University College London (UCL) independent prescribing course
The UCL independent prescribing course (also known as the clinically enhanced independent prescribing course) is designed to help pharmacists, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals (AHP) develop the necessary skills and knowledge to prescribe medications independently.
The course provides a comprehensive education on clinical pharmacology, law and ethics related to prescribing, as well as other topics such as patient assessment, drug selection and monitoring.
Participants will learn how to identify appropriate therapeutic agents for different clinical situations while considering cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy. They will also gain experience in writing prescriptions and undertaking patient examinations.
However, as with all independent prescribing courses – it is up to the student to possess the clinical skills required to diagnose, manage and treat within their scope of practice.
Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to practice their newly acquired skills in supervised clinical settings, which helps them build confidence in prescribing decisions.
The course also features practical sessions focusing on commonly prescribed drugs, assessing the credibility of sources of information and applying your clinical skills.
UCL’s independent prescribing course has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the following:
(1) General Pharmaceutical Society (GPhC) for pharmacists,
(2) Nurse and Midwifery Council (NMC) for registered nurses
and
(3) Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registered AHPs.]
The course provides the student with the necessary qualifications to practice as independent prescribers in their field.
Who is the UCL independent prescribing course suitable for?
The course is suitable for a range of healthcare professionals involved in prescribing drugs, such as pharmacists; nurses; physiotherapists and paramedics.
By completing this program, participants can confidently apply their newly acquired skills in various clinical situations. They will also understand how to use evidence-based methods when selecting a patient medication. Upon completion of the program, graduates may pursue further study or opt for a career in independent prescribing.
The UCL independent prescribing course is an excellent opportunity for pharmacists, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals to gain the necessary qualifications to practice independently in their field and make an impact on patient care.
The program provides a comprehensive education on all aspects of prescribing drugs and equips graduates with the skills to prescribe medications confidently.
Why do independent prescribing
The independent prescribing course at University College London (UCL) offers a range of benefits to students seeking to develop their skills and gain the knowledge necessary to prescribe medication independently.
This 1program allows participants to learn in various clinical settings, giving them greater confidence when faced with complex scenarios.
By completing this course, students will enhance their ability to assess patient needs, review treatment options, select suitable medications and monitor patients for potential side effects.
Furthermore, students who complete the UCL independent prescribing course can also advise on drug interactions, collaborate with other health professionals and consult with pharmacists on medication queries.
As well as gaining valuable experience in clinical practice areas such
as primary care and mental health, graduates of the UCL independent prescribing course will gain professional recognition for their skills.
Completion of the course leads to registration as an Independent Prescriber with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and Health & Care professions Council (HCPC). Thus, students undertaking this program are well-placed to develop their careers in a wide range of healthcare settings.
In summary, undertaking the UCL independent prescribing course provides practical and professional benefits. The knowledge and experience gained in this program prepare them to confidently prescribe medication independently in various clinical contexts. Therefore, if you want to expand your skillset as a nurse, this could be the ideal program for you.
Cost of the UCL independent prescribing course
The UCL independent prescribing course costs £3,300. This fee covers all tuition and examination costs, as well as access to online learning resources and support from the course team. The course cost may be subject to change, so it is essential to check the UCL website for updates.
Pharmacists interested in enrolling on the UCL prescribing course should note that Health Education England funding may be available.
So, if you want to expand your skillset as a nurse, then the UCL independent prescribing course could be the ideal program for you. The course cost is £3,300, and financial assistance may be available.
How long is the UCL independent prescribing course?
The course is designed to be completed in 6, 9, or 12 months. The University-based elements of the course comprise six months, while the supervised learning portion in practice can last up to 12 months depending on an individual pharmacist’s needs and workplace.
The student referred to as the trainee independent prescriber (TIP), will have a course progress meeting (also called a tripartite meeting) with the UCL course team, designated prescribing practitioner (DPP), and UCL tutors to decide when the TIP can complete the course.
Below is a picture showing the total number of hours of study required for the UCL independent prescribing course.
If you are struggling to find a DPP – contact one of our experts at MEDLRN, who would be more than happy to help.
The Clinically Enhanced Pharmacist Independent Prescribing Course has three main parts:
(1) knowledge; the learning materials for TIPs are available in the UCL virtual learning environment. These skills will be further learned and developed in face-to-face workshops, online exercises and discussions.
(2) skills; the skills needed for this course will be covered in the face-to-face study days and developed further during practice.
and
(3)attitudes; attitudes are something that can be discussed and improved upon in seminars, discussions with others on the course, or through reflective writing.
How is the UCL independent prescribing course delivered?
The course will use several methods to promote learning, including seminars, workshops, and online learning through the UCL virtual learning environment. Students’ practical experience will be enhanced by the constant application of theory using problem-solving case scenarios and reflection on their own experiences in practice.
The Clinically Enhanced Pharmacist Independent Prescribing Course has been designed so that the pharmacist can study and learn for a large part of the course at a distance, whenever and wherever is most convenient.
Although parts of the course can be taught online- the student must join some in-person learning activities, including the observed structured clinical examinations (OSCES). These educational events will occur face-to-face at the UCL School of Pharmacy.
Below is a picture showing a typical schedule for the UCL prescribing course
Who are the UCL independent prescribing course leaders?
The staff who lead the Clinically Enhanced Pharmacist Independent Prescribing Course at UCL School of Pharmacy are always available to answer questions or receive suggestions about the course.
The primary contacts details for the teaching team are as follows:
Dr Lizzie Mills
Academic Lead for Independent Prescribing,
Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Education
Email: l.mills@ucl.ac.uk
Will Swain
Lecturer (Teaching)
Email: w.swain@ucl.ac.uk
Amira Shaikh
Lecturer (Teaching)
Email: amira.shaikh@ucl.ac.uk
Professor Cate Whittlesea
Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Head of the Research Department of Practice and Policy
and Associate Director of Clinical Education
Email: c.whittlesea@ucl.ac.uk
How will I be assessed on the UCL independent prescribing course?
UCL’s independent prescribing course has designed its formative and summative assessments to measure a TIP’s progress in the achievement of the course learning outcomes and the prescribing competencies. A TIP must finish several formative assignments, which assess their performance but do not add up towards final grades, as well as summative assignments, which count towards the final grade for the said program.
Summative assessment is made up of a range of written examinations and practical assessments, as well as an end-of-course portfolio review.
Formative assessments include short tests during the course to assess knowledge retention and understanding of topics covered in lectures and tutorials.
The trainee will receive formative feedback from the following sources:
• The trainee’s self-assessment of the online learning material.
• Reviews of selected sections of the prescribing portfolio by course tutors during face-to-face sessions
• Learning activities conducted by DPP with feedback given to TIP.
Below is a picture showing typical submission dates for assessments
Assessments are designed to ensure that participants develop their competence in clinical practice, legal and ethical issues, communication skills, decision making and drug calculations. Participants must demonstrate competency in all areas to gain accreditation on the course.
Overall the following are the tasks and assessments required to be completed to complete the course:
- Submission of two case studies (2000 words each)
- Submission of the proposed prescribing plan (4000 words)
- Passing at least Six OSCE stations from the below list of body systems
- Cardiovascular
- Respiratory
- Abdomen
- Ear, nose and throat
- Musculoskeletal
- Neurological assessment
- The peripheral vascular and lymphatic system
- Visual acuity and ophthalmoscopy
- Mental health
4. Submission of clinical logs surrounding; consultations, diagnostic reasoning, therapeutics and decision-making using evidence-based medicine
5. Submission of reflective accounts on; days in practice, learning from the course and end-of-course reflection
6. Completion of the significant learning events analysis
7. Satisfactory demonstration of history-taking and other clinical skills
8. Mini-clinical evaluation exercises
9. Case-based discussion with the DPP
10. Submission of the peer assessment survey
11. Submission of particular competencies and final sign off
At the end of the program, successful candidates will receive an independent prescribing qualification from UCL. This qualification is recognised by all relevant professional bodies, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Overall, the UCL independent prescribing course provides a comprehensive learning experience that ensures its participants are well-equipped to undertake independent prescribing.
The assessments ensure that candidates demonstrate competency in all areas necessary for safe and effective practice. Successful completion of the program will award an accredited qualification from UCL, allowing nurses to safely and effectively practise independent prescribing in their clinical setting.
UCL independent prescribing application
The University College London (UCL) offers an independent prescribing course designed for students who wish to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to prescribe medication independently within their practice area. The program allows participants to develop their prescribing skills in various clinical settings.
To apply for the UCL independent prescribing course, candidates must submit a completed application form, copies of their qualifications, and evidence of their post-registration experience. They must also provide a letter of support from their employer.
The application process for the UCL independent prescribing course is rigorous, and only the most qualified candidates are accepted into the program. However, the course is well worth the effort, as it provides participants with the skills and knowledge they need to become safe and effective prescribers. Once they complete the course, participants can confidently and independently prescribe medication in a range of clinical settings.
If you are interested in applying for the UCL independent prescribing course, please visit their website for more information about the application process.
The application form
Section 1: Personal details
You must confirm your name, address, GPHC number, previous employment, and employer’s address. You will also be required to briefly describe your current role.
Section 2: Personal statement
You will need to demonstrate how you meet the GPhc entry requirements for the independent prescribing course. And these are:
- Being a registered GPhC pharmacist
- Be in good standing with the GPhC
- Have appropriate patient-orientated experience post registration
- Having selected your scope of practice
- Having the clinical skills to diagnose, manage and treat within your scope of practice
- Having a DPP in place
Section 3: DPP details
Section 4: A Statement from your employer willing to support your training
Section 5: Details of funding source
Section 6: Applicant declaration
If you’re considering applying for the UCL prescribing course – contact us at MEDLRN – we would be more than happy to help.
