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Pharmacy Act, 1974 (Act No. 53 of 1974)

Board Notices

Pharmacists providing Family Planning Services (Reproductive Health Services)

Part 3: Criteria for Accreditation of Family Planning (Reproductive Heath) Learning Programme

Outcomes and the associated Assessment Criteria

 

TOPICS

SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

No. of hours

An introduction to NDoH Contraception Policies, Guidelines and Protocols

The learner should demonstrate knowledge of and be able to apply the current and relevant contraception policies, guidelines and protocols specific to population demographics and clients that need special consideration.

Define the basic principles of population demographics
List and define basic indicators related to population demographics, clients requiring special consideration, and family planning (reproductive health)

2 hours

The normal anatomy, physiology as well as pathophysiology of the human reproductive system

The learner should have in-depth knowledge of human reproductive physiology and be able to identify and prescribe relevant and common pathophysiological states and conditions.

Understand, explain, and describe male and female reproductive physiology
Recognise, identify, explain, and describe the pathophysiology of common reproductive health conditions.
Name and describe the signs and symptoms of said conditions.
Differentiate between reproductive health conditions and normal variances in reproductive physiology in different age population groups.

40 hours

History taking and patient interviewing

Learners should have the ability to collect relevant patient information and compile appropriate patient history.

Demonstrate effective communication skills.
Demonstrate the correct use of a patient information and history form.
Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information.
Ask appropriate questions which are necessary for the completion of a patient information and history form, including considering special populations and age groups.
Compile a complete patient history of aspects related to family planning (reproductive health) services.
Appropriately record and store patient information according to GPP.

10 hours

Clinical examination

Learners should be able to perform physical examinations related to conditions of reproductive health (excluding physical breast and genitourinary examination) and be able to name, identify and describe the signs and symptoms of common STIs.

Demonstrate relevant and necessary knowledge of human reproductive anatomy and physiology.
Identify and describe the processes of performing the relevant physical examinations.
Describe the procedures to be followed and the principles underlying the relevant tests/assessments.
Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant clinical conditions, including definitions, classification, etiopathology, signs and symptoms.
Correctly perform the relevant physical examinations.
Perform appropriate screening tests, e.g. ovulation testing and pregnancy screening.
Interpret the results of the relevant screening tests.
Know when to refer clients to other healthcare practitioners.

20 hours

The pharmacological and basic principles of different family planning (reproductive health) options

The learner should be able to explain and describe the pharmacological and other mechanistic principles of the different family planning (reproductive health) options.

Describe and characterise the contraceptive and sterilisation methods listed below based on:

 

o product identification
o mechanism of action
o indicators of effectiveness
o side- and adverse effects
o non-contraceptive benefits
o eligibility criteria, and
o interventions to be made in case of intolerance, side- or adverse effects:

 

Male contraceptive methods

Barrier methods
New contraceptive technology, where applicable

 

Female contraceptive methods

Barrier methods
New contraceptive technology, where applicable
Natural methods, e.g. lactational amenorrhea method, basal body temperature method
Oral contraceptives, both progesterone alone and combination formulas
Injectable intramuscular contraceptives
Subdermal implants
IUD (copper bearing and levonorgestrel IUS)

 

Emergency post-coital contraception

• Emergency contraception

 

Sterilisation methods

Tubal ligation
Ablation and other intrauterine techniques
Vasectomy
New sterilisation techniques, where applicable

40 hours

Evaluation, interpretation, and decision making

Learners should be able to critically evaluate and interpret various scenarios related to reproductive health conditions and the need for family planning (reproductive health) and decide on an appropriate method or intervention.

Based on the patient interview and clinical examination, determine, and select an appropriate family planning (reproductive health) method (within the framework provided in the NDOH), for specific individuals.
Identify relevant clinically significant drug-drug and drug-disease interactions and suggest alternative interventions where needed.
Demonstrate the necessary skills to advise clients on how to use hormonal and non-hormonal contraception
Know when to refer clients to other healthcare practitioners.

15 hours

Administration of specific family planning (reproductive health) interventions

Learners should be able to safely administer specific family planning (reproductive health) options to patients, i.e. injectables and subdermal implants.

Identify principles which should be adhered to in practice, to prevent any parenteral administration error related adverse event following administration.
Demonstrate the steps involved in the preparation the selected family planning (reproductive health) formulation, i.e.
o Identify the correct route of administration and specific injection site.
o Identify/choose/select the appropriate needle-, and syringe size for the selected formulation.
o Check the expiry date of the formulation and all products used.
o Prepare (reconstitute where applicable) the selected formulation as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Position the client in an enabling and comfortable position.
Demonstrate appropriate preparation of the injection site.
Demonstrate the ability to safely administer the different types of parenteral family planning (reproductive health) formulations as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Demonstrate how to safely discard needles, syringes, and other administration consumables into a sharps container and medical waste receptacle.
Differentiate between adverse events resulting from the parenteral formulation or its administration, and other non-associated coincidental events.
Describe potential underlying causes for each type of adverse event following administration and understand the link between the adverse event and its cause.
Distinguish between minor and severe (serious and non-serious) adverse event following administration .
Identify and describe local and systemic signs and symptoms of adverse event following administration and the appropriate management thereof.

30 hours

Monitoring and evaluation of family planning (reproductive health) interventions

Learners should be able to adequately monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the selected family planning (reproductive health) options

Develop a plan to monitor and evaluate therapeutic outcomes and make recommendations regarding potential amendments to the selected interventions, where necessary.
Identify and anticipate potential medicine- or other related problems and conceptualise strategies to prevent and solve problems that may arise.
Identify, describe and explain potentially severe adverse reactions, e.g. anaphylaxis
Provide supportive care for severe adverse reactions, e.g. anaphylaxis (Important: Administration of injections can be done where immediate access to a nursing or medical practitioner is available. In the absence thereof, the pharmacist should have appropriate qualifications to handle anaphylactic shock and adverse events following administration).
Analyse and evaluate any prior or current family planning (reproductive health) interventions for the following: medicine or other general efficacy, safety and rationale for use.
Monitor the outcomes and make recommendations regarding potential amendments to the intervention, where necessary.
Analyse and evaluate the relevant therapeutic progress reports and construct correct and concise recommendations in the form of a written report.

15 hours

Providing patient information

The learner should be able to communicate with their patients regarding the different family planning (reproductive health) options, patient uncertainties and the need for safe-sex practices.

Demonstrate a sensitive and non-judgmental consultation style
Apply effective and culturally sensitive communication skills in family planning (reproductive health) counselling
List the basic steps on counselling in reproductive health, focusing on family planning (reproductive health) counselling including clients requiring special considerations (e.g. adolescents, women approaching menopause, LGBTQI+, etc.)
Explain the importance of safe sex practices and the risks associated with irresponsible sexual practices.
Explain the importance of fertility awareness and annual gynaecological examination by a medical practitioner.
Communicate relevant information to the patient relating to the family planning (reproductive health) option prescribed/proposed, and other relevant topics, e.g. lifestyle modification.

5 hours

Documentation and record keeping

Learners should be able to keep accurate record and draft appropriate documentation.

Document and keep records of all aspects of the consultation session, including patient feedback regarding the information provided.
Draft appropriate referral letters and/or any other relevant documentation.
Develop appropriate informed consent forms and ensure proper documentation thereof.

1 hour

Legal, professional, and ethical practice

Learners should be able to act in a legal, professional and ethical manner.

Act in a professional and ethical manner when providing any of the family planning (reproductive health) services.
Characterise and describe the principles of reproductive rights and gender issues related to family planning (reproductive health)
Understand and apply the law relating to individual’s choices regarding family planning (reproductive health)
Identify and critically reflect on factors around crisis pregnancy
Discuss and reflect on the medico-legal and ethical considerations specific to sexual health care and family planning (reproductive health)

2 hours