The aim of this unit is to prepare allied health professionals with the Health and Care Professions Council to supplementary prescribe safely, appropriately, and competently. In doing so students will be required to evaluate the evidence underlining the practice of prescribing, critically reflect on their competency in respect of prescribing and evidence knowledge of the products they will prescribe. The programme has been developed in line with the and Health and Care Professions Council (2019) Standards for Prescribing and aligns with the Royal Pharmaceutical Competency Framework for all Prescribers (2016).

The indicative content will normally be delivered over 8 taught days and 15 days clinical practice under the supervision of a Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor. Attendance for the taught days is mandatory.

Learning and teaching will take place in the university and in practice. Lectures and seminars will be utilised to disseminate factual material followed by case study analysis and question and answer sessions.

This course requires 100% attendance.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this unit the student is expected to:

1. Critically Assess and contextualise the patient’s medical, social and medication history, utilising physical examination skills to identify differential diagnoses
2. Appraise the pathophysiological implications of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches across the lifespan 
3. Evaluate the ability to reach a shared decision with the service user/carer about the treatment options available 
4. Synthesise knowledge of drug actions in prescribing practice utilising national frameworks and guidance
5. Provide a critical analysis of the relevant legislation to the practice of prescribing maintaining accurate and current records 
6. Prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively, and appraise justification for treatment, monitoring and review responses to therapy and modify as required
7. Practice within a multidisciplinary team and a framework of professional accountability and responsibility critically reflecting on their own limitations and seeking guidance as appropriate 
8. Demonstrate the ability to calculate drug doses and prescribing regimes within own area of practice  

Assessment

1. Coursework 1 : A numerical assessment within the context of prescribing practice. Pass mark 100% (Pass/Fail) (500 words equivalent)
2. Coursework 2: Examination: A written examination consisting of 20 short answer/ multi-choice questions. The examination tests pharmacological knowledge and its application to practice. The pass mark for the examination is 80% (Pass/Fail)  (1500 word equivalent)
3. Coursework 3: A portfolio of evidence, which must include evidence for all RPS competencies demonstrated via a mapping document. The portfolio must include an observation of a clinical consultation by a Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor and a 3,000-word case study. (Portfolio evidence equivalent to 4,000 words)