Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Pharmacists - HECS5146M
Level: 5
Credits: 45
Assessment: 2 hour, unseen written examination paper comprising multiple choice questions and short answer questions. The mark is 50% of the final mark
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Pass/Fail If one station is failed it can be taken again. If two or more stations are failed then all stations must be taken again.
Portfolio including supervised practice/
Competencies
Pass/Fail
Written Assignment
Written assignment (linked to portfolio) The mark is 50% of the final mark
All components must be passed
Compensation is not permitted
Objectives of the Module
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Understand the responsibility that the role of independent prescriber entails, be aware of their own limitations and work within the limits of their professional competence – knowing when and how to refer / consult / seek guidance from another member of the health care team.
2. Develop an effective relationship and communication with patients, carers, other prescribers and members of the health care team.
3. Describe the pathophysiology of the condition being treated and recognise the signs and symptoms of illness, take an accurate history and carry out a relevant clinical assessment where necessary.
4. Use common diagnostic aids e.g. stethoscope, sphygmomanometer.
5. Use diagnostic aids relevant to condition(s) for which the pharmacist intends to prescribe, including monitoring response to therapy.
6. Apply clinical assessment skills to: inform a working diagnosis; formulate a treatment plan; prescribe one or more medicines if appropriate; carry out a checking process to ensure patient safety; monitor response to therapy, review the working/differential diagnosis and modify treatment or refer / consult / seek guidance as appropriate.
7. Demonstrate a shared approach to decision making by assessing patients’ needs for medicines, taking account of their wishes and values and those of their carers when making prescribing decisions
8. Identify and assess sources of information, advice and decision support and demonstrate how they will use them in patient care taking into account evidence based practice and national / local guidelines;
9. Recognise, evaluate and respond to influences on prescribing practice at individual, local and national levels;
10. Prescribe safely, appropriately, clinically and cost effectively;
11. Work within a prescribing partnership
12. Maintain accurate, effective and timely records and ensure that other prescribers and health care staff are appropriately informed.
13. Demonstrate an understanding of the public health issues related to medicines use
14. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, ethical and professional framework for accountability and responsibility in relation to prescribing;
15. Work within clinical governance frameworks that include audit of prescribing practice and personal development.
16. Participate regularly in CPD and maintain a record of their CPD activity.
Outline Syllabus
The indicative content is identified in the General Pharmaceutical Council’s curriculum for training programmes to prepare pharmacist independent prescribers, September 2010.
And includes the following
Consultation, Decision-Making, Assessment and Review, Prescribing in a Team Context, Applied Therapeutics, Evidence-based Practice and Clinical Governance, Legal, Policy, Professional and Ethical Aspects, Prescribing in the Public Health Context
