10.1 Introduction
Those aspiring to become pharmacy assistants must be familiar with basic pharmaceutical terminology. Lack of understanding about pharmacy terms can lead to misinterpretation of prescriptions and other information, thus leading to serious health consequences. Medical terminology is essential to the field of healthcare and helps you understand how to help the patient. Medical terminology is used to describe symptoms, diagnoses and treatments and is crucial for successful delivery of pharmaceutical services.
Medicines are not conventional commercial products and must be managed with care and vigilance. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of UK and other regulatory authorities have made recommendations for preservation of health and safety standards in pharmacies. All pharmacy team workers should be trained to follow the procedures and safeguard the interests and welfare of patients and the public.
Health and safety standards must be implemented, with regard to premises, equipment, staff hygiene and delivery of pharmaceutical services. It is important to store equipment and products securely and prevent unauthorised access. Upkeep of pharmacy premises and equipment helps to maximise the quality of services and safeguards the health of patients and workers.
The arrangement of pharmacy shelves plays a crucial role in the minimisation of confusion and mix- ups and the preservation of safety standards. Medicines can be stored according to therapeutic use, generic name, dosage form, frequency of use, commodity coding and so on. The idea is to develop and use a system that helps maximise efβiciency and accuracy. This is a particularly important duty
for assistants, as they are often responsible for stocking shelves.
Pharmacy assistants should also be familiar with recognising generic names and brand names of drugs. Generic names are general names which are written beginning with a lower case letter and brand names are written beginning with an upper case letter. If the prescribed drug is not in stock or is unavailable, the assistant or pharmacist should contact the prescriber, for clarification.
10.2 Basic Pharmacy Terminology
In order to become a skilled pharmacy assistant, it is important to become familiar with basic pharmacy terminology. This section will introduce you to the fundamentals of pharmacy jargon, which in turn will help you to understand and interpret communications effectively. Lack of understanding can result in errors and misinterpretation, which can lead to serious health consequences. Medical terms are used to describe symptoms, diagnoses and treatments and every assistant should be familiar with the important terms.
Pharmacy jargon (or medical terminology) is important for the following reasons:-
It helps all healthcare workers (including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and pharmacy staff) to communicate in one language. As you gain experience, you cannot waste valuable time referring to a medical dictionary every time a patient walks in with a prescription. Familiarity with medical/pharmaceutical terms helps to reinforce improved interpretation of prescriptions and patient requirements. However, if you are unfamiliar with a term, it is better to refer to a medical dictionary before filling the prescription. Small mistakes can make a significant difference - you may fill a prescription incorrectly, or print out the wrong dosage of medicine.
Common Pharmacy Terminology
Anthelmintic: Medicine that eliminates intestinal worms
Antibacterial: Medicine that inhibits bacterial growth
Anti-flatulent: Medication that helps relieve excess intestinal gas
Antihyperlipidemic: Medicine that helps lower cholesterol levels
Antihypertensive: Medication to lower blood pressure
Antipyretic: Medicine that reduces elevated body temperature
Antiseptic: Dilute solution that helps destroy or prevent growth of microorganisms
Antispasmodic: Medication that prevents or relieves spasms
Anti-tussive: Medication that relieves bouts of cough
Astringent: Medication that helps reduce bleeding, by constricting tissue
Capsule: A pill (usually oval in shape), which encloses a drug in a powder form
Elixir: An aromatic, sweetened solution of alcohol and water, used to improve taste of medicines
Emollient: An oily, fatty substance, which soothes irritated skin
Emulsion: Mixture of immiscible liquids
Expectorant: A medication that helps reduce mucous from the upper respiratory tract
Fungicide: A medication that eliminates fungi
Gargle: An aqueous solution that is used to treat a disease of the mouth or throat
Gel: A thick, semi-solid substance used to soothe burns, cuts and wounds.
Germicide: Medication that kills microorganisms like bacteria
Liniment: A solution or mixtures of various substances in alcoholic or oil solutions
Lotion: A liquid suspension, formulated for external application
Mouthwash: An aqueous solution used for its cleansing and deodorant action inside the oral cavity
Ointment: A semi-solid preparation for external use, applied with a gentle rubbing motion
Protectant: A medication used to cover and protect the skin from harsh weather conditions, such as sunlight
Solution: A homogenous mixture of two or more miscible substances
Spirit: An alcoholic solution of a volatile substance (used sometimes to wipe wounds)
Suppository: A tablet or capsule that is administered through the vagina, urethra, or rectum
Syrup: A concentrated aqueous solution of sugar, which is used to improve the taste of medicine
Tablet: A pill or solid form of medicine, usually compressed into a circular shape for easy consumption
Tincture: An alcoholic solution prepared from vegetable or chemical materials, which is often used on wounds
Please note that there are several other medical terms that you may wish to familiarise yourself with.
10.3 Identification of Drug Names: Generic/Brand Names of Drugs
The other very important aspect involves differentiating between generic and brand names of various drugs. A drug may have several names.
For example
It may be known by its generic name (general name), empirical formula, chemical formula, or brand (trade) name. Whilst patients may be familiar with generic or brand names, pharmacy team staff may be familiar with chemical or empirical names of the drugs. No company will own generic names (which are based on chemical families to which drugs belong).
Since generic names are not brand names, they always begin with a lower case letter. Brand names, on the other hand, will begin with capital letters and are “owned” by the company that develops the medicine (companies will typically take out a patent on brand names). Hence, brand names usually begin with a capital letter.
For example
Ibuprofen is the name of the drug that is commonly used to treat pain and inflammation. It is sold under several brand names in the UK, such as Hedex and Nurofen. Coincidentally, ibuprofen is also sold under its generic name.
Generic drugs usually tend to be far cheaper, compared to branded drugs. There is no difference in active ingredients (for example, two companies may produce the same generic drug under different brand names), but there could be a difference in filler ingredients. This can affect patients who suffer from allergies. If there is any change in generic or brand name, please contact the prescriber or the senior pharmacist for clarification.
Activity
Estimated time: 10-15 minutes
Take some time to think about the questions below and write a few sentences on each:-
Why do you think it is important to be familiar with common pharmacy terminology and differences between generic and brand names?
How do you think this knowledge will help you to improve your services to patients?
10.4 Health and Safety Guidelines in Pharmacies
Health and safety regulations play a critical role in preventing accidents and illness in pharmacy settings and are important for an individual's (patient or worker) welfare. Health and safety guidelines include protection from medicines, supplies and equipment. It is the duty of every pharmacy worker to be familiar with health and safety requirements and to help implement them to the best of your ability.
Implementation of health and safety regulations involves awareness of potential hazards and improved vigilance, when handling pharmaceutical agents and so on. The risks within a pharmacy environment can be assessed and this indicates the likelihood of accidents occurring in the future. Pharmacy assistants are usually actively involved in the maintenance and upkeep of the pharmacy and are thus key individuals involved in the implementation of health and safety standards.
It is particularly important to be able to differentiate between high and low risk scenarios, in order to evaluate safety of pharmacy staff members. A well-equipped store front, effective product storage and risk protection are the key components of pharmacy health and safety regulations. Training in health and safety guidelines helps to ensure that staff are familiar with the risks involved in handling healthcare items and the importance of protective clothing and equipment. The HSE or Health and Safety Executive is responsible for the implementation of safety guidelines in the UK. The guidelines explain how to promote health and safety in pharmacies, in a practical and useful manner.
10.5 The HSE guidelines for pharmacy health and safety is summarised in the following five steps:-
Step 1
It is a good idea to physically walk around the pharmacy and check for hazards that may cause harm. In pharmacies, hazards could include liquid spills, chemicals, storage boxes, or step ladders. Other physical hazards could include malfunctioning ventilation systems and exposure to contaminants through drinking water and food.
Pharmacy workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals in different ways, including through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or accidental pricking of needles. Exposure may occur during dispensation, reconstitution procedures, disposal of contaminated materials and so on. Pharmacy workers employed in hospital pharmacies need to be especially careful regarding contamination. Detergents used to clean surfaces may cause skin irritation, or may react with other pharmaceutical products to produce harmful substances. The pharmacy should be equipped with high quality ventilation systems (to dispel odours) and the workers involved in cleaning activities should wear eye and hand protection.
Assistants should also wear protective eyewear and gloves, in order to minimise risks that may occur due to splashing, crushing pills, unpacking cytotoxic drugs and the administration of aerosolised drugs. Other potential physical hazards include aerosolised drugs, antibiotics, cytotoxic (which are used for prevention of cell growth and division, such as chemotherapy drugs) and hormonal drugs. The HSE recommends the use of protective equipment, such as gowns and protective eye wear.
In addition, pharmacies should consider having a segregated area for making up such drug dispensations, biologically safe cabinets for storage and aerosol tents for the safe compounding of drugs. Liquid and chemical spills should be wiped up, using low concentrations of chlorine and phenol compounds.
Step 2
It is important to identify vulnerable pharmacy workers, such as pregnant women or an individual with a weak back and so on. Vulnerable workers are at increased risk, when lifting heaving boxes or bending down. As the health situation of each worker changes, it is important to review the risk assessment potential.
Step 3
The pharmacy management needs to evaluate risks and implement appropriate precautions. The precautions will be in line with the risk. It may not be possible to eliminate all risks, but it may be possible to minimise the risks involved.
For example
If the risk involves tripping over heaving stock boxes, then you must consider alternative arrangement of stocks. Alternatively, you could create clear walkways or designate special storage areas.
Step 4
It is important to record the imminent risks and action taken to reduce the risks. For example, “Medicine packets cramped in the refrigerator in a small space - increased likelihood of falling out on the floor and creating a spill”. The solution could involve investing in a larger refrigerator, or an alternate refrigerator.
Activity
Estimated time: 10-15 minutes
Imagine that you are inspecting the pharmacy premises for risks.
Think of two examples of risks and write down any solutions to minimise the risks.
Step 5
Ensure that risk assessments are carried out periodically and keep the senior pharmacist informed of any problems. As assistant, your duty will involve picking medicines off shelves, keeping the refrigerator tidy and clean and the upkeep of the premises. Any anomalies are likely to come to the notice of the assistants first. Regular and ongoing risk assessments are essential, for improved safety.
FACT
Nearly half (50%) of British patients do not take medicines as prescribed - community pharmacy staff help them to consume medication as required, according to the physician's recommendations.
Source: england.nhs.uk
10.6 Regulations set out for pharmacies operating in the UK
According to UK law, the following βive principles explain the regulations set out for pharmacies operating in the UK:-
1. The governance arrangements should safeguard the health and welfare of patients and public
This would include:-
-Identification and management of risks.
-The quality and safety of pharmaceutical services are monitored and reviewed.
-Safeguarding the interests and safety of vulnerable patients, such as the elderly and children (for example, a slippery pharmacy floor can be dangerous and lead to slips and falls). Patient information should be kept confidential (lack of confidentiality is a serious risk). Careful storage of information and records pertaining to health and safety requirements, previous risk assessments and so on.
2. Pharmacy team staff should be empowered and trained to safeguard the interests of the public
Pharmacy team workers are the key to effective implementation of health and safety standards. They must be empowered to safeguard the health and wellbeing, in all the activities that they carry out. The pharmacy should employ an adequate number of staff members, in order to prevent overwork, exhaustion and increased likelihood of errors.
Staff members who are training should be placed under the supervision of qualified and experienced staff, to help minimise the chances of accidents and errors. Staff members should be able to exercise their professional judgement during unexpected situations - their decisions should always prioritise the health and safety of the public.
Pharmacy managers and supervisors should help foster an environment of honesty and trust and encourage staff members to provide feedback regarding safety and health. Financial incentives and targets should not influence staff behaviour and should not take priority over public health and safety.
3. The premises or environment of the pharmacy should safeguard the health and safety of the public
It is crucial that patients, public and pharmacy customers receive their services from premises that are maintained in a way that preserves health and safety standards. Pharmacy premises should be safe, clean and well maintained. The premises should protect the dignity and privacy of pharmacy patients and customers. The premises should be safe from unauthorised access - premises should be locked down after hours and drugs should be safely stored.
4. Delivery of pharmacy services should be implemented in a way that helps promote the health and safety of patients and the public
The term “pharmacy services' includes referral, advisory and clinical services provided by a registered management of medicines, including the processes of obtaining, arranging, storing, using and applying of medicinal products and devices.
Medicinal items are not conventional commercial products and special care needs to be exercised in the delivery of such products. Medicines and products should be procured from reputable sources, be declared safe and fit for use and be stored securely. All unauthorised access to products should be prevented. Services should also include the safe delivery of products to patients, as well as the safe disposal of expired medication. Pharmacy workers should be encouraged to provide feedback, when medicines or supplies are considered damaged or unfit for use.
5. The equipment used should safeguard the health and safety of the patients and the public
The availability of safe equipment is critical, for preserving the health and safety of patients and the public. Equipment should be procured from reputable sources, be stored securely and declared safe and fit for use. All unauthorised access to equipment should be prevented. The facilities and equipment should be used in a way that helps to preserve the dignity of the patients and the public.
In addition to the information above, pharmacy staff should be trained to use protective clothing (also called PPE or Personal Protective Equipment), in order improve health and safety standards.Dedicated shoes/shoe covers, for wearing inside the pharmacy premises. This prevents outsidedirt and dust from polluting the premises. Pharmacy workers can also consider wearing face masks and eye shields. Non-shedding gowns, for protecting yourself and preventing any dust or fibres from clothes from getting transmitted onto medicines.
In general, protective clothing/gowns should comply with the following requirements:-
Long sleeves-Tight fitting, but comfortable - allowing for free range of movement Smooth fabric that prevents dust or cytotoxic particles from sticking to the surface
Long hair should be neatly tied back and nails should be kept short and clean. Also avoid wearing strong perfumes or deodorants. Health and safety is also linked to the way products are arranged in a pharmacy, in order to reduce confusion and error. In addition, staff should be encouraged to washtheir hands with antiseptic wash and wipe them on a sterile towel. Pharmacy assistants are often involved in the arrangement of medicinal products on shelves.
Here are some common ways in which to arrange shelves:-
The medicines are arranged alphabetically, in accordance with the generic name. Therapeutic usage categorisation: In this method of arrangement, medicines are arranged in order of therapeutic usage. For example, painkillers on one shelf, βlu medications on another shelf and stomach pain medication on another - and so on. However, assistants should be extremely well versed in drug usage.
Dosage form: Medicines are manufactured in different forms. Some common forms include tablets, syrups and intravenous (these can be administered through injections) drugs, as well as external medication such as ointments, liniments and creams. Some pharmacies prefer storing medication according to dosage form.
Within a dosage form, the medicines can be arranged using other categorisation systems. For example, under pills/tablets, you can classify them according to generic name.
Frequency of use: Products that are used frequently should be placed near the front of the store and those with lower turnover rates should be arranged towards the back. Commodity coding: This is usually a computerised system, which supports the placement of a product according to a location code. This system is flexible and useful, because each item is arranged according to unique requirements, such as temperature, flammability and security (controlled drugs, for example, would require increased security).
As pharmacy assistant, you may wish to work in a retail/community pharmacy, or in a hospital pharmacy. What is the difference between the job roles and working environment, etc?
10.7 Working in a Retail Pharmacy versus Working in a Hospital Pharmacy
Both settings are dynamic and have their own advantages. It depends on what you, as a pharmacy assistant, are looking to do. The skill sets required for both settings is fairly similar, in that you will need to develop efficient communication skills and make it a habit to play close attention to detail.
Pharmacy assistants working in community or retail pharmacies can expect to engage with customers to a greater extent, compared to their counterparts working in hospital pharmacies. You are likely to enjoy the opportunity to play a more pivotal role in advising customers.
However, hospital pharmacies are often much busier, compared to community pharmacies and you are likely to earn to be busier with delivery and dispensation of medications.
Inventory management may also pose more of a challenge for assistants working in hospital pharmacies, as hospital pharmacies will require constant monitoring of crucial pharmaceutical stocks.In addition, the type of medications that you would manage in a community pharmacy would differ from the medications that may be stocked in hospital pharmacies. If you work in a hospital pharmacy, you may interact more with healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, as opposed to walk-in customers.
You may also complete less processing of payments compared to retail pharmacies, where managing payment is an important component of your job. Please bear in mind that working in a hospital pharmacy may imply inconsistency of hours, whilst community pharmacies are more likely to follow regular timings.
10.8 Career Information for Pharmacy Assistants
.jpg)
In order to work as a pharmacy assistant, you do not need any formal qualifications. Whilst GCSEs in Maths, English and Chemistry will give you an edge over the competition, they are not compulsory. Pharmacy assistant jobs are advertised in the newspaper, internet, hospitals and clinics. You could also work as an assistant in the armed forces or in a prison pharmacy. Once you gain experience as an assistant, you can consider progressing to pharmacy technician or even pharmacist, by obtaining relevant certification.
It is also useful to learn basic arithmetic and essential computer skills. You need to obtain a placement, so that you can gain experience in your field. Pharmacy assistants should also possess some key soft skills, including a friendly, outgoing personality, excellent listening skills, patience, alertness and attention to detail.
MODULE SUMMARY
Pharmacy workers should be familiar with medical or pharmaceutical terminology, as this will aid in the interpretation of prescriptions and minimise the likelihood of error. Familiarity with medical terms also helps you to understand the universal language spoken by the healthcare community and helps streamline communications with doctors, nurses and so on. Brand names and generic names also play a key role in the interpretation of prescriptions and dispensation of medication. As assistant, you must learn to differentiate between them and contact the pharmacist or the physician in case of doubt, or if the stock is unavailable.
Medicines cannot be described as ordinary commodities or items of commerce. The management and storage of medicines is a crucial component of effective delivery of healthcare services. The objective of standards is to reinforce approved organisational and physical standards, which lead to the effective and safe pharmacy practices.
The responsibility of implementation of health and safety standards lies with the pharmacy owner and senior pharmacists. However, all staff should be trained to follow the recommended procedures, in order to prevent accidents and sickness. The recommendations will vary,
depending on the nature of the pharmacy and the type of services offered. All pharmacy staff, including assistants, should be familiar with the standards that should be met.
Pharmacy assistants can look for placement and gain experience on the job, whilst studying to progress to other roles, such as pharmacy technician or pharmacist. Although the job roles are essentially similar, there are differences in the nature of the work, timings and type of interaction.
.svg)
