All non-medical prescribing programmes training pharmacists must be accredited by the RPSGB. The RPSGB has outlined a curriculum for pharma-cist prescribers, which at present requires them to have 2 years’ postregistration experience of patient care.
Education
All non-medical
prescribing programmes training pharmacists must be accredited by the RPSGB.
The RPSGB has outlined a curriculum for pharma-cist prescribers, which at
present requires them to have 2 years’ postregistration experience of patient
care. This document sets out the aims and objectives shown in Text
box 10.4. All candidates require a designated medical practitioner (DMP) to
assist in their learning and to assess their competence during their
practice-based experience. This ‘clinical practice’ takes the form of 12 days
of supervision by the DMP and runs alongside 26 days of taught course content.
The clinical practice element of the training programme is for trainees to hone
their diagnostic and consultation skills. Trainees observe other prescribers
and are observed in turn to verify their competence. This practical learning
within trainees’ organisation is also valuable for them in understanding the
processes and policies of prescribing from the perspective of a prescriber
rather than simply their role as pharma-cist. The trainee enters into a
learning partnership with the DMP and the higher education institute providing
the accredited training programme. A learning contract is drawn up to ensure
the goals are explicit and that all participants acknowledge what is required
of them. A record of learning is kept throughout the training course with
reflective practice as its corner-stone. Only after the trainee’s DMP is
satisfied with his or her practice and fulfilment of the agreed learning
agreement can he or she be signed off as a competent prescriber.
Box 10.4 Prescribers' training course
Aim
To
enable pharmacists to practise and develop as prescribers and to meet the
standards set by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
Learning outcomes
Being
able to:
•
understand the responsibility the role of independent prescriber entails, be
aware of their own limitations and work within the limits of their professional
competence – knowing when and how to refer/consult/seek guidance from another
member of the healthcare team
•
develop an effective relationship and communication with patients, carers,
other prescribers and members of the healthcare team
•
describe the pathophysiology of the condition being treated and recognise the
signs and symptoms of illness, take an accurate
history and carry out a relevant clinical assessment where necessary
• use
common diagnostic aids, for example, stethoscope, sphygmomanometer
• use
diagnostic aids relevant to the condition(s) for which the pharmacist intends
to prescribe, including monitoring response to therapy
•
apply clinical assessment skills to inform a working diagnosis, formulate a
treatment plan, prescribe one or more medicines if appropriate, checking to
ensure patient safety, and monitor response to therapy, review the
working/differential diagnosis and modify treatment or refer/consult/seek
guidance as appropriate
•
demonstrate a shared approach to decision-making by assessing patients’ needs
for medicines, taking account of their wishes and values and those of carers
when making prescribing decisions
•
identify and assess information sources, advice and decision support, show how
they will use them in patient care, taking into account evidence-based practice
and national/local guidelines where they exist
•
recognise, evaluate and respond to influences on prescribing practice at
individual, local and national levels
•
prescribe safely, appropriately and cost-effectively
• work
within a prescribing partnership
• keep
accurate, effective and timely records and keep other prescribers and
healthcare staff informed
•
demonstrate an understanding of the public health issues related to medicines
use
•
demonstrate an understanding of the legal, ethical and professional framework
for accountability and responsibility in relation to prescribing
• work
within clinical governance frameworks including prescribing practice audit and
personal development
•
participate regularly in continuing professional development (CPD) and maintain
a record of their CPD activity
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