Health Sciences

INDEPENDENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY PRESCRIBING LEVEL 7

Nurse independent prescribing is a widely integrated part of healthcare delivery in the UK. Nurses are prescribing for a range of conditions both acute and long term which has been evaluated as clinically safe and appropriate and is well received by patients (DH 2010). This module is based on the Standards for proficiency for nurse and midwife prescribers and leads to the V300: Independent & Supplementary Prescribing Qualification which is recordable qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2006). You will learn to utilise enhanced consultation skills to support your decision making based on sound history taking, consideration of complex differential diagnosis and development of an evidence based and holistic management plan agreed with your patient to support adherence. During this module you will gain a robust understanding of clinical pharmacology and application to prescribing practice to ensure patient safety and public protection. We will also consider budgetary influences and your responsibilities as a prescriber in relation to cost-effectiveness. Other influences on prescribing of medicines will include the legal and ethical considerations as well as local and national policy. On successful completion of this module you will be able to provide safe, effective and timely access to medicines in your field of practice.

This module advances your professional development by drawing on the four pillars of advanced practice: management and leadership, education, research and advanced clinical practice. It reinforces the core principle that advanced practice is a level of practice rather than a particular role.

Learning Outcomes

The Consultation
Demonstrate up-to-date clinical and pharmaceutical knowledge relevant to own area of practice. Understand and apply knowledge of drug actions in prescribing. Show a systematic understanding and critical awareness of new treatments and/or drug therapies. (NMC) (HWB8 L4, C1 L4, IK1 L3).

Demonstrate proficiency in patient assessment and examination to underpin a working diagnosis, which generates treatment options for the patient. Always follows up treatment and independently refers where appropriate. (HWB2 L4, HWB6 L4, C1 L4).

Assess and consult with patients/clients, patients and carers (NMC). Establish a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Sees patients as partners in the consultation (HWB4 L3, IK3L3,C3).

Applies the principles of concordance (C3)

Demonstrate proficiency in communicating and consulting effectively with patients and carers. (C1 L4, HWB2 L4, HWB5 L4, HWB6 L4, HWB7 L4, HWB8 L4).

Demonstrate the ability to monitor therapeutic responses and modify treatment or make appropriate independent referrals. (C1 L4, IK1 L3, HWB3 L4, HWB5 L4).

Deal with complex issues in a systematic and creative way to make sound judgements. (HWB2 L4, HWB6 L4, HWB8 L4).

Show an in depth knowledge and understanding of holistic assessment and formulation of a treatment package, which might involve drug therapy. Undertakes a thorough history, including medication history and the current medication (including over the counter alternative and complementary health therapies) to form a diagnosis.(NMC)

To consider the use of recreational drugs (HWB2 L4 HWB6 L3) (NMC)

Demonstrate skills of critical analysis in relation to evidence based prescribing practice. (HWB5 L4, HWB6 L4, HWB7 L4, C1 L4, HWB1 L3, G1 L3). (NMC)

Prescribing Effectively
Demonstrate critical awareness of own limitations and not compromise patient safety. Work within professional and organisational standards. Exercise accountability and take personal responsibility for prescribing decisions. (HWB5 L4, HWB6 L4, HWB7 L4).

Demonstrate numeracy skills in relation to safe drug administration. (HWB3 L4, HWB5 L4, HWB7 L4, HWB10 L4). (NMC)

Actively participate in the review and development of prescribing practice (HWB2 L3) Show a critical awareness of new and existing drugs and the evidence base for their use. Understand the influences that can affect prescribing practice and demonstrate understanding by managing prescribing practice in an ethical way (HWB3 L4, HWB5 L4, HWB7 L4, HWB1D L4) (NMC)

Demonstrate safe, evidence based, clinically appropriate and cost effective prescribing practice) (NMC).

Is able to identify appropriate products which are evidence based. Critically appraise and use sources of information/advice and decision support systems in prescribing practice. (NMC)(G4L3)

Develop and document Clinical Management Plans where appropriate in partnership with Independent Prescriber and patient. (C1 L4, HWB2 L4, HWB5 L4). (NMC)

Always advise patient on effects and risks and monitor response to treatment. (HWB4 L4)

To also consider non-prescription advice by demonstrating knowledge of the complex issues which surround treatment in their clinical speciality. (HWB5 L4, HWB10 L4).

Write a safe and legal prescription. Understands and apply the relevant legislation to the practice of nurse/midwife prescribing (HWB10 L4). (NMC)

To recognise and act upon the developmental, anatomical and physiological differences between neonates, children and young people. (NMC)

Prescribing in Context: Know how to access relevant information and critically evaluate current research which relates to own area of clinical practice and drug therapy. Can critically appraise and apply information in practice. (HWB2 L2, HWB6 L4, C5 L4, IK3 L4). (NMC)

Demonstrate critical appreciation of and the ability to evaluate and make appropriate responses to local and national policies and legislation that impact on prescribing practice. Demonstrate an understanding of the public health issues related to medicine use and prescribing (IK3 L4).

Work effectively in partnership with Independent Prescribers, other colleagues and the wider health team to benefit patients. To be self-aware, critically reflective and confident in own ability as a prescriber. Demonstrate an understanding of the roles, relationships of others involved in prescribing, supplying and administering medicines (C5 L3,HWB7 L4)(NMC)

Effectively document consultations, diagnoses, plans of care and prescriptions. (C5 L3, HWB7 L4)(NMC)

Act autonomously in planning a treatment programme. (C2 L4, HWB2 L4, G7 L3).

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching:

400 hours total student effort
Includes supervised practice

Assessment:

OSCE
Examination Part A numeracy
Examination Part B Pharmacology
Portfolio
Assessment of Practic

How to Apply / Disclaimer / Part of EPP / APP

To apply for this as a single module as part of your Continuing Professional Development please enter the application system via Professional Development.

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.