Module NHS-4259:
Prescribing for Pharmacists
Prescribing for Pharmacists 2024-25
NHS-4259
2024-25
School of Health Sciences
Module - Semester 1 & 2
40 credits
Module Organiser:
Ffion Simcox
Overview
This prescribing module is specifically aimed at registered pharmacists who wish to become independent prescribers and have identified how becoming an independent prescriber will benefit patient care.  This is a blended learning course, module code NHS-4259. 
The module will start in September in Semester 1 of the academic year. 
This module is organised into learning units that will cover the following topic areas: 
consultation skills 
examination skills
managing risk 
diagnostic reasoning
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antimicrobial stewardship and the public health role of the prescriber 
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person-centred care and shared decision making 
evidence-based prescribing 
legal frameworks and accountability 
ethical issues 
prescribing governance 
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -Threshold (Minimum C-)
• Knowledge of key areas/principles of prescribing
• Understands the main elements of the prescribing issue identified • Limited evidence of background study
• Answer focused on prescribing but also with some irrelevant material
• Arguments presented but lack coherence
• No original interpretation
• Only major links between topics are described
• Some weaknesses in presentation and accuracy
-good -Good (Minimum B-)
• Strong knowledge
• Demonstrates understanding of the prescribing issue
• Evidence of extensive contemporaneous background study
• Focused answer with good structure
• Arguments presented coherently
• Some limited original interpretation
• Well known links between prescribing topics are described and analysed
• Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches
• Good presentation with accurate communication
-excellent -Excellent (Minimum A-)
Comprehensive knowledge of the facts and principles surrounding independent prescribing
• Detailed understanding of the subject area
• Extensive relevant contemporaneous background study
• Highly focused answer and well structured
• Logically presented and defended arguments
• No factual/computational errors
• Original interpretation
• New links between topics are developed
• New approach to a problem
• Outstanding quality in terms of presentation with accurate use of grammar
Learning Outcomes
- Adopt a reflective approach to critically appraise how the use of contemporaneous evidence supports safe prescribing practice and improves patient care
- Apply a comprehensive level of practical pharmacology knowledge to individual patient care, relevant to own scope of prescribing practice 
- Apply and justify the consultation, examination and diagnostic skills required to support prescribing decisions
- Demonstrate and apply a critical understanding of a person-centred care approach to prescribing practice
- Demonstrate and apply the professional knowledge and skills required as a prescriber, whilst considering the legal and ethical implications
- Demonstrate and evaluate how prescribing practice can be developed, improved and remain current
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A 10 question exam to assess numeracy skills required to prescribe. The pass mark is set at 100%
Weighting
0%
Due date
31/10/2024
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A reflective essay to critically analyse a person-centred care approach to prescribing practice.
Weighting
40%
Due date
02/12/2024
Assessment method
Clinical Practical Assessment
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Objective Structured Clinical Examination involving four stations - history-taking,; physical examination; documentation and prescription writing; and Consultation in special circumstances. All three stations must be passed. The pass mark is 80%.
Weighting
0%
Due date
20/03/2025
Assessment method
Logbook Or Portfolio
Assessment type
Summative
Description
The Prescribing Competency Portfolio must be submitted at the end of the course. This includes the assessment of your competency by your DPP, based on the RPS A Competency Framework for all Prescribers.
Weighting
0%
Due date
07/04/2025
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A reflective essay to critically analyse how prescribing practice should be underpinned by one of the following: professionalism professionals knowledge and skills collaboration
Weighting
40%
Due date
31/03/2025
Assessment method
Written Plan/Proposal
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A written action plan on completion of the period of learning in practice, to identify your strengths and weaknesses a s a soon-to-be qualified independent prescriber.
Weighting
10%
Due date
07/04/2025
Assessment method
Report
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A critical reflection on the service user feedback you received during your period of learning in practice.
Weighting
10%
Due date
07/04/2025