Unit 1513 Comprehensive Outline

1. Introduction to Pharmacy Practice

1.1 Roles and Responsibilities of Pharmacy Interns

• Overview of pharmacy intern duties
• Scope of practice
• Interprofessional collaboration

1.2 Pharmacy Laws and Regulations

• Introduction to pharmacy laws
• Regulatory bodies and their roles
• Compliance requirements

1.3 Ethical Considerations in Pharmacy

• Principles of pharmacy ethics
• Confidentiality and patient privacy
• Professional conduct

2. Pharmaceutical Calculations

2.1 Basic Dosage Calculations

• Units of measurement
• Dose calculations based on weight and age

2.2 Intravenous (IV) Flow Rate Calculations

• Calculating flow rates (drops/min, mL/hr)
• Infusion time calculations

2.3 Medication Conversions

• Metric, apothecary, and household conversions
• Concentration and dilution calculations

3. Medication Dispensing Process

3.1 Prescription Interpretation

• Components of a valid prescription
• Identifying errors and clarifications

3.2 Drug Product Selection

• Brand vs. generic
• Formulation considerations

3.3 Labeling and Packaging

• Legal requirements for labels
• Packaging standards and safety

4. Drug Information Resources

4.1 Drug Databases

• Common electronic databases (e.g., Micromedex, Lexicomp)

4.2 Formularies and Reference Books

• National and institutional formularies
• Use of pharmacopoeias and manuals

4.3 Evaluating Drug Information

• Assessing reliability and validity

5. Patient Counseling and Communication

5.1 Communication Techniques

• Active listening
• Clear and empathetic language

5.2 Counseling on Medication Use

• Dosage and administration
• Side effects and precautions

5.3 Cultural Competence and Sensitivity

• Addressing diverse patient needs

6. Medication Therapy Management (MTM)

6.1 Principles of MTM

• Medication reconciliation
• Assessing adherence and effectiveness

6.2 Monitoring for Drug Interactions

• Identifying potential interactions
• Managing adverse effects

6.3 Patient Education

• Enhancing patient understanding and compliance

7. Compounding and Sterile Preparations

7.1 Non-Sterile Compounding Techniques

• Preparation of ointments, creams, and suspensions
• Equipment and safety

7.2 Sterile Preparations

• Aseptic techniques
• Preparing IV admixtures and injections
• Environmental controls

8. Pharmacy Law and Ethics

8.1 Controlled Substances Regulations

• Scheduling and record keeping
• Handling and disposal

8.2 Patient Confidentiality

• HIPAA and related laws
• Ethical dilemmas

8.3 Professional Conduct

• Code of ethics
• Accountability and responsibility

9. Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance

9.1 Quality Assurance Practices

• Standard operating procedures
• Documentation and audits

9.2 Medication Error Reporting

• Types of medication errors
• Reporting systems and prevention strategies

9.3 Quality Improvement Initiatives

• Continuous quality improvement processes

10. Professional Development and Career Opportunities

10.1 Career Pathways in Pharmacy

• Roles beyond internship
• Specializations

10.2 Networking and Continuing Education

• Professional organizations
• Workshops and seminars

10.3 Licensure Requirements

• Steps to become a registered pharmacist
• Exam preparation and eligibility