Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication from Coursera

Students will learn essential practices with our Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications and Communication course. Through the first lesson on insulin and syringes, students build an understanding of the intricacies of insulin administration techniques and syringe utilization for optimal patient care. Next, they will discover the regulatory landscape and crucial considerations in compounding medications, ensuring compliance and safety in the lesson on compounding regulations and considerations. Students then dive deeper into compounding techniques in the compounding medications lesson, honing skills in preparing specialized medications tailored to patient needs. Beyond technical expertise, this course emphasizes the human aspect of pharmacy. Students learn how essential empathy is in patient interactions through lessons focusing on patient empathy, as well as communication and telephone techniques. This course integrates technical proficiency, regulatory understanding, patient-centricity, and effective communication, empowering pharmaceutical professionals with a holistic skill set crucial for exceptional patient care and successful pharmacy practice.

Course Objectives included:

-Explain the various types of insulin strengths and additives, syringe and needle sizing, injection sites, and insulin pumps

-Discuss compounding medications, as well as the associated regulations and manufacturing guidelines

-Identify the principles of compounding solids, semi-solids, powders, coloring, flavoring, ointments, and other dosage forms

-Explain the importance of empathy when dealing with patients by discussing the pathophysiology of disease

-Explore the communication process, the various aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, open-ended questions, and motivational interviewing

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1 - Insulin and Syringes and Compounding Regulations and Considerations

Learn about the chronic metabolic disease of Diabetes, its treatment with insulin, various types of insulin strengths and additives, syringe and needle sizing, injection sites, and insulin pumps. Additionally, become familiar with compounding medications, the associated regulations and manufacturing guidelines, ingredient standards, quality assurance and control, packaging, temperature, storage and labeling, stability and beyond-use dates, and other considerations.

Module 2 - Compounding Medications

Explore further topics related to the principles of compounding, solids, semi-solids, powders, coloring, flavoring, ointments, and other dosage forms, as well as the calculations needed for mixing specific drugs in exact dosage and strength.

Module 3 - Patient Empathy, Communication and Telephone Techniques, and Project

Convey the importance of empathy when working with patients by discussing the pathophysiology of disease and how disease processes affect the patient, as well as the ways the pharmacy technician can show empathy, acknowledge the patient's point of view, and identify and addressed the needs of the patient. Additionally, become familiar with the communication process, the various aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, open-ended questions, and motivational learning. Learn about the importance of effective telephone communication, tips for excellent customer service, and handling difficult communication. Finally, complete a Peer Review experience which serves as a capstone experience for MedCerts' Pharmacy Technician Intermediate Specialization on Coursera.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Useful for learners interested in pharmaceutical work

Content is designed for pharmaceutical students

Emphasizes real-world applications of skills

Covers both technical and non-technical aspects of pharmacy practice

Provides a comprehensive understanding of insulin administration and compounding medications

Designed for learners with a pharmacy background

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication with these activities:

Review Basic Insulin Injection Techniques

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Strengthen your understanding of proper insulin administration by revisiting the basics of injection techniques.

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Explore online tutorials on various insulin injection devices.
Practice injection techniques using a self-injection training device.

Review the book 'Pharmacy Practice' by Anderson & Knoben

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'Pharmacy Practice' is a comprehensive textbook that covers all aspects of pharmacy practice, including compounding, patient care, and ethics.

View Handbook of Clinical Drug Data on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes.
Complete the end-of-chapter review questions.

Participate in a study group with other students

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Studying with other students can help you to understand the material better, learn from different perspectives, and stay motivated.

Browse courses on Pharmacy

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Find a study group or start your own.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material and work on assignments together.

Six other activities

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Recognize insulin types and dosage forms

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Practice and repetition will help reinforce which type of insulin is used in different cases and how to draw up the correct dose.

Browse courses on Insulin

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Review the different types of insulin and their uses.
Practice drawing up insulin using a syringe.
Calculate the correct insulin dosage based on the patient's needs.

Watch a video tutorial on how to provide patient counseling

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Watching a video tutorial will provide you with a demonstration of effective patient counseling techniques and help you to develop your own skills.

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Find a video tutorial on how to provide patient counseling.
Watch the video tutorial and take notes.
Practice role-playing patient counseling scenarios with a classmate or friend.

Watch a video tutorial on how to compound a medication

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Watching a video tutorial will provide a visual demonstration of the compounding process and allow you to learn from an expert.

Browse courses on Compounding

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Find a video tutorial on how to compound a medication.
Watch the video tutorial and take notes.
Practice the compounding process under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Solve practice problems on compounding calculations

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Solving practice problems will help you to develop your skills in compounding calculations and ensure that you are able to accurately prepare medications.

Browse courses on Compounds

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Find practice problems on compounding calculations.
Solve the problems and check your answers.
Review the problems and identify any areas where you need to improve.

Develop a study guide on key concepts in pharmacy

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Creating a study guide will help you to organize the material, identify key concepts, and reinforce what you have learned.

Browse courses on Pharmacy

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Review the course material and identify key concepts.
Organize the key concepts into a logical order.
Write the study guide, including definitions, examples, and practice questions.

Create a patient education handout on insulin administration

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Creating a patient education handout will force you to think about the most important information to include and how to present it in a clear and concise way.

Browse courses on Insulin

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Gather information about insulin administration.
Decide on the format and content of the handout.
Write and edit the handout.

Career center

Learners who complete Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technicians are responsible for preparing and dispensing medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. Responsibilities may include counting, measuring, mixing, and labeling medications according to a doctor's order. This Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Pharmacy Technicians as it provides direct training on these tasks. The course also covers important topics such as patient empathy, communication, and telephone techniques, which are all essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications and providing advice on their use. They may also be involved in compounding medications, which is the process of creating custom medications for patients. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Pharmacists as it covers topics such as compounding medications and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Nursing Assistant

Nursing Assistants provide basic care to patients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Nursing Assistants as it provides training on how to administer medications safely and effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nursing Assistant

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants perform a variety of tasks in a doctor's office or clinic, including taking vital signs, drawing blood, and administering medications. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Medical Assistants as it provides training on how to administer medications safely and effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Assistant

Pharmacy Manager

Pharmacy Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy, including managing staff, inventory, and finances. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Pharmacy Managers as it provides training on important topics such as compounding medications, communication, and customer service.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacy Manager

Medication Aide

Medication Aides are responsible for administering medications to patients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Medication Aides as it provides training on how to administer medications safely and effectively.

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Patient Care Technician

Patient Care Technicians provide basic care to patients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Responsibilities may include taking vital signs, drawing blood, and administering medications. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Patient Care Technicians as it provides training on how to administer medications safely and effectively.

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Certified Pharmacy Technician

Certified Pharmacy Technicians are responsible for preparing and dispensing medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. They must pass a national certification exam in order to practice. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Certified Pharmacy Technicians as it provides direct training on these tasks, and can help to prepare for the national exam..

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Pharmacy Clerk

Pharmacy Clerks assist pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with a variety of tasks, such as answering phones, filling prescriptions, and maintaining inventory. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Pharmacy Clerks as it provides training on important topics such as patient empathy, communication, and customer service.

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Drug Information Specialist

Drug Information Specialists provide information on medications to healthcare professionals and patients. They may also be involved in developing and evaluating drug information resources. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Drug Information Specialists as it covers topics such as compounding medications and communication skills.

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Medication Safety Officer

Medication Safety Officers are responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the safe use of medications in a healthcare setting. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Medication Safety Officers as it covers topics such as compounding medications, communication skills, and patient safety.

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Quality Assurance Specialist

Quality Assurance Specialists are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. They may be involved in developing and implementing quality assurance programs, as well as conducting audits and inspections. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Quality Assurance Specialists as it covers topics such as compounding medications, quality assurance, and communication.

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Clinical Research Associate

Clinical Research Associates are responsible for designing, conducting, and managing clinical trials. They may also be involved in data collection and analysis. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Clinical Research Associates as it provides direct training on topics such as compounding medications, patient safety, and communication.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives are responsible for selling medications to physicians and other healthcare professionals. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives as it provides training on important topics such as compounding medications, communication skills, and customer service.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers develop and write medical content, such as articles, reports, and marketing materials. The Pharmacy Syringes, Compounding Medications, & Communication course may be useful for Medical Writers as it covers topics such as compounding medications, communication, and patient education.

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