Module Descriptors
INDEPENDENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY PRESCRIBING FOR ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
NURS60788
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 6
40 credits
Contact
Leader: Lorna Lockley
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 120
Independent Study Hours: 202
Total Learning Hours: 400
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stafford Campus, Term 1
  • Occurrence A, Stafford Campus, Term 1 to Term 2
  • Occurrence D, Stafford Campus, Term 2 to Term 3
Sites
  • Stafford Campus
Assessment
  • Numeracy exam - 30 mins weighted at 0%
  • Pharmacology exam - 90 minutes weighted at 0%
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) - 30 minutes weighted at 0%
  • Practice Assessment Document (PAD) weighted at 0%
  • Reflective case study - 2500 words weighted at 75%
  • A critical rationale - 1000 words + CMP weighted at 25%
Module Details
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Clinical pharmacology to include pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and adverse drug reactions.
Consultation, history taking and clinical decision making.
Influences on and psychology of prescribing.
Professional accountability, responsibility, legal and ethical issues related to prescribing practice.
Evidence based practice and clinical governance.
Supplementary prescribing and the use of clinical management plans.
Drug licensing, monitoring and reporting of ADRs.
Prescribing across the lifespan and in comorbidity including the impact of common disease processes.
The patient perspective and influences on / impact of adherence and non-adherence.
Prescription writing, use of the BNF, cost effective prescribing and record keeping.
Prescribing in the team context and collaborative working, health promotion and the public health arena.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Online/blended learning
Formal, virtual and interactive lectures
Group work/online collaborative peer working
Inter professional discussion
Debate
Assignment preparation
Formative group working and collaborative discussion
Online resources, VLE e.g. Blackboard, Teams
Simulated learning using clinical scenarios
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Module Learning Outcome
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and consistent application of all the competencies for all prescribers as detailed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society..
University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and understanding Application

Module Learning Outcome
2. Apply knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks/mechanisms that underpin independent and supplementary prescribing practice.
University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and understanding
Enquiry
Analysis

Module Learning Outcome
3. Critically analyse prescribing practice demonstrating a clear and reflective understanding of your professional accountability.
University Learning Outcome
Reflection
Analysis
Learning
Communication

Module Learning Outcome
4. Critically evaluate and apply the evidence base underpinning clinical decision making in prescribing practice.
University Learning Outcome
Problem solving
Enquiry
Application

Module Learning Outcome
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relevant pharmacological principles, and critically apply these to inform prescribing practice.
University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and understanding
Application




RESOURCES
Access to Practice Supervisor, Practice Assessor and Academic Assessor.
Access to online materials and virtual learning environments.
Library services.
TEXTS
Courtenay, M., Griffiths, M. (eds) (2010) Independent and Supplementary Prescribing. An Essential Guide. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press.

Joint Formulary Committee (2019) British National Formulary 78: September 2019. London. Pharmaceutical Press.

McFaddon, R. (2019) Introduction to Pharmacology for Nursing and Healthcare. 3rd Ed. Oxen. Routledge.

Nuttall, D., Rutt-Howard, J. (2019) The Textbook of Non-Medical Prescribing. 3rd Ed. Chichester. Wiley-Blakewell.

Ritter, J.M., Flower, R., Henderson, G., Loke, Y.K., MacEwen, D., Rang, H.P. (2019) Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology. 9th Ed. Edinburgh. Elsevier.
SPECIAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Pre-requisites:

Must be registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), in a profession eligible to become an Independent and Supplementary Prescriber.

Must have been registered with the HCPC for a minimum of 3 years prior to application for entry onto the programme.

Evidence capability to study at level 6

Confirmed proficiency in clinical/health assessment, diagnostic/care management and planning and evaluation of care.

Have the support of a Practice Educator who is an experienced prescriber with a suitable equivalent qualification.

Admissions requirements
Must satisfy admission requirements for the programme
MODULE ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
PLEASE NOTE: All 6 elements of assessment must be passed for successful completion of this module

1. Numeracy exam: A 30-minute exam consisting of 10 numeracy questions. Calculators are permitted. Pass mark is 100% (L.O. 1).
2. Pharmacology exam: A 90-minute exam consisting of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions assessing knowledge of pharmacology. Use of the BNF is permitted. Pass mark is 80% (L.O. 1, 5).
3. OSCE: A 30-minute practical exam where you will undertake a thorough patient consultation and write a safe and accurate prescription. The BNF is permitted. Pass/fail (L.O.,1, 2, 4, 5).
4. Practice Assessment Document: You are required to spend a minimum of 78 hours in practice in prescribing preparation where your Designated Practice Assessor will use the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s competency framework to assess your competence to prescribe. Pass/fail (L.O.1).
5. Case Study: A 2500-word reflective case study demonstrating your understanding of the ethical and legal issues related to non-medical prescribing and how this will impact on your professional accountability (L.O. 2, 3).
6. Supplementary prescribing and the use of CMPs: A 1000-word assignment illustrating your understanding of the distinction between independent and supplementary prescribing for non-medical prescribers. You will be required to develop a Clinical Management plan to accompany this work (L.O. 2, 4).