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 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 (plus an additional 9th day for the Maths and Pharmacology Exams). 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 all taught days is mandatory.

There is an expectation that your employer will also give you 65 hours supernumerary status, in order that you can go and observe other prescribers. This is in addition to your 9 university days. There is also an additional fifteen days of open learning, web based and electronic materials to be studied. These additional study days are at the discretion of your employer. 

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) 

Venues

Bournemouth Campus: Bournemouth Gateway Building, St Pauls Lane, Bournemouth BH8 8GP 

Portsmouth Campus: Unit 103, 1000 Lakeside North Harbour, Western Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3EN