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Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PA50248: Conversion unit for supplementary to independent prescribing

Click here for further information Credits: 3
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Modular (no specific semester)
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 50%, EX 50%, OT 0%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must have completed the following:
  • GPhC registration as a Supplementary Prescriber;
  • Two years post-registration work experience;
  • If a University of Bath student, then completion of PA50218(SP1) PA50219(SP2) PA50220(SP3) (the Practice Certificate in Supplementary Prescribing) (not greater than 2 years previous);
  • Statement of support from DMP in prescribing practice;
  • Demonstrate evidence of CPD and peer networks in Supplementary Prescribing role.
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
The aim of this unit is to update supplementary prescribers� underpinning knowledge and clinical practice skills, including experiential learning, to the level of an autonomous independent prescriber.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit the student will be able to:
1. Critically review 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 (assessed by portfolio, Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP) assessment guide).
2. Describe and critically evaluate 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. (assessed by portfolio, OSCE, DMP assessment guide).
3. Competently use common diagnostic aids e.g. stethoscope, sphygmomanometer. (assessed by portfolio, OSCE, DMP assessment guide).
4. Competently use diagnostic aids relevant to the condition(s) for which the pharmacist intends to prescribe, including monitoring response to therapy. (assessed by portfolio, OSCE, DMP assessment guide).
5. Apply and critically evaluate clinical assessment skills to:
* inform a working diagnosis
* formulate a treatment plan for the prescribing of one or more medicines, if appropriate
* carry out a checking process to ensure patient safety
* monitor response to therapy
* review the working differential diagnosis and modify treatment or refer
* consult/seek guidance as appropriate.
6. Critically assess the legal, ethical and professional framework for accountability and responsibility in relation to prescribing. (assessed by portfolio, OSCE, DMP assessment guide).

Skills:

* Complete disease diagnosis, assessment and monitoring for different patient groups within their prescribing specialty (knowledge and understanding, taught/facilitated/assessed.)
* Explain the benefit of an evidence-based approach to prescribing in terms of patient safety and clinical management. plans(knowledge and understanding, professional practical skill, taught/facilitated/assessed)
* Critically evaluate the use of a therapeutic class of medicines in their area of prescribing (Intellectual skill, taught/facilitated)
* Assess the role of self-audit in maintaining the safety and efficacy of the process of supplementary prescribing (Professional practical skill, facilitated/assessed)
* Reflect on their own development as an independent prescriber and identify areas for continuous improvement (personal transferable skill, taught/facilitated/assessed)

Content:
1. Updated legislative context of independent prescribing
2. Updated clinical physical examination skills
3. Ability to prepare a treatment plan
4. Ability to complete a differential diagnosis process which includes:
a. taking an accurate medical history,
b. being able to recognise signs and symptoms within the pathophysiological process of the illness being treated,
c. making a clinical assessment of the patient
d. arriving at a differential diagnosis,
e. undertaking appropriate physical examinations in order to rule out or clarify the diagnosis. These may include use of the stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, auriscope, cranial nerve examination, and simple use of tendon hammers and ophthalmoscopes
f. being able to interpret physical examination and laboratory results in relation to the specific case, and
g. formulating a diagnosis
h. refer appropriately if necessary.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PA50248 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
  • TSPA-ADT16 : Modular Programme in Advanced and Specialist Practice (Distance Learning)
  • TSPA-ADM16 : MSc Advanced and Specialist Healthcare Practice (Distance Learning)
  • TSPA-ADC16 : PG Cert Advanced and Specialist Healthcare Practice (Distance Learning)
  • TSPA-ADL16 : PG Dip Advanced and Specialist Healthcare Practice (Distance Learning)

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.