Independent / Supplementary Prescribing (V300)

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Assess the patient: Undertake a thorough history, including medication history and current medication (considering OTC, alternative and complementary therapies) to inform diagnosis
2. Identify evidence-based treatment options available for clinical decision making: Understand the influences that can impact on prescribing.
3. Present options and reach a shared decision: Critically appraise, use sources of information/advice and decision support systems in prescribing practice including clinical management plans where appropriate
4. Prescribe: Understand and apply knowledge of drug actions in prescribing practice and monitor response
5. Provide information: Assess, consult and communicate information to patients/clients, parents and carers
6. Monitor and review: Monitor and respond to drug actions and recognise unsafe practice/systems acting accordingly.
7. Prescribe safely: Prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively
8. Prescribe professionally: Practise within a framework of professional accountability and responsibility in relation to the relevant legislation for the registered health care professional body
9. Improve prescribing in practice: Use clinical supervision and reflective practice to critically analyse and evaluate their ongoing performance as independent prescribers and continuing professional development
10. Prescribe as part of a team: Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of others involved in prescribing, supplying and administering medicines and the need for inter-professional working and shared decision making.

The content of the 26 taught days will cover:

• Pharmacology (including pharmacokinetics and dynamics)
• Numeracy for prescribing practice
• The contents and use of the online BNF
• Prescribing consultations
• Legal aspects of independent and supplementary prescribing
• How to use resources and evidence for up-to-date evidence-based prescribing practice. 

The content will also cover a variety of specialist subjects in clinical prescribing, including major drug groups and/or diseases related to different body systems or stages of life, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, mental health, endocrine, skin and palliative care.

Learning and teaching methods include:

• Enquiry-based learning, to develop critical thinking in e.g. Legal, ethical and professional issues;
• Lectures by specialist professionals;
• Case studies/scenarios, to show the application of knowledge of drugs to clinical practice;
• Student-led seminars, to show the application of knowledge of drugs to clinical practice and Formative Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), to develop confidence in assessment and decision making.
• The learning also includes supervised learning in practice, supported by the practice supervisor and assessment in practice from a practice assessor/educator. 

Summative assessment:

A summative assessment undertaken towards the end of the module showing competence in each area of practice and an OSCE assessed and signed by the practice assessor (NMC students) or practice educator (HCPC). A recording of the discussion after the OSCE will be submitted as an electronic file.

In addition, the University will set and mark:

• Numeracy exam - Pass/Fail (100% pass mark)
• Part B Portfolio Essay - Drug Analysis - 35% weighted (40% pass mark)
• Pharmacology exam - Pass/Fail (80% pass mark)
• Part A Portfolio - Pass/Fail
• Part B Portfolio Essay- Reflection on Prescribing Practice - 65% module credit weighted (40% pass mark).

Take a look at the module reading list.