Independent/Supplementary Prescribing (V300) Programme- Undergraduate (level 6)

Program Overview

---

The Independent/Supplementary Prescribing program at De Montfort University equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to prescribe medication safely and effectively. This part-time program combines theoretical learning with supervised practice, preparing participants for advanced roles in healthcare settings. Graduates are highly sought-after for their expertise in prescribing and their ability to contribute to the evolving healthcare landscape.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview

---

Overview:

The Independent/Supplementary Prescribing (V300) - Undergraduate Level 6 program is designed to train nurses/midwives and allied health professionals to become independent/supplementary prescribers. This is in line with the NHS 5 Year Forward plan, which promotes the expansion of roles for nurses/midwives and allied health professionals to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system.

---

Objectives:

• Equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to prescribe medication from the British National Formulary (BNF) within their area of expertise and professional authorization.
• Address the clinical and academic demands of the independent/supplementary prescriber role.
• Prepare participants to work effectively as part of a prescribing team to optimize patient care.

---

Program Description:

• Developed by a multidisciplinary team of expert clinicians and academics.
• Requires students to complete 12 days (84 hours) of supervised practice in a supernumerary capacity to observe various prescribing decisions.
• Ensures a 50:50 split between theoretical knowledge and practical skills development.
• Utilizes block teaching, allowing students to focus on one module at a time and facilitating regular assessments.
• Contributes to the professional development of participants, enhancing their ability to provide safe and effective patient care.

---

Outline

---

Content:

• Pharmacology for Prescribers
• Prescribing principles and practice
• Therapeutic decision-making
• Patient assessment and management
• Legal and ethical aspects of prescribing
• Safeguarding and risk management

---

Structure:

• Part-time program with attendance required one day per week.
• Consists of two modules:
• PRES 3005 - Applied Prescribing (30 credits, taught over 2 semesters)
• PRES 3006 - Pharmacology for Prescribers (15 credits)
• A total of 45 credits are required to achieve the V300 NMC award.

---

Course Schedule:

• The program begins in either September or January.
• Attendance dates include:
• Induction/taught days
• Practice days
• Self-directed study days

---

Module Descriptions:

---

PRES 3005 - Applied Prescribing:

• This module focuses on developing the knowledge and skills required to prescribe safely and effectively.
• It covers topics such as prescribing principles, legal and ethical considerations, and patient assessment.
• It covers topics such as drug classifications, actions, and interactions.
• Assessment involves a 30-minute numeracy exam, a 2-hour pharmacology exam, and a 2,000-word assignment.

---

Assessment

---

Assessment Methods:

• PRES 3005:
• 30-minute numeracy exam (pass mark 100%)
• 2-hour pharmacology exam (pass mark 80%)
• 2,000-word assignment (pass mark 40%)
• PRES 3006:
• 30-minute numeracy exam (pass mark 100%)
• 2-hour pharmacology exam (pass mark 80%)
• Applying knowledge to real-world scenarios and making sound clinical decisions.
• Communicating effectively in written and oral formats.
• Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior.

---

Teaching

---

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Action learning sets
• Self-directed study
• Supervised practice

---

Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced and qualified professionals with expertise in pharmacology, prescribing, and healthcare education.
• The teaching team includes:
• Hilary Field, Senior Lecturer
• Dianne Dowsett, Programme Leader

---

Unique Approaches:

• Inter-professional learning: Students from various specialities and professional backgrounds learn together, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Supervised practice: Observing and participating in real-world prescribing decisions reinforces theoretical knowledge and builds practical skills.

---

Careers

---

Potential Career Paths:

• Independent/Supplementary Prescriber in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health services.
• Advanced and Specialist Practitioner roles with enhanced prescribing responsibilities.
• Leadership positions in healthcare teams, contributing to the development and implementation of prescribing policies and procedures.
• Academic roles in healthcare education, teaching and mentoring future generations of prescribers.

---

Career Opportunities:

• Completion of the program opens doors to a range of exciting career opportunities in the evolving healthcare landscape.
• As the role of independent/supplementary prescribers expands, graduates will be highly sought-after by healthcare organizations.
• The program prepares participants for leadership and advanced practice roles, enabling them to make a significant impact on patient care.

---

Other

• The program is validated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Participants must have a professional registration with the NMC or HCPC.
• The program is designed for nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics, therapeutic radiographers, and dieticians.
• Participants are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and engage actively in self-directed study.
• DMU offers substantial investment in Health and Life Sciences facilities, providing participants with access to modern laboratories and clinical skills suites.
• The program is delivered by DMU's award-winning careers service, which provides guaranteed work experience opportunities and personalized career guidance.