Preparation for Independent and Supplementary Prescribing V300

For module start dates, view the 2023-24 Module Calendar (.docx)

This module equips eligible registered health professionals with the required knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes to safely and effectively assess, prescribe and review medications as independent and supplementary prescribers.

Working in partnership with service users, supervisors and assessors, participants on the module will engage in reflective, competent, collaborative and person-centred prescribing practices in accordance with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Competency Framework for Prescribers.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module the participant will be able to:

1. Undertake a comprehensive clinical history, including medications history and a review of current medications (including over the counter (OTC), complementary and alternative therapies) to inform diagnosis (RPS Competency 1, 5, 7).
2. Recognise the wide range of contextual, legal, social and individual factors that must be considered when engaging in clinical reasoning and making decisions as an accountable and responsible prescriber (RPS Competency 1, 2, 3, 7, 8).
3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of pharmacological interventions and apply this knowledge systematically in assessment, prescribing, dosage calculations, monitoring and medication reviewing practices (RPS 1, 2, 4, 6).
4. Demonstrate a consistently safe, person-centred and ethical approach to prescribing practices and dosage calculations, reviewing organisational practices and systems related to prescribing (RPS 2, 4, 5, 6, 7).
5. Analyse and evaluate own performance as independent and supplementary prescribers, and the performance of other practitioners, utilising and contributing to strategies that offer feedback and development, such as clinical supervision and reflective practice (RPS 8, 9, 10).
6. Demonstrate collaborative practice and shared decision-making with service users and the interprofessional teams, clearly articulating the roles and responsibilities of others involved in prescribing, supplying and administering medications (RPS 3, 5, 9, 10).

Accreditation and professional recognition

The module has been fully co-produced with service users, students, practice partners and employers and reviewed following publication of NMC Standards for Prescribing programmes (2019) and HCPC Standards for prescribing (2019).

As with other NMC-approved programmes, the process of Supervision and Assessment has been fully aligned to the NMC Standards of Student Supervision and Assessment (SSSA).

The co-production process and publication of external standards has led to modifications in learning outcomes and selected content, mapping to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) Competency Framework, as well as minor updates to the practice-based assessment strategy.

Nurses & SCPHNs

All nurses and SCPHNs wishing to apply for degree level 6 or master’s level 7 prescribing programme at the University of Essex must meet the following criteria:

• Registered nurse (level 1) or SCPHN
• Be able to provide an NMC pin number and expiry date
• Have the competence, experience and academic ability to study at least degree level and be able to provide evidence of this
• Be able to provide evidence of a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) enhanced certificate, issued within 3 years of applying to the course
• Have at least 1 year or equivalent relevant post-qualification experience
• Be competent in advanced practice skills such as Clinical/health assessment, Diagnostics/care management, planning and evaluation of care
• Have approved funding arrangements in place (see course application form for more details)
• Be employed by the NHS, self-funded or work for private organisations
• Have in place (or will have in place), an appropriate indemnity arrangement for the prospective role as a prescriber
• Be able to provide evidence of professional indemnity on application
• Have a clinical placement (e.g. ward, GP surgery) with an educational audit in place or have completed the ‘self-audit’ for practice learning prior to enrolment on the course (done through the application process)
• Have support from a manager, employing organisation or other appropriate authority
• Have agreement of supervision from a practice assessor to oversee 90 hours of supervised clinical practice
• In addition to the practice assessor, have agreement from a practice supervisor(s) (who will communicate with the practice assessor) to supervise 90 hours of prescribing practice
• Take responsibility for continuing professional development.

Physiotherapists, podiatrists, therapeutic radiographers and paramedics

Physiotherapists, podiatrists, therapeutic radiographers and paramedics wishing to apply for degree level 6 or master’s level 7 prescribing programme at the University of Essex must meet the following criteria:

• Entrants must be registered with the HCPC
• Be able to provide an HCPC pin number and expiry date
• Have the competence, experience and academic ability to study at least degree level and be able to provide evidence of this
• Be able to provide evidence of a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) enhanced certificate, issued within 3 years of applying to the course
• Have at least 3 years post-qualification experience
• Entrants must be working at advanced practitioner or equivalent level
• Be competent in advanced practice skills such as Clinical/health assessment, Diagnostics/care management, planning and evaluation of care
• Have approved funding arrangements in place (see course application form for more details)
• Have in place (or will have in place), an appropriate indemnity arrangement for the prospective role as a prescriber
• Have a clinical placement (e.g. ward, GP surgery) with an educational audit in place or have completed the prescribing programme ‘self-audit’ for practice learning prior to enrolment on the course (done through the application process)
• Have support from a manager, employing organisation or other appropriate authority
• Take responsibility for continuing professional development
• Have agreement of supervision from a practice assessor to oversee 90 hours of supervised clinical practice
• In addition to the practice assessor, have agreement from a practice supervisor(s) (who will communicate with the practice assessor) to supervise 90 hours of prescribing practice
• Take responsibility for continuing professional development.

Module Outline

The content of the module is drawn from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Competency Framework for Prescribers and the learning outcomes are closely mapped to these:

1. Assess the patient - Undertake a thorough history, including medication history and current medication (considering OTC, alternative and complementary therapy) to inform diagnosis.
2. Consider the options - Understand the influence that can impact on prescribing.
3. Reach a shared decision - Critically appraise, use sources information/advise and decision support systems in prescribing practice including clinical management plans where appropriate.
4. Prescribe - Understand and apply knowledge of drug actions in prescribing practice and monitor response.
5. Provide information - Assess, consult and communicate information to patients/clients, patents and carers.
6. Monitor and review - Monitor and respond to drug actions and recognises unsafe practice/systems acting accordingly.
7. Prescribe safely - Prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively.
8. Prescribe professionally - Practice within a framework of professional accountability and responsibility in relation to the relevant legislation for the registered health care professional body.
9. Improve prescribing in practice - Use clinical supervision and reflective practice to critically analyse and evaluate their ongoing performance as independent prescribers and continuing professional development.
10. Prescribe as part of a team - Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of others involved in prescribing, supplying and administering medicines and the need for inter-professional working and shared decision making.

In addition to the above, the module content includes:

• Anatomy and physiology.
• Person centred communication, information provision and shared decision making
• Legal, ethical and professional issues.
• Clinical pharmacology, including effects of co-morbidities
• Evidence based practice and issues of quality related to prescribing practice
• Professional accountability and responsibility
• Concordance strategies and overcoming clinical inertia
• Monitoring and reviewing strategies
• Prescribing in the team context
• Prescribing in the public health context including health promotion.
• Models of consultation and motivational interviewing
• Introductions to epidemiology
• Service user partnership and collaboration
• Consider prescribing options
• Prescribing safety
• Improving prescribing practice through reflection.

Assessment strategy

• Portfolio of independent and supplementary prescribing cases (total 4500 words): One independent prescribing essay of 2250 words, consisting of a client-specific case study to demonstrate the application of knowledge, skills and values as an independent prescriber, AND one supplementary prescribing essay of 2250 words, consisting of a client-specific case study that demonstrates application of knowledge, skills and values as a supplementary prescriber, which must include critical analysis and application of the clinical management plan (CMP).
• Numeracy examination: One 30 minute drug calculation examination, consisting of five multiple choice questions. This assessment is marked as “pass” or “fail”, but the student must answer all questions correctly.
• Pharmacology examination: One 90 minute examination, consisting of 20 MCQs. Students need to score 80% in order to pass.
• Portfolio of Practice Evidence: Record of practice-based assessment and achievement of the NMC/HCPC proficiencies and the RPS practice competencies including supplementary prescribing.

Teaching and learning disclaimer

Following the impact of the pandemic, we made changes to our teaching and assessment to ensure our current students could continue with their studies uninterrupted and safely. These changes included courses being taught through blended delivery, normally including some face-to-face teaching, online provision, or a combination of both across the year.

The teaching and assessment methods listed show what is currently planned for 2021 entry; changes may be necessary if, by the beginning of this course, we need to adapt the way we’re delivering them due to the external environment, and to allow you to continue to receive the best education possible safely and seamlessly.

Our CPD Funding page has more information on fees for our modules and potential funding sources.

We have guidance on making your application and the forms to download on our how to apply page.