Pharmacist Independent Prescribing

Teaching covers the learning outcomes required by the General Pharmaceutical Council. The subject matter is delivered at Master’s Level (SCQF Level 11) and covers therapeutics, pharmaceutical care planning, clinical skills, consultation skills and public health.

Therapeutic Topics

• Cardiovascular (hypertension, heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, dyslipidaemia)
• Endocrinology (thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus)
• Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Musculoskeletal (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, pain)
• Gastrointestinal (peptic ulcer disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
• Neurology (Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s)
• Oncology (general aspects, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer)
• Psychiatry (affective disorders, anxiety and sleep, schizophrenia)
• Common clinical conditions (respiratory tract, ENT, skin, UTI)

Delivery

The module comprises three elements: online learning, a ‘virtual residential week’ of teaching and training and a period of learning in practice.

The module is delivered entirely by online learning using a range of web-based learning materials. This includes a mandatory virtual residential week when you will study in large and small groups, and be assessed on, elements of the module such as communication and history-taking, consultation skills and the development and synthesis of treatment plans for individual patients. During the virtual residential week there are also highly relevant interactive presentations from a number of external experts.

The virtual residential week for the January intake is at the end of April/ beginning of May; the September intake has its virtual residential week in January.

Learning Methods

Presentation of module materials is based on the principles of adult learning theory which stress the importance of involving the learner at all stages of the learning process. This is fully compatible with the philosophy of continuing professional development (CPD), encouraging you to:

• reflect and define your own learning needs
• plan to meet these needs
• implement this learning plan
• evaluate the outcomes of your learning

The module is in mandatory part of the diploma stage of our PgDip | MSc Advanced Pharmacy Practicecourse.

Activity Summary

• Independent Study varies but approximately 175 hours over the duration of the module
• Placement / Work Based Learning- minimum of 90 hours learning in practice, throughout the module
• Lectures/Workshops,/Practical sessions 35 hours during virtual residential week

How long is aPharmacist Independent Prescribing course?

The Pharmacist Independent Prescribing course at RGU can be completed in 10 months + a 1 week 'virtual residential'. This is to include independent study, lectures, seminars and placement / work based learning.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Staff are practised pharmacist academics and practitioners with active links to national bodies including the General Pharmaceutical Council, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Faculty. External experts also contribute to the virtual residential week.

The Module Coordinator is your central point for information and support. You will be supported by university staff including e-tutors and practising clinical pharmacy practitioners, who review learning materials, provide real-life case scenarios and participate in the marking of some practice-related assessments. E-tutors facilitate discussion and learning within the module and bring a unique practice-related perspective to learning. We also have PIP tutors who are pharmacist prescribers working in a range of settings who bring their expertise to the course including the residential period.

Independent Study

There are a number of assignments and preparatory tasks that must be completed prior to and after the virtual residential week. You must also complete at least 90 hours entirely patient-facing learning in practice. Workloads and other commitments will vary making it impossible to specify the actual number of hours per week.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed eachyear:

• 1 practical skills assessment
• 1 portfolio of evidence from the period of learning practice

Feedback

Clinical pharmacy practitioners who review learning materials aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

You’ll undertake a minimum period of 90 hours of entirely patient-facing learning in practice, during which you will be supervised by a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP), who will be a medical or non-medical independent prescriber: note that you must identify this person yourself. You will focus on the therapeutic area(s)/ patient group(s) you hope to prescribe for and a training plan for this period will be agreed between you and your DPP. You’ll submit a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate achievement of the relevant learning outcomes and the required hours in practice.

Job Prospects

As a Pharmacist Prescriber you can make a great contribution to healthcare provision in primary and secondary care, in community pharmacy, and in other settings throughout the UK. The role is professionally challenging and very rewarding. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, involved in prescribing decisions and governance and optimising outcomes by the provision of person-centred pharmaceutical care.