PMMIP2-Independent prescribing for pharmacists

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: Applicants must meet the GPhC entry criteria for enrolment on this module and demonstrate the ability to study at level 7. Co-requisites: Applicants must be concurrently studying or have completed PMMPP1 or PMMCE1 to enrol on this module.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mrs Jill Merewood
Email: jill.merewood@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module builds on PMMPP1 and PMMCE1 to enable pharmacists 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 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 pharmacists 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 following learning outcomes are based on the programme requirements set by the GPhC for prescribing programmes.

Knowledge

1. Discuss the legal and professional framework for accountability and responsibility in relation to independent prescribing and how the law relates to independent and supplementary prescribing practice


2. Explain the importance of record keeping in the context of medicines management including:
   
   
3. accurate recording in patients’ notes


4. the reporting of near misses


5. adverse drug reactions

Describe, develop and document treatment plans within the context of autonomous independent working in the stated scope of practice

Skills

1. Demonstrate the ability to develop an effective relationship and communication with patients, carers, other prescribers and members of the health care team


2. Demonstrate the ability to recognise, evaluate and respond to influences on prescribing practice at individual, local and national levels


3. Demonstrate the ability to monitor response to medicines and modify treatment or refer the patient as appropriate


4. Demonstrate skill in conducting consultations 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 the ability to undertake assessments of patients 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. Demonstrate the ability to prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively


7. Demonstrate knowledge of, and the ability to question assumptions about, the standard literature


8. Critically analyses theory to implications for clinical practice


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

Behaviours

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


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 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 GPhC standards of conduct

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 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 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 face-to-face workshops using a mixture of presentations, problem-based learning and case-based learning that is 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 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 can be studied after completion of PMMPP1 or PMMCE1, although the two modules may be studied concurrently.  As a standalone module it is usually studied over thr ee to four 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
Tutorials	49
Work-based learning	78
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	112
Wider reading (directed)	49
Exam revision/preparation	14
Preparation for presentations	7
Preparation for seminars	14
Completion of formative assessment tasks	7
Essay preparation	35
Reflection	35
Total hours by term	400	0	0
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	33.3
Written assignment including essay	33.4
Set exercise	33.3

Summative assessment- Examinations:

During the module:

Written examination paper

• Long answer question (1 hour)


• Prescription writing exercise

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Practical skills assessment:

• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)


• Extended patient scenario station (30 minutes)

End of module:

Set exercise: Case study

• Written report of approximately 4,000 words

Written assignment: Reflective account

• Written report of approximately 1,500 words

Professional portfolio of learning

• Portfolio contents review


• Scope of practice viva

 

Students will be allowed to choose to submit their portfolio at one of two submission points (6 or 10 months from the start of the module). The point of submission will be agreed with the programme team in the five-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:

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:

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

1. The long answer examination paper must be passed at 50%


2. The prescription writing exercise must be passed with all essential criteria met


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


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


5. Each OSCE station must be passed  with all essential criteria met


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


7. 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) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) 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.

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023