PMMCP3-Introduction to infections and microbiology

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 5 [2.5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Registered as a pharmacist with GPhC or PSNI and working at an approved pharmacy practice site.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Miss Kat Hall
Email: k.a.hall@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Ms Nicola Green
Email: nicola.green@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focuses on the principles of medicines optimisation in infectious diseases.  Topics will include respiratory infections, cellulitis, urinary tract infections and healthcare-associated infections.

The module can be studied stand-alone or students can transfer onto the Joint Programmes Board Postgraduate Diploma in Foundation Pharmacy Practice or 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 Foundation Pharmacy Framework.  Practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge in the therapeutic area via a similar module structure are able to complete further study through modules PMMDP1, PMMDP2 and/or PMMDP3.

Aims:

To develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to effectively manage patients with infectious disease.  Students will combine academic learning with workplace-based learning and self-directed study to enable them to apply their knowledge to real patient cases.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

1. Discuss the aetiology, risk factors and preventative factors for the disease state


2. Describe the commonly used medicines, their place in therapy and the treatment targets for the disease state


3. Apply pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles to the design of appropriate treatment regimens for the medicines used in the disease state


4. Understand the common adverse drug reactions, drug interactions andpatient interactions that may affect the choice of treatment regimen for the disease state


5. Describe the role of non-medicine treatment options for the disease state


6. Identify mechanisms to improve patient concordance

 

Skills

1. Demonstrate the core skills of clinical decision making


2. Apply evidence-based medicine (EBM) to individualise patient care, referring torelevant guidelines and, where necessary, primary literature


3. Critically review the management and monitoring of patients with the disease state


4. Consult effectively with patients, carers and the multidisciplinary healthcare team, respecting diversity and confidentiality

 

Behaviours

1. Continually advance own knowledge, skills and behaviours through continuing professional development and life-long learning

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

This module will focus on supporting practitioners to apply a range of clinical and scientific knowledge to solve common, medication-related, problems.  Therapeutics and evidence-based medicine topics will focus on community acquired pneumonia, hospital acquired pneumonia, exacerbations of COPD, exacerbations of asthma, cellulitis, urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, MRSA, clostridium difficile and neutropenic sepsis.  Emphasis will also be placed on minimising the risk associated with medication use.

Global context:

This module is focused on the UK healthcare system.  Whilst it is mapped to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Foundation Pharmacy Framework, this framework is also linked to the International Global Competency Framework and practitioners who wish to work overseas can consider how their developing knowledge, skills and behaviours can be mapped to both frameworks.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will use a range of teaching and learning methods.  The University teaching is based around one face to face workshop using a mixture of presentations and problem-based/case-based learning facilitated by the programme team, specialist pharmacists 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 deve lopment of their knowledge and skills.

 

Students are encouraged to complement their study through workplace-based learning 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 studied over two to six months, and there may be more than one cohort per year, therefore the distincti on of hours by term is not possible.  The hours shown for autumn term below are spread over the entire module.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	4
Work-based learning	9
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10
Wider reading (directed)	5
Preparation for seminars	6
Essay preparation	12
Reflection	4
Total hours by term	50	0	0
Total hours for module	50

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Professional portfolio of learning
   
   
   
   • Portfolio contents review
   
   
   
   


2. Written case study
   
   
   
   • Using the set template, approximately 2,000 words in length
   
   
   
   

Formative assessment methods:

1. Workplace-based assessments during experiential learning


2. Group discussion of case-based learning


3. Optional formative feedback on draft written case study

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

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

2. The professional portfolio of learning must be passed (marked as pass/fail) and contain all mandatory content

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will usually be arranged within a three-month period.  Where required, and determined to be achievable, it will be arranged promptly so as not to delay any further study.  Individualised timings may be required depending on the specific requirements for reassessment.

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: 22 September 2022