A comprehensive guide from the team at MEDLRN on how to become a DPP and support the next generation of independent prescribers.
Introduction
Welcome to the MedLRN blog, where we provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals. In today’s article, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about becoming a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP).
DPPs are currently a very hot topic, especially as there is a shortage of DPPs across the UK. We’ll be discussing how you can become a DPP and support the next generation of independent prescribers, and also potentially join the largest network of DPPs across the UK.
What is a DPP?
A DPP stands for Designated Prescribing Practitioner. The best way to think of this role is as a guide and supervisor for someone who is undertaking the prescribing course and wanting to become an independent prescriber. A DPP is both a supervisor and a mentor, but also someone who is experienced in prescribing, very patient-facing, and is able to provide training exposure to prescribing practices in a variety of different scopes and settings.
DPPs can work in hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy, or in general practice. While there’s a real variety of settings where DPPs can exist, the central goal is to improve prescribing practice during the training period.
DMP vs DPP: What’s the Difference?
You may have heard two different phrases: DMP and DPP. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a technical difference.
A Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP) refers specifically to someone who is a medical professional, such as a GP. A DPP is a Designated Prescribing Practitioner, which could be anyone who is an active prescriber. So while a DMP could also be considered a DPP, you can’t have a DMP who isn’t a medic or a GP.
To simplify matters, it’s easier to just refer to them all as DPPs.
Requirements to Become a DPP
To become a DPP, you must:
- Be in a patient-facing role
- Be an experienced prescriber
Previously, there were recommendations that you needed to be a prescriber for three years. However, this thinking has evolved. A prescriber in an active prescribing role who may have only been prescribing for one or two years can still be a valid supervisor for a prescribing trainee.
Rather than focusing on a specific time period, what’s important is that a DPP has an active patient-facing role, is experienced in prescribing practices, and has experience guiding trainees at various stages in their learning career.
It’s worth noting that some universities do still specify having three years of prescribing experience as a requirement. However, this requirement was not specifically mandated by the GPhC (our regulator) but was taken from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society DPP framework as a recommendation, not an absolute rule.
Many universities have since softened this requirement, acknowledging that the appropriateness of the supervisor for the trainee is what truly matters, not simply the number of years they’ve been prescribing.
The Process of Becoming a DPP
At MedLRN (www.medlrn.com), we have developed a service to match DPPs with potential IP students who are struggling to find DPPs due to the current shortage.
Our sign-up process is simple:
- Register your details on our website
- Complete a video interview (taking no more than 15 minutes)
- Once approved, our training coordinator will contact you to confirm your availability
- Your slots will go live on our website for students to book
- When a student books with you, our coordinator will match you directly
Why Choose MedLRN’s DPP Service?
Our service offers several advantages:
- All students accepted via our DPP Finder service have been interviewed and vetted
- Students are supplied with over £1,000 worth of training, equipping them with knowledge of GP practice systems and software, as well as clinical knowledge of long-term chronic conditions
- We reduce the administrative burden on DPPs by handling university forms
- We believe DPPs should focus on mentorship rather than teaching the basics of systems and documentation
- We act as an independent body between student and DPP, providing support to both parties throughout the learning period
The Importance of Independent Matching
Some universities do not accept students who pay DPPs directly, as this can be seen as a conflict of interest. If students directly pay for the DPP service, the DPP might be perceived as being paid to sign off the student as competent.
Our service acts as an independent third party to bridge this gap and ensure students are signed off based on merit rather than remuneration.
For their time and expertise, DPPs receive at least £1,200 as a minimum via our service.
Advice for Potential DPPs
If you’re a pharmacist practicing at a senior level and prescribing, becoming a DPP is an excellent next step in your professional development. While it may not be for everyone, it’s definitely worth trying at least once.
Training the next generation and helping people transition from non-prescribing to prescribing pharmacists is incredibly rewarding. It also improves your own knowledge and skills as you guide others through the process.
When you feel like you’ve hit a glass ceiling or completed all available courses, becoming a DPP can unlock a new layer of potential in your career.
For training, there is NHS England funded training through Pro Pharmace specifically designed for DPPs that will help you develop the necessary skills.
Addressing Workload Concerns
Many potential DPPs worry about the workload involved. However, there’s a common misconception that students must become competent in all areas of practice.
In reality, students only need to focus on one area—their specific scope of practice—and develop competency in the clinical aspects and prescribing within that area.
At MedLRN, we clinically support students through our training courses and provide a support network of senior clinical pharmacists to help them build competency within their chosen scope of practice.
How to Sign Up
If you’re interested in becoming a DPP through MedLRN, visit our website at www.medlrn.com where we have a straightforward sign-up process.
Becoming a DPP is a rewarding way to contribute to the future of pharmacy practice while enhancing your own professional development. We hope this article has addressed your questions and concerns about the DPP role.
