Prescribing: Scientific Principles and Safe Practice - Continuing Professional Development

Program Overview

This 20-credit postgraduate module explores the theory and practice of prescribing, focusing on patient-centered approaches, evidence-based decision-making, and complex prescribing scenarios. It is designed for healthcare professionals seeking independent prescribing status or expanded knowledge in medicines management. The module utilizes a blended learning approach, including lectures, workshops, and online activities, and requires mandatory attendance for course learning and assessment.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This is a 20-credit postgraduate module taught at the M level as a multi-professional course.

• Be paired with a companion module (Prescribing: Safe Effective Practice, 20 credits) as part of the Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing.
• Serve as a self-standing CPD module to provide extended knowledge and understanding of the medical prescribing process for existing prescribers seeking to enhance their knowledge base or those involved in medicines management processes.

Description:

The program aims to:

• Extend existing knowledge and professional practice through a critical understanding of the influences and psychology associated with the prescribing process, leading to patient-focused, best-practice approaches to prescribing.
• Enable participants to critically assess the complex contexts of the prescribing process and respond dynamically with appropriate prescribing actions.
• Build a critical knowledge base of evidence-based practice and clinical governance principles for complex, multi-factorial prescribing scenarios.

Assessment:

The assessment methods include:

• Structured learning and reflective portfolio
• Virtual scenario-based assessment
• Group presentations of set prescribing scenarios
• Calculations Examination (must pass at 100%)

Teaching:

The teaching methods include:

• Key lectures
• Small group work
• Workshops
• Enquiry-based learning
• Online activities and independent learning
• The virtual learning environment CANVAS
• The web-based SCRIPT e-learning program (comprising 44 modules designed to improve prescribing competency and developed in partnership with Health Education England – West Midlands and OCB media)

Other:

• The module is delivered over 3 months and comprises 3 days of attendance for course learning with a further ½ day attendance to complete course assessment.
• The module is a multi-professional blended learning course.
• The SCRIPT e-learning program offers modules including Fundamentals of Pharmacology, Dosing and Calculations, and modules related to specific therapeutic areas.
• Participants will prepare for and reflect upon the key learning within the University and undertake the full range of portfolio activity to evidence their achievement of learning outcomes and prescribing competencies (for Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing).