PMMCPP-Introduction to clinical pharmacy practice

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 10 [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: 2023/4

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 aims to develop the key foundation knowledge, skills and behaviours required for recently qualified, early-career pharmacists, as well as for those who wish to move sector of practice, are returning to work following a career break or have not previously worked in the UK.  The module focuses on the principles of medicines reconciliation, prioritisation and record keeping for clinical pharmacy practice, focusing on using these skills for a stated scope of practice.  The module is particularly aimed at practitioners looking for, or new to, a role in hospital or GP practice settings.

The module can be studied stand-alone or students can transfer into the Joint Programmes Board Postgraduate Diploma in Foundation Pharmacy Practice or the MSc in Advancing Healthcare Practice.  A significant proportion of the module is based around simulated learning which practitioners are encouraged to build on with workplace-based learning.  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.

Aims:

To develop knowledge, skills and behaviours to competently work in pharmacy roles with a focus on providing medicines optimisation in patient-facing roles.  To support students’ development in their ability to complete medicines reconciliation, prioritise workloads and safely maintain records.  Students will combine academic learning with simulated learning and self-directed study to enable them to apply their knowledge to patient cases.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

1. Explain the principles of medicines optimisation


2. Explain the process of medicines reconciliation


3. Explain the common documentation used in hospital and GP settings and how pharmacists can use this to ensure safe, effective patient care


4. Describe commonly used laboratory results and monitoring parameters and explain how they should be interpreted

 

Skills

1. Communicate effectively with patients, carers and the multidisciplinary healthcare team, respecting diversity and confidentiality


2. Identify, prioritise and resolve the medicines management needs of patients, carers and health care professionals


3. Make appropriate clinical decisions in relation to prioritisation


4. Make appropriate records and critically review documentation relating to the management and monitoring of patients to ensure safe and effective treatment


5. Present information to other healthcare professionals and peers


6. Interpret laboratory results in a stated scope of practice

 

Behaviours

1. Independently develop clinical pharmacy knowledge and skills in order to identify, prioritise and resolve pharmaceutical problems in common disease states


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


3. Demonstrate a systematic approach to medicines optimisation for patients with a range of common conditions

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

This module will focus on supporting practitioners to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours in medicines reconciliation, prioritisation and record keeping.  Emphasis will also be placed on minimising the risk associated with medication use.  Simulated learning will focus on patient services encounters to provide a holistic understanding of the role of a hospital pharmacist.

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 a mixture of face to face workshops using a mixture of presentations, problem-based learning and case-based learning facilitated by the programme team, specialist pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.  The workshops are underpinned by simulation to apply the knowledge from the workshops to mock patient scenarios.  Practitioners are also expected to use directed lear ning via Blackboard and self-directed learning using a range of sources to gain information to support the development of their knowledge and skills.

 

This module is studied over two to six 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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	16
Work-based learning	42
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	12
Wider reading (directed)	10
Revision and preparation	10
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Portfolio	0
Practical skills assessment	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

End of module:

1. Practical skills assessment: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
   
   
   
   • Two 20 minute stations
   
   
   
   

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Professional portfolio of learning
   
   
   
   • Portfolio contents review
   
   
   
   


2. Written case study
   
   
   
   • Using the set template, approximately 1,000 words in length
   
   
   
   

Formative assessment methods:

1. Workplace-based assessments during experiential learning


2. Workplace-based assessments during simulated 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. Each OSCE station 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

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

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: 30 March 2023