PMMNP2-Independent and supplementary Prescribing for Nurses

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Pre-requisites: Applicants must meet the NMC entry criteria for enrolment on this module and demonstrate the ability to study at level 7. Applicants must be concurrently studying or have completed PMMPP2 to enrol on this module.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: s.j.slade@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module builds on PMMPP2 to enable nurses to practise and develop as independent prescribers and to meet the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which will enable them to apply for annotation to the register to practise as prescribers.

The module can be studied as part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing or as part of the MSc in Advancing Healthcare Practice.  Practitioners will be supported to reflect on their experiences by developing a professional portfolio of their learning which is mapped to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Competency Framework for all Prescribers.

Aims:

To enable nurses to practise as independent and supplementary prescribers.  To meet the requirements of the NMC for annotation as an independent prescriber on the professional register.  To demonstrate critical appraisal skills commensurate with Master’s level study.

Assessable learning outcomes:

The following learning outcomes are based on the programme requirements set by the NMC for prescribing programmes.

Knowledge

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and professional framework for accountability and responsibility in relation to independent prescribing and demonstrate how the law relates to independent and supplementary prescribing practice


2. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of record keeping in the context of medicines management including:
   
   
   
   1. accurate recording in patients’ notes
   
   
   2. the reporting of near misses
   
   
   3. adverse drug reactions
   
   
   
   


3. Develop and document treatment plans within the context of autonomous independent working in the stated scope of practice

Skills

1. Develop an effective relationship and communication with patients, carers, other prescribers and members of the health care team


2. Recognise, evaluate and respond to influences on prescribing practice at individual, local and national levels


3. Monitor response to medicines and modify treatment or refer the patient as appropriate


4. Demonstrate effective consultation skills including the following:
   
   
   
   1. ability to communicate effectively with patients and carers
   
   
   2. how to assess patients’ needs for medicines, taking account of their wishes, values, ethnicity and the choices they may wish to make in their treatment
   
   
   
   


5. Demonstrate effective assessment skills including the following:
   
   
   
   1. ability to take an appropriate history considering legal, cognitive, emotional and physical implications
   
   
   2. ability to conduct a relevant physical assessment/examination of patients within the stated scope of practice
   
   
   3. the process of effective clinical decision-making
   
   
   4. how to assess patients’ needs for medicines, taking account of their wishes, values, ethnicity and the choices they may wish to make in their treatment
   
   
   
   


6. Prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively


7. Demonstrate critical insight when analysing information, including a range of relevant primary sources


8. Demonstrate a robust analysis of evidence, integrating theory and practice to formulate a justified argument


9. Provide, where relevant, evidence of study beyond the standard material


10. Show critical awareness of problems within the stated scope of practice to provide safe and effective patient care

Behaviours

1. Demonstrate a reflective approach to continuing professional development of prescribing practice


2. Continually advance own knowledge and understanding through continuing professional development and life-long learning


3. Demonstrate a systematic approach to medicines optimisation for patients within stated scopes of practice


4. Demonstrate the ability to work in accordance with the Competency Framework for All Prescribers


5. Demonstrate professional behaviours consistent with the NMC The Code

Additional outcomes:

To gain the level 7 qualification practitioners will need to demonstrate Master’s level critical appraisal during their studies, including the implications to their own practice. Nursing students who do not meet this outcome but demonstrate knowledge, skills and behaviours aligned to - and sufficient to pass - the level 6 module, may be able to transfer to PM4NP2. 

Outline content:

This module will focus on supporting practitioners to apply a range of clinical and scientific knowledge to develop as autonomous prescribing practitioners.  The content will also include clinical decision making, influence on (and the psychology of) prescribing, clinical governance, legal and ethical aspects to prescribing and public health.

Workplace-based learning will focus on the practitioner’s individual scope of practice, applying the taught content to their own context and patient population.

Global context:

As an accredited programme this module can only be offered to UK practising nurses who meet the entry criteria.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will use a range of teaching and learning methods.  The University teaching is based around face-to-face workshops using a mixture of presentations, problem-based learning and case-based learning that is facilitated by the programme team and other specialist healthcare professionals. The workshops are underpinned by directed learning via Blackboard and self-directed learning where practitioners are required to use a range of sources to gain information to support the development of their knowledge and skills.

A minimum of 78 hours of supervised workplace-based learning is required where practitioners will undertake activities to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours.  This will be guided by the professional portfolio of learning.

This module is usually studied following completion of PMMPP2, although the two modules may be studied concurrently. There may be more than one cohort per year, therefore the distinction of hours by term is not possible. The hours shown for autumn term below are spread over the entire module.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1. 1 hour written examination paper
   
   
   
   • Long answer questions
   
   
   
   


2. Practical skills assessment: 1 hour Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
   
   
   
   • Extended patient scenario station
   
   
   • Scope of practice viva
   
   
   • Prescription writing exercise
   
   
   
   

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

During module:

1. Set exercise: Case study
   
   
   
   • Written report of approximately 2,500 words
   
   
   
   


2. Written assignment: Reflective account
   
   
   
   • Written report of approximately 1,500 words
   
   
   
   

End of module:

1. Professional portfolio of learning
   
   
   
   • Portfolio contents review
   
   
   
   

Students will be allowed to choose to submit their portfolio at one of three submission points (6, 8 or 10 months from the start of the module).  The point of submission will be agreed with the programme team in the three-month appraisal (Record of In-Training Assessment).  All other assessment points will remain as standard.

Formative assessment methods:

1. Workplace-based assessments during workplace-based learning


2. Feedback on workplace-based learning from supervisors


3. Oral presentation to peers


4. Mock OSCE station


5. Mock prescription writing exercise


6. Mock examination papers


7. Feedback from programme team and peers during workshops


8. Optional formative peer feedback on draft case study


9. Optional formative feedback on draft reflective account

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

All elements of assessment must be passed; there is no compensation between elements.

1. The examination paper must be passed at 50%


2. The case study must be passed at 50% with all essential criteria met


3. The reflective account must be passed at 50% with all essential criteria met


4. Each OSCE station must be passed at 50% with all essential criteria met


5. The professional portfolio of learning must be passed (pass/fail mark) and contain all mandatory content


6. The portfolio must contain a statement of competence and completion signed by the approved workplace-based supervisor

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will usually be arranged promptly to allow students to continue their studies although, where necessary, may occur with the next cohort, within a three to four-month period.  Individualised timings may be required depending on the specific requirements for reassessment and ongoing further study.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Printing and binding Students can submit most of their portfolio online.  Currently library costs for printing are 5p a sheet for black and white. A simple ring binder can be purchased from stationers for around £3.

Last updated: 19 December 2019