Non-Medical Prescribing - Liverpool John Moores University

PROGRAMME DETAIL SPECIFICATION
Programme Summary
1 Awarding institution Liverpool John Moores University
2 Teaching institution university LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY
3a Programme accredited by:
3b Description of accreditation
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
Health Professions Council (HPC)
Professional accreditation required to prescribe
medications as part if clinical practice
4 Final award Certificate of Professional Development in Non-Medical
Prescribing
5 Programme title CPX.Non-Medical Prescribing
6 UCAS code
7 Subject benchmark statement The following have informed the programme.
QAA (2001) Framework for Higher Education
DOH (2003) the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
and Development Review
LJMU (2002-2005) Learning, Teaching and
Assessment Strategy
LJMU (2003) Assessment Review Recommendations
(2nd Ed)
LJMU Current University Modular Framework (UMF)
regulations.
Nursing & Midwifery Council (2006); Health
Professions Council (2004)
DOH (2006) Improving patients access to medicines: A
guide to implementing nurse and pharmacist
independent prescribing in the UKNMC Prescribing
Standards (2006)
HPC Education &Training Standards
8 Educational aims of the programme
To prepare non-medical clinicians (nurses, midwives, health visitors) to prescribe from the formulary as
independent prescribers and to prescribe as supplementary prescribers in-line with government legislation
To prepare other non-medical clinicians (physiotherapists, radiographers, chiropodists & podiatrists) to prescribe
as supplementary prescribers in-line with government legislation.
9 Intended learning outcomes - the programme provides opportunities for students to develop and
demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Intended Learning Outcomes summary
Knowledge and understanding
A1. Critically apply consultation and decision-making skills and therapeutic interventions
A2. Recognise, evaluate and respond to influences on & psychology of prescribing
A3. Apply prescribing skills in a team context
A4. Apply clinical pharmacology, applied anatomy & physiology & the effects of co-morbidity to prescribing
practice
A5. Critically appraise evidence-based practice & clinical governance in relation to prescribing
A6. Practice as a prescriber within the organisational structures, applying legal, policy & ethical practice to
prescribing
A7. Critically apply professional accountability & responsibility in prescribing practice
A8. Apply the principles of prescribing in a public health context
A9. Analyse the basic principles underpinning drug therapy
A10. Evaluate the impact of physiological state on drug responses & co-morbidity
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
Programme: 22239-2000002260 Plan: 01.01 Start date of programme - plan: 01-AUG-07

demonstrated
Interactive lectures, Clinical scenarios & discussion, Self-directed learning & practice portfolio, Supervised
practice, Reflective practice, e-learning, Practice teaching seminars.
Assessment
Review of portfolio, Statement of competence from medical supervisors, OSCE or video-taped consultation,
Numeracy test, MCQ & short answers including some drug calculations.
Intellectual Skills
Skills and other attributes
B1. Appraising and selecting models for patient consultation
B2. Conducting accurate patient assessment, examination & collating information including a thorough medical
history
B3. Recognising, analysing and synthesising responses to influences on prescribing
B4. Applying problem solving skills & prioritising appropriately
B5. Identifying, evaluating and utilising sources of information etc
B6. Critically reflecting on decision-making processes in practice
B7. Applying numeracy skills to calculate drug doses
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
Interactive lectures, Clinical scenarios & discussion, Self-directed learning & practice portfolio, Supervised
practice, Reflective practice, e-learning, Practice teaching seminars.
Assessment
Review of portfolio, Statement of competence from medical supervisors, OSCE or video-taped consultation,
Numeracy test, MCQ & short answers including some drug calculations.
Professional practical skills
C1. Undertaking accurate assessments and medical histories from patients
C2. Using examination and diagnostic skills to gather and analyse appropriate physical data from patients
C3. Evaluating information gathered from all appropriate data sources to devise therapeutic management plans
C4. Evaluating data sources in order to write accurate and informative reports
C5. Accurately assessing team structures to successfully communicate and work effectively within team
parameters
C6. Application of negotiation skills to establish action plans with patients, colleagues and carers
C7. Application of principles of non-medical prescribing to practice, to produce appropriate prescriptions
C8. Consideration and evaluation of all therapeutic options including alternatives to prescription of medication
C9. Understand and apply knowledge of requirements for accurate documentation and record- keeping in
practice
C10. Demonstrate clear understanding of the value of good communication skills in practice
C11. Application of understanding of patients psychological needs and team dynamics to enhance social
interaction in a variety of situations
C12. Using knowledge of legal requirements, information needs and pharmaceutical knowledge to write
accurate prescription forms
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
Interactive lectures, Clinical scenarios & discussion, Self-directed learning & practice portfolio, Supervised
practice, Reflective practice, e-learning, Practice teaching seminars.
Assessment
Review of portfolio, Statement of competence from medical supervisors, OSCE or video-taped consultation,
Numeracy test, MCQ & short answers including some drug calculations.
Transferable / key skills
D1. Make critical judgements & decisions in all practice situations
D2. Demonstrates clear understanding of decision-making skills in order to apply prioritising skills to
Programme: 22239-2000002260 Plan: 01.01 Start date of programme - plan: 01-AUG-07

non-prescribing situations
D3. Utilises the skills of decision-making prioritisation and professionalism to be able provide self- direction in
many non-prescribing situations
D4. Apply the knowledge of budgets and financial issues learnt on the programme to be able to manage budgets
in general
D5. Transfer the ability to manage time learned in supervised practice and in managing learning on the
programme to a variety of situations
D6. Utilise knowledge gained on the programme to appropriately involve others with complimentary skills &
value the contribution others make to enhancing patient care and developing practice
D7. Apply knowledge and skills of relationships, psychological and communication needs to work in effectively in
teams in diverse circumstances
D8. Apply the principles of audit, monitoring & evaluation to diverse practice situations
D9. Apply social & information technological skills developed on the programme across a wider range of
activities
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
Interactive lectures, Clinical scenarios & discussion, Self-directed learning & practice portfolio, Supervised
practice, Reflective practice, e-learning, Practice teaching seminars.
Assessment
Review of portfolio, Statement of competence from medical supervisors, OSCE or video-taped consultation,
Numeracy test, MCQ & short answers including some drug calculations.
10. Route/Pathway/Field requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards
This 45 credit certificate of professional development consists of three 15 credit nodules running concurrently. It
has both formal academic and clinically based assessment.
Successful competion of the programme will allow nurses NMC recognition to prescribe indepentently (V300),
and other healthcare professionals HPC recognition to prescribe in a supplementary role.
Award Requirements
Certificate of Professional Development in Non-Medical Prescribing
For information about awards, see http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/Academic_Enhancement/121984.htm
Level 6 Potential Awards on completion Certificate of Professional
Development
Core Option Award Requirements
6084PQHEAL PRINCIPLES OF
NON-MEDICAL PRESCRIBING
6085PQHEAL PRACTICE OF
NON-MEDICAL PRESCRIBING
6086PQHEAL PHARMACOLOGY
FOR NON-MEDICAL PRESCRIBING
45 core credits at level 6
0 option credits at level 6
0 elective credits at level 6
11 Opportunities for work-related learning ( location and nature of activities)
12 Criteria for admission
Other
All entrants to the programme must meet the following requirements:
Be able to demonstrate valid registration on current parts of the professional register maintained by the
appropriate professional body.
Meet the minimum criteria set by the appropriate professional body for entry to the non-medical prescribing
programme
Have current, appropriate experience in the area in which they will be prescribing and at least three years
professional experience
Practice in an area where there is an identified need for independent and/or prescribing.
Programme: 22239-2000002260 Plan: 01.01 Start date of programme - plan: 01-AUG-07

Hold a recognised qualification/acknowledged experience and ability in diagnostics and physical examination
skills to enable him/her to apply non-medical prescribing skills to their intended area of prescribing practice
Has acknowledged, appropriate numeracy skills to undertake drug calculations
Support from the employing organisation in the form of a statement from the trust prescribing lead and the
students immediate manager that the student is in a suitable post to benefit from the programme.
Possess ability to study at bachelors degree level (level 3) as detailed below.
Have a designated medical practitioner who will provide supervision, support, assessment and opportunities to
develop competence in the area of expected practice.(This includes shadowing opportunities). This is arranged
as part of a tri-partite agreement between the Trust prescribing lead, the line manager and the designated
medical supervisor. The agreement is formalised on the programme nomination from which carries the
signatures of all parties to the agreement.
Supply evidence of current CRB approval.
13 Information about assessment regulations
All elements of this programme shall normally be completed within 12 months of commencement of the
programme. The programme MUST be competed in its entirety within 24 months. This is a condition of the
professional regulatory bodies.
14 Indicators of quality:
External inspections
The programme is subject to external quality assurence processes in a number of ways.
An experienced external examiner has been appointed to the programme who has worked with non-medical
prescribing programmes for a conisderable time. Another external examiner form the HPC professions has also
been appointed to the programme panel.
The local Strategic Health Authority has mechanisms in place for "fitness-for-purpose" and "value for money"
review.
15 Support for students and their learning
Academic support and tutorial system.
APL guidance
SHA & Trust support
Designated medical practitioner/supervisor
E-learning & in-house web-based system (e.g. Blackboard)
Course support materials (e.g. supervisors handbook, prescribing portfolio, student handbook, e-learning
resources
Faculty / School handbooksWelfare provision (University student support network)
16 Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
Subject standards for all taught programmes of study are specified using an outcome based learning model.
Attainment is measured against the standard and individual student performance is moderated at assessment
boards. This involves both internal moderation (by LJMU staff and/or partner institution staff) and external
moderation (by External Examiners). Internal annual programme self-assessment is informed by broad ranging
student feedback, external examiners and academic staff who conduct module review. External quality
assessment by Professional Statutory Regulatory Bodies and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
Education confirms that standards are set at the appropriate level and that quality of learning opportunities are
subject to continuing improvement. The quality of teaching is assured through staff review and staff development
in learning, teaching and assessment. Designated committees have responsibility for the oversight of processes
wherein quality and standards are evaluated and improved.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she
takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning
outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the student
module guide and course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by
the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
17 Key sources of information about the course can be found in:
Programme: 22239-2000002260 Plan: 01.01 Start date of programme - plan: 01-AUG-07

Further details may be obtained from a series of handbooks for students that together provide comprehensive
information. Detailed programme information is contained in definitive documentation for the programme. The
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is increasingly used to provide module specific information.
18 Progress Files
Increasingly, academic guidance is provided within a framework of personal development planning linked to
progress review.
Programme: 22239-2000002260 Plan: 01.01 Start date of programme - plan: 01-AUG-07