INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACY MANAGEMENT (IPMP)

Program Purpose

To provide students with an introductory overview of the practices, knowledge and skills which are essential in the management of a community or hospital pharmacy.  By understanding the concepts discussed, students will be able to observe the management environment, relate theory to observed practices, and develop management skills.

Summary of Content

Basic management skills encompassing aspects of both community and hospital pharmacy, and including those detailed in the Competency Standards for Pharmacists in Australia (2003) – Unit 2:  Manage work issues and interpersonal relationships in pharmacy practice.

List of learning outcomes in this program

After completion of the programme students will:

• be able to outline the broad structure of the pharmacy industry in Australia, including aspects of historical development, current trends and future possibilities;
• have an understanding of the pharmacist’s role in the workforce;
• have an understanding of the basic principles of personnel management including performance appraisal;
• be able to work effectively within the structure of an organisation including aspects of time management and communication;
• have an understanding of risk management concepts including OH&S issues;
• have an understanding of the need for planning and resource allocation;
• have an understanding of the record keeping requirements enabling the business of the pharmacy to be conducted effectively;
• be able to articulate the components of  service design to meet clients’ needs;
• be able to understand and apply the principles of budget construction;
• be able to understand the basic concepts of revenue and cost and the different ‘types’ of each;
• have an understanding of the basics of marketing and merchandising;
• be able to describe performance assessment tools including key performance indicators;
• have an understanding of what a professional is and professionalism;
• be able to discuss the consumers and other healthcare practitioners expectations of the pharmacist;
• have an understanding of the role of professional organisations in supporting the pharmacist.

  Assessment

• Assessment questions are contained in the exercises numbered 1 to 6.
• Exercises 1 to 4 are for completion by all students.
• Students may then complete either Exercise 5 OR Exercise 6, depending on where the majority of placement time has been spent and your preference.  Community based students might do Exercise 5 and hospital-based students might do Exercise 6.
• Marking is done offsite and your results would be available within four weeks after receipt of your assessment.