Bournemouth University has been running the Independent & Supplementary Prescribing course since 2002. We have specialist lecturers who all hold the V300 (Independent and Supplementary Prescribing) qualification and are active prescribers in clinical practice.

This course is currently offered to nurses and midwives. The aim is to prepare eligible Registered Healthcare Professionals to prescribe safely, appropriately, and competently. In doing so you will be required to evaluate the evidence underlining the practice of prescribing, critically reflect on your competency in respect of prescribing and evidence knowledge of the products you will prescribe.

The course has been developed in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards for prescribing programmes (2018). The theoretical delivery of this programme will take place over eight taught days at Bournemouth University (or online if required) with an additional fifteen days open learning web based and electronic open learning materials to be studied. The university days are a mixture of lectures, seminars, and discussion, and also focus on discussion and feedback from the open learning activities. Attendance at the taught days is mandatory.

This course requires 100% attendance.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this unit the student is expected to:

1. Assess the patients including medical, social and medication history to formulate a diagnosis utilising their physical examination skills 

2. Consider the pathophysiological implications of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches across the lifespan 

3. Demonstrate the ability to reach a shared decision with the service user/carer about the treatment options available 

4. Understand and  apply knowledge of drug actions in prescribing practice utilising national frameworks and guidance

5. Provide information and understand the relevant legislation to the practice of prescribing maintaining accurate and current records 

6. Prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively, and discuss justification for treatment, monitoring and review responses to therapy and modify as required

7. Practise within a multidisciplinary team and a framework of professional accountability and responsibility recognising 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 96 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)