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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Describe anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and treatment options for specific conditions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259363  Describe anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and treatment options for specific conditions 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Pharmacy 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Curative Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  45 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is aimed at individuals working in the field of pharmaceutical sales and related fields. 'Pharmaceutical' includes medicines, medical products, medical devices, scheduled substances, veterinary medicines, products and devices, in accordance with the relevant current legislation. The learner who is credited with this unit standard will be able to use his/her understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to interact with medical and pharmacy professionals concerning therapeutic options for common conditions.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Describe the structure and the function of the body.
  • Describe the pathophysiology of common conditions.
  • Apply knowledge of microbiology as it relates to common conditions.
  • Discuss therapeutic options used for the management of common conditions.

    Note:
  • Accepted medical terminology is applied throughout this unit standard. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the structure and explain the function of the listed systems of the body. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The elements of a cell are identified and their functions described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The structure and functions of various body tissues are differentiated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The purpose, structure and function of the organs related to the listed systems are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The normal structure and function of the listed systems are identified and described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the pathophysiology of specific conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The causes of specific conditions are described for each of the listed aspects. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The pathophysiology of specific conditions is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors which may prevent or alter specific disease patterns are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include but are not limited to:
  • Exercise, nutritional status, and behaviour.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply knowledge of microbiology as it relates to common conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various forms of micro-organisms which cause specific infections are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic principles of anti-microbial therapy commonly used in treating specific infections are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The body's protective systems and processes against specific infections are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The types and uses of vaccines in the prevention of infection are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    National treatment protocols and criteria for the administration of vaccines are discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Discuss therapeutic options used for the management of specific conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Selected treatment options for management of specific conditions are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Treatment options include, but are not limited to medications, lifestyle modification and surgical interventions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Diagnostic tests and procedures are explained in terms of their use in the overall management of specific conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant clinical information is accessed and used to promote effective communication. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing the learner against this unit standard must be accredited as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be registered with the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • The moderation of this standard will be conducted according to the requirements of relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Anatomy and physiology.
  • Pathophysiology.
  • Terminology.
  • Applied pharmacology and therapeutic approaches to common conditions.

    Range: Listed systems must include the following:
  • Cardiovascular system.
  • Urinary and renal system.
  • Respiratory system.
  • Nervous system.
  • Musculoskeletal system.
  • Gastro-intestinal system.
  • Endocrine system.
  • Lymphatic and immune system.
  • Reproductive system (male and female).
  • Skin.
  • Special senses.

    Range of specific conditions must include but are not limited to:
  • Cardiovascular system: Hypertension, cardiac failure, oedema, ischaemic heart disease, dyslipidaemia, emboli, thrombi, atherosclerosis.
  • Urinary and renal system: Renal failure, nephritis, urinary tract infections, renal calculi, urinary incontinence, urinary retention and frequency.
  • Respiratory system: Upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, influenza, bronchitis (acute and chronic), pneumonia, chronic obstructive airways disease, asthma, tuberculosis, malignancies, pleural effusion, acute respiratory failure.
  • Nervous system: Cerebrovascular accident, malignancies, raised intracranial pressure, Parkinson's disease, dementias, neuropathies, depression, anxiety, insomnia, psychoses, and headaches.
  • Musculoskeletal system: Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory and degenerative conditions, tetanus.
  • Gastro-intestinal system: Halitosis, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-oesophageal reflux, peptic ulcers, malignancies, helminthic infestations, infectious conditions, malnutrition, pancreatitis, hepatitis, Crohn' disease, ulcerative colitis, malignancies, cholecystitis, haemorrhoids, water and food borne infectious diseases.
  • Endocrine system: Diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome.
  • Lymphatic and immune system and haematology: Lymphadenopathy, malignancies, HIV and AIDS, infectious diseases, anaemia, leukaemia, auto-immune disorders,
  • Reproductive system (male and female), sexually transmitted infections, benign prostatic hypertrophy, infertility, contraception, hormonal imbalance, impotence malignancies.
  • Skin: Impetigo, ulceration, tumours, acne, dermatitis, allergic reactions, infectious conditions, tinea, psoriasis, eczema.
  • Special senses: Glaucoma, conjunctivitis, otitis media, hearing disorders, sinusitis. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem identification and solving are demonstrated when conversing with health care professionals about pharmaceutical products. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others is demonstrated when conveying product information to health care professionals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others is demonstrated through applying knowledge of pharmacology to the common diseases being studied. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understanding the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation is demonstrated through the impact of infectious diseases and microbiology on society. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    It is strongly recommended that the unit standard on pharmacology is provided in tandem with this unit standard.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment will be based on techniques inter-alia:

    > Written assessment.
  • Portfolio of evidence demonstrating understanding.
  • Simulated scenario.
  • Peer assessment.

    The learner should demonstrate the ability to explain concepts in a clear and understandable manner and in language that is appropriate for the target audience.

    Motivation for a unit standard with a 45 credit value:

    Following extensive research into existing standards and through the development of a set of unit standards designed to achieve the desired outcomes, the SGB was faced with a number of challenges.

    It is imperative that the qualifying learner is able to apply knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology in order to understand what causes diseases and medical conditions (pathophysiology). This information is then integrated with the knowledge of pharmacology, as identified in a separate unit standard, so that therapeutic options for common medical conditions can be discussed with health care professionals.

    In reviewing the existing South African qualifications and courses, as well as the British and American qualifications, it is evident that the core knowledge required to function as a pharmaceutical sales representative is an understanding of diseases and the therapeutic approaches. This core knowledge should comprise at least 40% of the total number of credits. In this instance, the proposed unit standard will comprise 45 credits, which is approximately 38% of the Qualification and when combined with the pharmacology unit standard comprises 45%.

    Credit Justification:
  • Classroom Learning, 220 hours, 22 credits
  • Self Study, 150 hours, 15 credits
  • Resource centre utilisation, 80 hours, 8 credits 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  63969   National Certificate: Pharmaceutical Sales Representation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CHIETA 
    Elective  57613   Further Education and Training Certificate: Short-Term Risk Management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  INSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.