The Big Black Deck

Question 1

When is TDM required?

Answer 1

To confirm/ verify adequacy of treatment
To assess patient compliance
Narrow therapeutic drug index
Drug-drug interactions
Patient exhibits toxicity on normal dosage regimen (person could be a poor metaboliser)
When adjusting dosage regimen
Overdose/intoxication (to see if there is any drug left)
To establish a baseline value as a comparison
Patient has concomitant disease that alter drug disposition.
Patient is not responding to dosage regimen.

Question 2

What is the 10 step approach to Drug Use Evaluation (DUE)?

Answer 2

1) Identification of a project
2) Assemble the DUE team
3) Design study
4) Get approval (ethics)
5) Develop criteria & measurement outcomes
6) Collect data
7) Evaluate data
8) Report & Provide feedback
9) Design & implement intervention strategies
10) Review & Reassess to determine if problem solved

Question 3

How is the National Competency Standard used?

Answer 3

Potential applications:

• registration (both initial & restoration)
• intern training
• re-registration
• retention of registration while not practising.
• credentialling for provision of specific services
• job descriptions
• performace appraisal
• continuing professional development.

Question 4

What is the national competency standards framework for Pharmacists in Australia?

Answer 4

• Competency standard is a document that describes the skills, attitudes and knowledge which together are considered sufficient for an individual to practise as a pharmacist.
• Created by PSA

Question 5

Describe the structure of the National Competency Standard?

Answer 5

1) Domain –> an AREA of professional endeavour or prefessional responsibility.
2) Scope –> explains the scope & context of the domain.
3) Competency Standards –> describe the professional area being assessed.
4) Element –> describes in more detail the range of roles & activities within the standard.
5) Performance Criteria –> specify the appropriate level
6) Evidence examples –> assit with interpretation & assessment of performance.

Question 6

Who uses the National Competency Standard?

Answer 6

• Registering authority: Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA)
• Applicants for registration
• Intern training providers
• Pharmacists
• Universities
• Employers
• CPD providers
• Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) Accreditation committee.