Health Products Information Officer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as Health Products Information Officer. The Health Products Information Officer supports the medical advisory and/or product specialist team and/or regulatory compliance team to research, collate, analyse and represent information related to health products that the company sells and/or health products that are deemed competitor products. In addition, the Health Products Information Officer will provide informational support and manage the safety profile of assigned health products. A competent learner shall demonstrate among others the following attributes: honesty, integrity, punctuality, business acumen, self-motivated, responsibility, accountability, interpersonal relations, ethical behaviour, well organised, self-confidence, etc. A qualified learner will be able to: • Identify, search and study health products information. • Prepare and present health products information • Handle objections related to health products information • Manage safety profile of health products

This part-qualification is for learners who have entered the area of health products sales representation. 'Health Products' include medicines, medical products, medical devices, scheduled substances and other health products and devices in accordance with the relevant current legislation. This area involves visiting and presenting information about health products to health care professionals with the purpose of generating sales through the prescribing dispensing and use of the products. Since medical doctors, veterinarians and pharmacists comprise many potential clients, the industry requires well-trained individuals who can provide accurate product information to potential customers but who can also adapt their communication styles to suit each individual customer's needs. The part-qualification is intended to produce credible ethical and informed health products sales representatives who will be able to take specific product knowledge to the customer. The health products industry recognised a need to formalise the marketing of health products in line with international trends and current legislation as well as industry codes. This need includes the provision of well-researched information on current and new products to the health care industry so that consumers can receive effective safe and high-quality health products. Health products marketing support scope was identified as critical within the occupation, hence the qualification, Health Products Marketing Associate. National legislation and associated regulations govern the sale and marketing of health products. A qualification for health products sales representation which is approved by the relevant bodies, and which enables the qualifying learner to provide a health sales service within a recommended scope of practice is therefore required. Recent developments in the health products industry and managed health care require that health products Information Officers have a wide knowledge of the efficacy safety and cost effectiveness of the health products available as well as the ability to convey selected information to customers. Meeting this requirement means that the qualifying learner will have the ability to access and utilise research findings. With this qualification as a basis the qualifying learner can progress into marketing and/or sales management and/or specialisation in clinical research or other areas. This part-qualification will provide the basis for personal growth and the development of entrepreneurial skills which will contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) particularly in health care. Within the pharmaceutical and health sub-sector health products sales representation has been identified as a scarce skill. Addressing the related skills gap will enlarge the pool of skilled persons for development into managerial and executive positions within the sub-sector. Marketing Code Authority and Health Products Association were consulted in the development of the qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this part-qualification is: • NQF Level 4 qualification.

• Analyse global and local health products market information to track market trends and comply with legislation and industry codes.
• Apply product and other relevant knowledge in the sales process.
• Communicate assimilated information to the customer within the regulated health care environment.