Outline

Overview

This unit of study aims to develop an in-depth understanding and advanced skills in fulfilling the role of pharmacists in medication management for older people. The course readings cover the following content areas: Epidemiology of common health problems affecting older people; physiological changes associated with ageing and their implications for therapeutic response and medicines management; health promotion and disease prevention (with emphasis on pharmacological interventions designed to reduce mortality and chronic disease); management of common chronic diseases of older people; and medication management in hospitals and the community. Skills development will focus on communication with patients; pharmacist, physician, and allied-health inter-professional communication; preparation of medication reviews; and home/residential aged-care facility visits.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell, lisa.kouladjian@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Bandana Saini, bandana.saini@sydney.edu.au
Practitioner(s)	Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell, lisa.kouladjian@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Tina Ung, tina.ung@sydney.edu.au
	Fiona Doukas, fiona.doukas@sydney.edu.au
	Lisa Sommerfield, lisa.sommerfield@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Comparison report Case study and report	6%	Formal exam period	800 to 1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Medicine case study Case study and report	10%	Mid-semester break	2 to 3 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Home medicine review Case study and report	15%	STUVAC	2 to 3 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Module 1 activity Case study	6%	Week 01	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Welcome webinar Online discussion participation	0%	Week 02	60 to 90 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Module 2 activity Case study	6%	Week 03	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Module 3 activity Case study	6%	Week 04	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Module 4 activity Case study	6%	Week 05	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Module 5 activity Case study	6%	Week 06	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Webinar 1 Online discussion participation	4%	Week 07	60 to 90 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Patient case study Case study and report	15%	Week 09	2 to 3 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Webinar 2 Online discussion participation	4%	Week 10	60 to 90 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Module 8 activity Case study	6%	Week 10	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Module 9 activity Case study	6%	Week 11	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Webinar 3 Online discussion participation	4%	Week 12	60 to 90 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Module activities: Students are required to read the study guides and complete the activity questions associated with each module by the due date.
Webinar participation: Webinars require an internet connection and computer capable of receiving/sending streaming video/audio. Students are required to attend and participate during the webinar discussions.
Medicine case study: Students will be required to review a patient case study and answer the questions as outlined.
Patient case study: Students will be required to conduct a mini medicine review on a community pharmacy or hospital patient. Students will be required to obtain patient consent, arrange to interview them, and conduct a structured and thorough review of the medicines and any relevant management notes.
Home medicine review: Students will be required to accompany an accredited HMR/RMMR pharmacist and participate in a genuine Home Medicine Review (or Residential Medication Management Review). You will be required to obtain patient/carer consent, attend the patient interview (or nursing home interview) then conduct a structured and thorough review of the patient’s medications, medication-related problems, and any relevant management notes without assistance from the HMR/RMMR accredited pharmacist.
Comparison report: Students are required to compare, contrast and evaluate their findings and recommendations against the ones produced by the HMR/RMMR accredited pharmacist in the form of a reflection statement.

All assessments must be passed in order to pass this unit of study. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Assessments submitted late will incur -1 marks for each day submitted late, unless prior permission or special consideration is sought BEFORE the assessment due date.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks	Various	Individual study (40 hr)
Multiple weeks	Various	Online class (12 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 85% of compulsory activities for a unit of study unless granted exemption by the Dean, Associate Dean or coordinator. The Dean, Associate Dean or coordinator, most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

Attendance: In accordance with the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice Course resolutions on Attendance Requirements, students must attend a minimum of 85% webinars (3 of 4 classes) to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study.

If a webinar is missed due to illness or misadventure, students are to submit a special consideration application along with supporting documentation. Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the commencement of the webinar will be marked as absent.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF). Current Ed. Canberra: Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
Australian Medicines Handbook, current edition
- AMH Aged Care Companion, current edition
eTG - Therapeutic Guidelines

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. outline and describe the epidemiology of common health problems affecting older adults
LO2. describe the patterns and prevalence of medication-related problems and adverse outcomes in older adults
LO3. describe, recognise and appreciate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in older adults
LO4. recommend appropriate dosage regimens or dosage adjustments for individuals based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles
LO5. determine treatment goals for older adults, based on their age, life-expectancy, health and functional status and personal preferences
LO6. assess individual patients to determine suitability of various medication management programs and services, including dose administration aids
LO7. conduct medication management services including medication management review, staff education, self-medication programs, and quality assurance in the home, pharmacy, residential aged care facilities and hospital settings.
LO8. compare the various components of the Australian aged care system, including hospital, community and residential aged care programs
LO9. describe and evaluate the relevant guidelines and practice standards relating to medication management in community, residential aged care and hospital settings

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.1. implementing appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problemsolving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms 3.10. facilitating patient self-management of health through education, intervention, monitoring and health promotion services in order to optimise patient health outcomes and wellbeing, and reduce the risk of complications 3.11. responding to the needs of individuals and communities by advocating with and for them to optimise health and societal outcomes 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care 3.14. dispensing medicines safely and accurately in accordance with current legislation, scope of practice, PharmBA Guidelines and other relevant jurisdictional requirements to optimise patient outcomes 3.17. providing appropriate tailored counselling, information and education to enable safe and effective medication, disease state and lifestyle management 3.18. assessing ambulatory conditions and providing appropriate management approaches, including pharmacological, nonpharmacological and referral options where appropriate 3.19. delivering measures designed to enhance adherence with dosage regimens and support safe and effective administration of medications 3.2. making and prioritising recommendations to manage heath, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence 3.20. providing evidence-based screening, assessment, prevention and referral services to detect and manage potential risk of adverse medical conditions and outcomes 3.21. delivering harm minimisation approaches and strategies to reduce harm to patients and the community from misuse of legal and illegal drugs 3.22. endorsing and participating in health promotion activities, health services and public health initiatives intended to maintain and improve health 3.3. prescribing medications in accordance with current jurisdictionspecific legislation, scope of practice and PharmBA Guidelines 3.4. carrying out systematic medication reviews, informed by the Quality Use of Medicines Framework, in order to identify and resolve potential medication-related issues and optimise the impact of medications on health outcomes in collaboration with patients, carers and other members of the health care team 3.5. implementing and delivering person-centred care by 3.5.a. respecting the personal characteristics, rights, preferences, values, beliefs, needs and diversity of patients, carers and other persons 3.5.b. maintaining privacy and confidentiality in interactions with patients, carers and other persons 3.5.c. optimising as far as is practicable the physical environment in which care takes place 3.5.d. ensuring that the best interests of patients, carers and other persons are foremost in the provision of care 3.5.e. ensuring that patients, carers and other persons are provided with sufficient information and advice to enable them to consider options and give informed consent where appropriate 3.5.f. ensuring that informed consent is obtained, respected and appropriately recorded when appropriate 3.6. obtaining relevant health, medical and medication information from patients, carers and other clients 3.7. assessing current health, medical and medication histories and profiles of patients 3.8. formulating and implementing health, medical and medication management plans in collaboration with patients, carers and other health team members 3.9. formulating and implementing appropriate monitoring of the outcomes of health, medical and medication management plans and adjusting them where appropriate in collaboration with patients, carers and other health team members

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The course gets updated annually with the latest research articles, resources and medication management guides according to the current community pharmacy agreement in place in Australia

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students will be travelling to a person’s home to conduct a medication review, with an accredited consultant pharmacist. Students must follow instructions from the accredited pharmacist at all times when visiting a person’s home.

It is recommended that students be up-to-date with their immunisations records. It is recommended that students also receive the annual influenza vaccine.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHAR7112: Medications Management

Semester 1, 2021 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links