Housekeeping Resource Guide (KM 15)

Housekeeping Resource Guide (KM 15)

Courseware Development and Copyright

  • Developed by Health Science Academy (HSA) for learner use.

  • Copyright restrictions on reproduction and distribution.

  • HSA not liable for errors, misprints, or faulty instructions.

  • Subject to change without notice.

  • Fictitious names and examples used unless stated otherwise.

  • Contact information provided for HSA, including address and phone number.

  • First edition published January 2023, second edition February 2024 by Tessa McWilliam, reviewed by Laetitia Crause.

Content Overview

  • General Housekeeping (KM 15 - KT102)

    • Introduction to housekeeping in pharmacy.

    • Good housekeeping practices and their importance.

  • Administrative Tasks (KM 015 – KT01)

    • Essential administrative tasks in the pharmacy.

  • General Cleaning and Merchandising Procedures (KM 15 – KT01)

    • Cleaning procedures and importance in a pharmacy context.

  • Dispensary Consumables (KM 15 – KT01)

    • Managing and ordering pharmacy consumables.

Study Units

  1. General Housekeeping (KT102)

    • Introduction

      • Definition: Maintaining cleanliness, order, and pest control in a pharmacy.

      • Applies to all pharmacy sectors: community, institutional, wholesale, manufacturing.

      • Local guidelines specified by the Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) in South Africa.

      • Key aspects: administrative tasks, cleanliness, merchandising principles, consumable control.

    • Good Housekeeping Principles

      • Team effort involving all pharmacy personnel.

      • Code of Conduct from SAPC for pharmacy professionals, vital for ethical practice.

      • Professional appearance linked to Good Pharmacy Practice standards (GPP).

    • Importance and Purpose

      • Ensure health and safety, minimize incidents (e.g., slips/trips).

      • Effective housekeeping can prevent operational disruptions.

      • Detailed plans to adhere to hygiene regulations and maintain optimal operation standards.

  2. Administrative Tasks (KT01)

    • Communication Practices

      • Importance of telephone communication in maintaining pharmacy image.

      • Good telephone etiquette: promptness, courtesy, clear speech, avoidance of jargon.

    • Key Elements

      • Proficient handling of telephone calls, including taking messages and detailing requirements needed for effective communication.

      • Importance of message accuracy and detailed logging.

    • Use of Technology

      • Role of computers, printers, and copiers in administrative tasks.

      • Filing systems essential for information management and retrieval.

  3. General Cleaning Procedures (KT01)

    • Cleaning Importance

      • Cleaning procedures to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination in pharmaceutical settings.

      • Standards for cleanliness including surfaces, shelves, equipment, and the control of pest risks.

    • Practical Cleaning Procedures

      • Establishment of schedules for cleaning clinical spaces, medication shelving, work surfaces, and more.

      • Personal hygiene practices critical to preventing product contamination.

    • Management of Hazardous Situations

      • Guidelines for spill management and control of hazardous substances.

    • Merchandising Guidelines

      • Essentials of merchandise arranging for consumer attraction and effective product accessibility.

    • Shelf Management

      • Organizing products logically to ensure safety and accessibility for customers.

  4. Dispensary Consumables (KT01)

    • Key Consumables

      • List includes dispensing labels, stationary, cleaning materials, and other pharmacy necessities.

    • Ordering and Stock Management

      • Developing systems for tracking usage and placement of consumables.

      • Importance of timely ordering to prevent supply disruptions.

    • Guiding Principles for Usage and Storage

      • Procedures for separating normal stock from consumables to ensure management and operational safety.

Additional Notes

  • Floor and Furnishing Care

    • Importance of maintaining clean and safe environments.

  • Hygienic Measures

    • Implementing hygiene practices, from personal cleanliness to facility upkeep.

Conclusion

  • Emphasis on the necessity of good housekeeping in ensuring a professional and effective pharmacy operational environment.

  • Training and adherence to SOPs are critical to executing housekeeping tasks effectively.

Annexure A: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Clean-Up of Small Blood Spills

  • Detailed steps in case of biohazard spills including PPE usage, isolation of spills, and required equipment for safe clean-up.