8/7/2019 02-01 Drug Distribution

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/02-01-drug-distribution 1/3

SECTION 2: PHARMACY PRACTICE ROTATIONS

DRUG DISTRIBUTION

OverviewA clear understanding of the drug distribution system, from the receipt of drugsby the institution through their administration to the patient, is fundamental toyour role as a hospital pharmacist. In this rotation, you will increase your knowledge of drug distribution systems and the roles of various health careproviders within them. You will develop necessary skills to function in key areasof the drug distribution system, and begin to solve problems related to drugdistribution issues.

ObjectivesAt the end of the rotation, you will be able to:

• describe all legal requirements and professional standards that pertain to the

distribution and control of drugs in health care organizations

• demonstrate evidence of understanding of policies and procedures relating todrug distribution and administration in your institution

• explain the principles, advantages, and disadvantages of various drugdistribution systems used in health care organizations

• describe the role of drug distribution as a component of the provision of pharmaceutical care

•identify potential drug-related problems that could occur as a result of your organization’s drug distribution system, and identify ways to prevent their occurrence

• describe the role of pharmacy technicians and other support personnel in thefunctioning of the drug distribution system

• demonstrate an acceptable level of performance in all areas of the programhospital’s pharmacy drug distribution system

• demonstrate an ability to work productively with support personnel in thepharmacy, and with other health care providers when addressing drug

distribution system issues

• explain the process of medication incident reporting and analysis

• use dispensary references to solve drug distribution system-related problems,and drug-related problems identified through profile review

AHPRP Resident’s Manual 1

8/7/2019 02-01 Drug Distribution

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/02-01-drug-distribution 2/3

SECTION 2: PHARMACY PRACTICE ROTATIONS

• describe the implications and role of technology in supporting drug distributionsystem processes

• Site specific Learning Objectives:

• Resident’s Personal Learning Objectives (knowledge, skills, schedulingissues, etc:

ActivitiesTo achieve the objectives of this rotation, you should complete the followingactivities, and other additional activities suggested by your preceptor:

• tour the pharmacy department and all other areas in the hospital wherepharmacists are located

• tour the main areas of the hospital, noting where applicable, components of

the drug distribution system in each area

• if possible, tour other hospitals to observe different drug distribution systems

• complete your department’s general staff orientation activities

• observe the main steps in the drug distribution system, from the time amedication order is written, to the time when the medication is administered tothe patient and recorded by the nurse

• review the references available in the pharmacy, and note how they are usedto solve drug distribution system problems

• review the departmental policies and procedures for each of the activities thatyou observe and/or participate in during the rotation

• observe and assist technicians in their various assignments within the drugdistribution system, including all record-keeping :

• purchasing/inventory control

• dispensary

• narcotics

•prepackaging/bulk manufacturing

• unit dose picking/filling cassettes

• wardstock/night cupboard

• nonsterile compounding

• returns

• observe and assist pharmacists and/or technicians in all dispensary functions,including record-keeping where required:

AHPRP Resident’s Manual 2

8/7/2019 02-01 Drug Distribution

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/02-01-drug-distribution 3/3

SECTION 2: PHARMACY PRACTICE ROTATIONS

• computer order entry and profile review

• verify orders/clarify problem prescriptions

• interim doses, stat medications and/or individual patientprescriptions (new, refills)

• nonformulary drugs/unavailable drugs

• automatic substitutions• restricted drugs

• investigational/emergency release drugs

• pass medications

• patient’s own medications

• borrowing/lending medications

• observe and assist pharmacists in their supervisory role in various areas of thedepartment

• assist with maintaining workload measurement records in each area of the

department

Readings/Resources1. Refer to internal department documents, such as staff orientation manuals,

and policy and procedure manuals, as needed throughout your rotation.

2. Review the CSHP Standards of Practice 2003 that relate to drug distributionactivities.

3. Review the following CSHP Guidelines, Statements and other documentspertaining to drug distribution:Guidelines for Bulk Compounding of Products in Hospitals 1992Guidelines for Drug Packaging and Labelling for Manufacturers 2001Guidelines for Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Pharmaceuticals (Including CytotoxicDrugs) 1997Guidelines for Medication Incident Reporting and Medication Incident/Discrepancy Prevention1999Guidelines for Preparation of Sterile Products in Pharmacies 1996Guidelines for Preparing Medications for Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) Sensitive/AllergicPatients 2001Guidelines for Repackaging Products in Health Care Facilities 1998Guidelines for Use of Drugs in Clinical Trials in Health Care Facilities 2001Statement on Responsible Environmental Practices for Hospital Pharmacy 2001Statement on Size, Shape & Colour of Medications 1995Statement on the Role of the Pharmacy Technician 2001

Statement on the Role of the Pharmacist as Head of Hospital Pharmacy Services 2006Statement on Unit Dose & IV Admixture Drug Distribution 1998Information Paper on the Role of the Pharmacy Technician 2001

4. Complete additional assigned readings for this rotation.

AHPRP Resident’s Manual 3