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, midwives, and allied health professionals. The aim is to prepare eligible Registered Healthcare Professionals (NMC/HCPC) 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) and the HCPC Standards for Prescribing (2019). The theoretical delivery of this programme will normally consist of 8 taught days at Bournemouth university and the equivalent of 15 days open learning utilising open learning materials, along with additional material provided/signposted on Brightspace. The taught days will focus on key lectures and discussion and feedback from open learning activity. In addition, students are expected to bring case studies/examples from practice. Attendance at the taught days is mandatory.

This course requires 100% attendance.

*** Please note that ODPs are not eligible to undertake the Independent & Supplementary Prescribing course. 

This course is not currently validated for Pharmacists. ***

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)