat some assessments with your new employer.

If you have completed part of another pharmacy training course previously then do you need

to complete the whole of this course?

We are not able to accredit prior learning from a previous course, so you will need to complete

the whole of the Buttercups accuracy checking course in order to be certificated.

What other change of circumstance should be notified to Buttercups Training Ltd?

If your circumstances change within the dispensary we need to know about this so that we can

ensure you are still being sufficiently supported to be able to complete this course. Occasionally

due to your change in circumstances we may come and visit you in your workplace or contact you

on the telephone to check on your progress or competence in the workplace.

You must let us know if any of the following occur:

Your facilitator leaves and a new one arrives

Your workplace changes ownership or moves location

You change your hours or your job role

You have a serious illness which affects your ability to carry out the role

What are extenuating circumstances?

Extenuating circumstances are circumstances beyond your control which prevented you from

submitting part or all of your coursework within the timeframe required. It could also be the case

that you completed a test or submitted coursework, but your performance was adversely affected by

extenuating circumstances. Although often medical in nature, anything which is unforeseeable or

unpreventable may be considered an extenuating circumstance (for example, a family bereavement).

How do I present details of my extenuating circumstances?

A form in the student handbook which you will find on your course website has been designed to give

you the opportunity to set out the details of your extenuating circumstances. Any evidence in support

of your claim should be submitted with the form to Buttercups Training via recorded mail.

Extenuating Circumstances




Introduction

When do I present details of extenuating circumstances?

Claims for extenuating circumstances should be made at the time the circumstances occurred.

What will happen to my completed form?

Your submission will be considered by Buttercups Training and the outcome communicated to you. If

the evidence is accepted you may have the following outcome:

Your original assessment can be nullified

You could be given the opportunity to be assessed on a further occasion

You can be withdrawn from your course until you are well enough to continue

You could have additional time added to your course deadlines

Buttercups Training provides a student handbook which is available on-line on the PeTS website

once you have logged in to your course with your username and password. Outlined below is the

information that is available on the website. If you do not have access to this please contact us

and we will be able to send you a copy of the handbook.

Student Grievance: If you are dissatisfied with your course or how you have been treated as a

student we have a stepwise procedure in place to deal with this. In the first instance you should

contact our Student Liaison Officer.

Appeals: If you wish to appeal against an assessment decision on your course then this section of

the handbook will outline how to proceed with this.

Equality and Diversity: We treat all students with respect. If you feel you have been discriminated

against then please follow our grievance procedure. We are also able to make reasonable

adjustments under the Equality Act if you have a disability which could affect your progress

through the course. Please contact Buttercups Training if you would like an adjustment to be

made, and we will send out the necessary form for you to complete.

Plagiarism: All the work submitted must be your own. Any work found to be plagiarised could

result in you being requested to complete additional assignments, or in a serious case being

withdrawn from the course. For more information on plagiarism consult our policy in the student

handbook.

Malpractice: If you are concerned that there has been any malpractice by you, a fellow learner, your

supervising pharmacist or any staff from Buttercups Training then this policy will help explain what

you should do. Malpractice is essentially any activity or practice which deliberately contravenes

regulations and compromises the integrity of the assessment process and/or the validity of

certificates.

Student Handbook




Introduction

This agreement is between you, the learner, your facilitator and Buttercups Training Ltd. This

Learner Agreement must be discussed by you and your facilitator prior to the start of the course.

Data protection consent:

Learner’s Responsibilities:

I will take responsibility for my course, making sure I meet all of my targets and deadlines.

All work I submit for assessment will be my own.

I will actively participate in all learning activities whilst on this course.

I will ask for support from my Employer or Buttercups Training Ltd if I am unsure, or do not

understand any aspect of my course or assessment

I will contact Buttercups Training Ltd if I require a paper copy of the student handbook.

I will contact Buttercups Training Ltd if there is any change to my circumstances

I will contact Buttercups Training Ltd if I require any adjustment for my course under the

Equality Act

Facilitator’s Responsibilities:

I will provide you with study time where possible.

I will support you throughout the course.

I will ensure that you are working in the appropriate area to be able to complete your course.

I will support you in making sure all your work meets the requirements stated.

Buttercups’ Responsibilities:

We treat all learners with fairness regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, race,

gender, religion, marriage or civil partnership, or pregnancy.

We will respond to all enquiries in a timely manner.

We will follow procedures laid down in the student handbook

All submitted work will be assessed by qualified staff within a reasonable time period.

The Learner Agreement




Introduction

Under UK and European Data Protection legislation, data from which living individuals can be

identified are classed as 'personal data'. The handling of personal data has to comply with legal

requirements covering such things as the way in which this information is acquired, how it is

processed and the extent to which it is disclosed or transferred to others. Buttercups Training

needs to store data about you and your course progress.

The data you provide on this form will be used by Buttercups Training for administrative and

statistical purposes. By submitting your personal data you are giving your consent for it to be used

for these purposes. It will be used in accordance with the relevant legislation, including the Data

Protection Act 1998. If you have any questions about the use of the data collected here or other

personal information, please contact Buttercups Training on 0115 937 4936.

By completing this Learner Agreement and returning it to Buttercups with the homework

assessment questions from Module 2 you also are consenting to us storing your data electronically.

I can confirm that I have read through, understood and completed the Learner Agreement. I also

give my consent to the storage of personal information about me and my course progress. I

understand that this information may remain available and in storage after I have finished my

course of study.

Learner

Print Name: Signature: Date:

................................................. ................................................. ...........................

Workplace Facilitator


................................................. ................................................. ...........................

Job Title: GPhC/GMC Registration Number:

.................................................................... ......................................................................

Buttercups Training Ltd. Representative


................................................. ................................................. ...........................

Declaration

for dispensing assistants

Documents