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• Preparing for the DSM Examination
• Exam Format
• Exam Results

 

The DSM examination are based on a nationally uniform content blueprint, with questions that are tailored to assess the knowledge and judgment of pharmacists providing DSM services.

DSM examinations are uniformly developed, administered, and scored under policies and procedures developed by NABP's Advisory Committee on Examination and approved by NABP's Executive Committee. The content of the DSM examination are approved by practitioners and educators from around the country through their service as DSM Examination Review Committee members and item writers.

All candidates are tested on their mastery as outlined in the DSM Examination Competency Statements and subsequent Standards/Objectives. The DSM Examination Competency Statements provide a blueprint of the topics covered on the examination. They offer important information about the knowledge, judgment, and skills you are expected to demonstrate as a practicing pharmacist providing services in certain disease states. A strong understanding of the Competency Statements and Standards/Objectives will aid in your preparation to take the examination.

 

Competency Statements Area 1: Pharmaceutical Care

1.01.00 The pharmacist shall identify and assess the patient's current health status, health-related needs and problems, and desired therapeutic outcomes.
(Approximately 18% of the examination)
1.01.01 The pharmacist shall identify and assess patient information, including, but not limited to, medication, laboratory, and disease histories.
1.01.02 The pharmacist shall identify and assess physical signs and symptoms of the patient's disease state in relation to the patient's medication therapy.
1.01.03 The pharmacist shall identify and assess current prescription and non-prescription medication therapy as it relates to the welfare of the patient.
1.01.04 The pharmacist shall identify and assess the patient's health problems, need for treatment and/or referral, and desired therapeutic outcomes.
1.02.00 The pharmacist shall develop, implement, and evaluate a pharmaceutical care plan that assures the appropriateness of the patient's medication(s), dosing regimens, dosage forms, routes of administration, and delivery systems.
(Approximately 18% of the examination)
1.02.01 The pharmacist shall identify and assess available information from medication and therapeutic resources and references.
1.02.02 The pharmacist shall, in concert with the patient or caregiver and prescriber, identify appropriate medication and non-medication alternatives or interventions and assess their potential to resolve or prevent health problems.
1.02.03 The pharmacist shall, in concert with the patient or caregiver and prescriber, identify appropriate medication and non-medication alternatives or interventions and assess their potential to resolve or prevent medication therapy problems.
1.02.04 Based on individual patient factors, the pharmacist shall identify and assess an appropriate medication solution, including dose, dosage form, schedule, and duration of therapy.
1.02.05 The pharmacist shall identify and assess the appropriate parameters to be monitored.
1.03.00 The pharmacist shall communicate appropriate information to the patient and/or caregiver and other health care professionals regarding prescription or non-prescription medications and/or medical devices, disease states or medical conditions, and the maintenance of health and wellness.
(Approximately 34% of the examination)
1.03.01 The pharmacist shall communicate information regarding the medication's therapeutic actions, endpoints, outcomes, directions for use, refill authorization, and monitoring parameters.
1.03.02 The pharmacist shall communicate information regarding the medication's contraindications, precautions, warnings, significant adverse reactions, remedies to minimize such reactions, and significant medication-medication or medication-food interactions.
1.03.03 The pharmacist shall communicate information regarding the proper storage, administration, and disposal of the medications.
1.03.04 The pharmacist shall communicate information regarding the selection, use, care, and disposal of medical/surgical appliances or devices, durable medical equipment, and medication administration equipment.
1.03.05 The pharmacist shall communicate information regarding nutrition, lifestyle, and other non-medication measures that promote health or prevent or minimize the progress of a disease or medical condition.
1.03.06 The pharmacist shall communicate information regarding the selection, use, and monitoring of non-prescription medications.
1.04.00 The pharmacist shall monitor and document the patient's progress toward identified endpoints and outcomes of the pharmaceutical care plan and intervene when appropriate.
(Approximately 30% of the examination)
1.04.01 The pharmacist shall assess established parameters at appropriate intervals.
1.04.02 The pharmacist shall assess the safety and effectiveness of the patient's medication therapy.
1.04.03 The pharmacist shall assess patient compliance, noncompliance, and/or medication misuse or abuse.
1.04.04 The pharmacist shall assess adverse reactions, interactions, and/or contraindications.
1.04.05 The pharmacist shall assess alternative therapies and interventions in situations where the desired outcome is not being achieved.