PMMSP0-Independent Prescribing Conversion Programme for Pharmacists

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 0 [0 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Pre-requisites: Applicants must meet the GPhC or PSNI entry criteria for enrolment on this module
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: k.a.hall@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module enables pharmacist supplementary prescribers to practise and develop as independent prescribers and to meet the standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which will enable them to apply for annotation to the register to practise as independent prescribers.

The module can be studied stand-alone or the learning can be built upon as part of the MSc in Advancing Healthcare Practice through the Evidence of Personal Learning or Reflective practice for Prescribers modules.  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 pharmacist supplementary prescribers to practise as independent and supplementary prescribers.  To meet the requirements of the GPhC 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 learning outcomes for independent prescribing programmes are set by the General Pharmaceutical Society:

Students should 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. 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


3. Use common diagnostic aids e.g. stethoscope, sphygmomanometer


4. Use diagnostic aids relevant to the condition(s) for which the pharmacist intends to prescribe, including monitoring response to therapy


5. Apply clinical assessment skills to:
   
   
   
   1. inform a working diagnosis
   
   
   2. formulate a treatment plan for the prescribing of one or more medicines if appropriate
   
   
   3. carry out a checking process to ensure patient safety.
   
   
   4. monitor response to therapy
   
   
   5. review the working/differential diagnosis and modify treatment or refer
   
   
   6. consult / seek guidance as appropriate
   
   
   
   


6. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, ethical and professional frameworks for accountability and responsibility in relation to prescribing

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.

Outline content:

This module will focus on supporting practitioners to apply a range of clinical and scientific knowledge to develop as autonomous practitioners.  The content will include legal aspects to prescribing, professional aspects to prescribing and an introduction to physical assessment skills.

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 pharmacists 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 2 face to face workshops using a mixture of presentations and practical skills training, facilitated by the programme team, specialists and other 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 15 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.  Practitioners enrol on this module with a significant amount of underpinning knowledge therefore the amount of self-directed learning specific to this programme which is separate to ongoing continuing professional development will vary.  The numbers below are based on feedback from past students.

This module is usually studied over three months, and 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:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

End of module:

1. Professional portfolio of learning
   
   
   
   • Portfolio contents review
   
   
   
   

Formative assessment methods:

1. Workplace-based assessments during workplace-based learning


2. Feedback on workplace-based learning from supervisors


3. Feedback from programme team during workshops


4. Optional formative feedback on draft portfolio contents (reflective account and case study)

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.  This is a requirement of the General Pharmaceutical Council.

1. The professional portfolio of learning must be passed at 50% and contain all mandatory content


2. The portfolio must contain a statement of competence and completion signed by the Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP)

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will usually be arranged with the next cohort, within a three to four-month period.  Individualised timings may be required depending on the specific requirements for reassessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

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: 27 August 2019