NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Safe Handling of Medicines

Introduction

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Safe Handling of Medicines has been accredited by the qualifications regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland1 and is part of the National Qualifications Framework. Its Qualification Accreditation Number is 100/6226/9. This qualification is therefore fundable under the Learning and Skills Act 2000 under Sections 96 and 97. Its Learning Aim Code is 10062269.

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Safe Handling of Medicines has been accredited by the qualifications regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland1 and is part of the National Qualifications Framework. Its Qualification Accreditation Number is 100/6226/9. This qualification is therefore fundable under the Learning and Skills Act 2000 under Sections 96 and 97. Its Learning Aim Code is 10062269.

This qualification is intended to provide progression to, but not overlap with, NVQs/SVQs in related areas.

Qualification Overview

Guided learning hours (GLH): up to 120

NQF Level: 2

Assessment requirements: Internally assessed and externally moderated workbook

The qualification consists of 5 units:

• Unit 01 An introduction to medicines and prescriptions
• Unit 02 Medicine supply, storage and disposal
• Unit 03 The safe administration of medication
• Unit 04 Quality control and record keeping in the administration of medication
• Unit 05 Accountability, responsibility and confidentiality in the administration of medication

Learners must successfully complete all 5 mandatory units to be awarded the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Safe Handling of Medicines.

Unit Summaries

Unit 01: An introduction to medicines and prescriptions (QCA Unit No. K/500/2487)

This unit provides an introduction to the many types of medicines learners are likely to encounter in a work environment. It introduces some of the legislation about medication and sources of information and guidance. The unit also covers the procedures of prescribing and dispensing.

The unit has 3 elements:

• Element 1.1 Classification and categories of medicines
• Element 1.2 Information sources
• Element 1.3 Prescribing and dispensing

This unit is mandatory and accounts for 24 hours of the total recommended guided learning hours.

Unit 02: Medicine supply, storage and disposal (QCA Unit No. M/500/2488)

This unit contains information on the legislation that applies to the safe handling, storage and disposal of medicines and the roles and responsibilities of staff in relation to these procedures.

The unit has 2 elements:

• Element 2.1 Medication legislation and storage requirements
• Element 2.2 Disposal of medicines

This unit is mandatory and accounts for 24 hours of the total recommended guided learning hours.

Unit 03: The safe administration of medication (QCA Unit No. T/500/2489)

This unit will provide learners with information about the safe administration of medication, routes and methods of administration and some of the more common adverse reactions to medication.

The unit has 5 elements:

• Element 3.1 Routes and methods of administration
• Element 3.2 Drug administration systems
• Element 3.3 Administration of medication
• Element 3.4 Self administration of medication
• Element 3.5 Side effects and adverse reactions

This unit is mandatory and accounts for 24 hours of the total recommended guided learning hours

Unit 04: Quality control and record keeping in the administration of medication (QCA Unit No. K/500/2490)

This unit provides information on the purpose of quality control (the audit process) and on the records that must be maintained regarding the administration of medicines.

The unit has one element:

• Element 4.1 Quality control and recording information

This unit is mandatory and accounts for 24 hours of the total recommended guided learning hours

Unit 05: Accountability, responsibility and confidentiality in the administration of medication (QCA Unit No. M/500/2491)

This unit provides an introduction to accountability and responsibility which are essential elements in the safe handling of medication along with issues of client confidentiality.

The unit has 2 elements:

• Element 5.1 Accountability and responsibility
• Element 5.2 Confidentiality

This unit is mandatory and accounts for 24 hours of the total recommended guided learning hours

Accreditation and Certification End Dates

All qualifications on the NQF have accreditation and certification end dates which are set by the regulators to ensure that they remain current and valid. Candidate registrations may not be accepted by NCFE after the accreditation end date for a specific qualification if an extension to the accreditation is not obtained from the regulators. However, certification is allowed until the certification end date so that learners have time to complete any programme of study.

Towards the end of the accreditation period for a qualification, NCFE will undertake a review of the qualification. This will be done in collaboration with sector representatives in order to make any changes necessary to meet sector needs and reflect recent developments. Once this review process is complete NCFE will, in most cases, apply to the regulators for an extension to the accreditation period.

Progression Opportunities

The Level 2 Certificate in Safe Handling of Medicines aims to provide progression towards:

• First Certificate/Diploma in Health and Social Care
• NVQs at Level 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care
• NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
• NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Safer Moving and Handling (including People)
• NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Infection Control
• NVQs at Level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support
• Level 3 Award in the Control and Administration of Medicines
• Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care

The qualification can also provide progression to NCFE qualifications in other sectors. These include:

• NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity
• NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Employment Skills

Internal Assessment

Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate's skill, knowledge and understanding against the standards set in the qualification.

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Safe Handling of Medicines is internally assessed. A candidate workbook covering 100% of the learning outcomes of this qualification is produced by NCFE. NCFE issues one workbook per candidate to centres upon candidate registration. Each candidate is required to complete the workbook, which includes a variety of short and long answer questions. All candidate workbooks must be 100% assessed by an Assessor using the Assessor Guidance Pack provided by NCFE. A reasonable sample of the workbooks must then be assessed by an Internal Moderator to ensure consistency with national standards. The Internal Moderator must be independent from the delivery of the qualification. They must also employ a satisfactory sampling strategy to ensure all units and all assessors are sampled over a defined period of time. The centre's appointed External Moderator will provide advice on sampling strategies if required.

Assessors must be satisfied that candidates have achieved all learning outcomes related to the unit being assessed prior to deciding whether candidates have been successful. Assessors are also responsible for supporting candidates through the assessment process.

Where a candidate fails to meet the required standards, the candidate may resubmit work within their registration period until the Assessor and Internal and External Moderators are satisfied that the candidate has met the standards.

Additional activities and evidence gathering can be used by centres, if required, to support candidates to complete their workbook. However, only the candidate workbook is formally assessed for achievement of this qualification.

The assessment arrangements for this qualification are in accordance with the criteria set out by the regulatory authorities.