University Award - Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists (Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing)

Course Overview

The programme is a multi-professional, part-time course which will prepare pharmacists for a role as an Independent Pharmacist Prescriber.

In accordance with the requirements identified by the GPhC, the programme comprises 26 theory days, of which some may be attended more flexibly online, and 12 practice days (90 hours equivalent) in clinical practice preparing to be a prescriber. In accordance with the requirements identified by the GPhC, attendance is required at all taught sessions.

On successful completion of the programme students will be able to:

On this course you will...

• In relation to effective consultation with the patient/client: use current research to critically discuss effective consultation with patients and carers to undertake an appropriate medical, social and medication history, conduct an appropriate clinical assessment, interpret relevant investigations, demonstrate understanding of the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms of the presenting complaint, and form a differential diagnosis in order to assess the patient/client’s need for medicines, make a safe and effective prescribing decision, and to close the consultation;
• In relation to shared decision making with the patient/client: critically evaluate factors, including communication skills, which impact on prescribing in partnership with the patient/client, which take account of the patient’s wishes and values about their health and treatment with medicines, support informed choices in the context of public health issues and without the expectation that a prescription will be supplied, the value of non-pharmacological approaches to modifying disease and promoting health, to ensure appropriate prescribing and satisfactory outcomes for patient/client and prescriber;
• In relation to medicines: demonstrate clarity of reasoning in relation to the relevance of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and apply the knowledge to your own prescribing practice, using relevant sources of information, advice and decision support to underpin accurate prescribing and prescription writing;
• In relation to the evidence base for medicines use: show a systematic and critical understanding of influences on prescribing practice at individual, local and national levels, critique sources of information, advice and decision support, taking into account evidence-based practice, national and local guidelines demonstrating how you will use them to prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively;
• In relation to legal, professional and ethical frameworks: interrogate the benefits and demonstrate a critical awareness of legal, professional and ethical frameworks including the responsibility that your role as an independent prescriber entails, demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility for working within the scope of your professional competence and the ability to refer/consult with other appropriate health care professionals in a timely manner, justify the application of legal and professional frameworks for accountability and responsibility in relation to independent and supplementary prescribing, demonstrate effective communication with other prescribers/health care professionals and record keeping in the context of medicines management;
• In relation to clinical governance and personal development: demonstrate a critical awareness of the clinical governance frameworks used to support safe prescribing and manage risk, including audit, feedback and reflection of your prescribing practice and development, provide evidence of your Continuing Professional Development plan post qualification as a prescriber.