University Award Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists (Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing) - Level 7

This is an exciting programme of study which, on successful completion, allows students to seek to have their qualification recorded by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and to practise as an Independent Pharmacist Prescriber. Prescribing by pharmacists has evolved to offer better access to medicines and to optimise the skills and expertise of pharmacists in the provision of care. Where appropriate, pharmacists are able to complete episodes of care, whilst also enhancing their role within the team. Patients evaluate their experience of Pharmacist Independent prescribing positively.

Students frequently report that the course is probably the most challenging they have undertaken since their pre-registration programme, but also the most rewarding. Students report positively on the organisation of the course and on the support provided for their preparation as prescribers. The programme delivery is designed to provide opportunities for students to receive feedback to support the development of their knowledge, understanding and prescribing practice throughout the programme. We consider all student feedback and work with this to enhance the student experience and outcomes.

We meet with Non-Medical Prescribing Leads and DPPs to ensure that the programme maintains its relevance to the constantly evolving environment of healthcare. The programme team includes academic staff who continue to work in practice.

Please note: Successful completion of this programme is not a guarantee of annotation with the GPhC, or of future employment, as a pharmacist independent prescriber.

Accreditation reports and the timescales for future accreditations are available at: http://www.pharmacyregulation.org/education/pharmacist-independent-prescriber/accredited-courses/

Non-medical prescribing is offered as stand-alone provision or can be part of a MSc Programme.

Students may wish to enhance their prescribing role by undertaking a 20-credit Consultation and Physical Examination: Health Assessment Skills module and combine these modules for a Postgraduate Certificate award such as Prescribing and Assessment for Pharmacists.

Graduate destinations

Non-medical prescribing is offered as stand-alone provision.

However, students may wish to enhance their prescribing role by undertaking a 20-credit Consultation and Physical Examination: Health Assessment Skills module and combine these modules for a Postgraduate Certificate award such as Prescribing and Assessment for Pharmacists.

Course summary

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:

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.

Modules

Programme Specification

Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods

Timetables

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Entry Requirements

Applicants must submit a fully completed application form, and all entry criteria must be met as part of the application process.

Applicants must:

be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council – this will be checked on receipt of the application form, applicants with a record of fitness to practice issues are not eligible for this course.

evidence of successful study at level 6 within 6 years of the course start date.

have at least two years' appropriate patient-orientated experience post registration, in a relevant UK practice setting.

are required to provide evidence of a satisfactory enhanced disclosure clearance (DBS) within three years of the programme start date. Responsibility for application to the DBS rests with the programme applicant and is applied for by their employer.

have an identified area of clinical or therapeutic practice in which to develop independent prescribing practice. They must also have relevant clinical or therapeutic experience in that area, which is suitable to act as the foundation of their prescribing practice while training.

demonstrate that they meet the requirements of their employing organisation/Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in respect of pre-programme numeracy assessment.

have an identified Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) who meets the criteria for eligibility as a DPP. Currently, eligibility is as for a Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP) (National Prescribing Centre, 2005).

The learning environment in practice is subject to an educational audit undertaken by the Designated Prescribing Practitioner. Where an applicant proposes to undertake learning in a practice environment outside a contract of employment with the placement provider, there is an expectation that adequate arrangements for indemnity insurance will be in place.

The application form provides further detail regarding essential criteria.

Demand for places on these courses is currently high and all applications are subject to the availability of course places.

Application Form

Please download and fill out the

Independent Supplementary Prescribing Application Form

Please email the completed application form to pgadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk.

Application process

The application process may take some time to complete as it requires the applicant's Line Manager, Designated Prescribing Practitioner/Practice Assessor/Practice Supervisor, their employing organisation's Non-Medical Prescribing Lead to confirm their support via a specific Application Form designed for this process.

Applicants will need to confirm by whom the programme fees will be paid.

Applicants must submit a fully completed application form, and all entry criteria must be met as part of the application process.

Applicants must:

be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council – this will be checked on receipt of the application form, applicants must of be good standing.
have appropriate patient-orientated experience post registration, in a relevant UK practice setting.
are required to provide evidence of a satisfactory enhanced disclosure clearance (DBS) within three years of the programme start date. Responsibility for application to the DBS rests with the programme applicant and is applied for by their employer.
have an identified area of clinical or therapeutic practice in which to develop independent prescribing practice. They must also have relevant clinical or therapeutic experience in that area, which is suitable to act as the foundation of their prescribing practice while training.
demonstrate that they meet the requirements of their employing organisation.
have an identified Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) who meets the criteria for eligibility as a DPP.
The learning environment in practice is subject to an educational audit undertaken by the Designated Prescribing Practitioner.

Where an applicant proposes to undertake learning in a practice environment outside a contract of employment with the placement provider, there is an expectation that adequate arrangements for indemnity insurance will be in place.

The application form provides further detail regarding essential criteria.

Independent Supplementary Prescribing Application Form. Please email the completed application form to pgadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk.

Location
Duration	Part-time, 1 Semester, Part-time, 18-24 weeks
Start date	January and September

University AwardIndependent Prescribing for Pharmacists (Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing) - Level 7

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Programme Specification

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