Clinical Pharmacy module descriptions

Please read the course module overviews in conjunction with information provided on the Clinical Pharmacy MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert webpage. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Therefore, exact module content and assessments may vary for your intake in order to keep content current.

Note that the Induction Day, Study Day 1 and Study Day 2 are delivered during the First (Certificate) Year.

Professional Practice 1 (15 credits)

Aim: This module supports pharmacists to evidence their effectiveness in the delivery of patient care and multidisciplinary team working, aligned with contemporary pharmacy practice. The module will combine learning on NHS strategy and policy, medicines optimisation principles and effective communication.

Teaching: Modules commonly studied in the first (certificate) year are supported by three on-campus study days (see attendance dates). Study materials are available online in the DMU virtual learning environment. Module leaders support your learning through a variety of methods during the programme. This module runs across three semesters.

Assessment:

Professional portfolio evidencing input into patient care and reflection on the care provided.
Structured report focusing on professional development.

Applied Therapeutics 1 (15 credits)

Aim: This module explores how pharmacists contribute to holistic and person- centred care in a range of settings. It underscores the necessity of grounding clinical decisions in evidence-based medicine, guidelines and the primary evidence that informs practice, whilst emphasising the importance of evaluating and reflecting on patient care through the experiences of both patients and clinicians. You will be required to show an understanding of the significance of the public health agenda and the connection between the topics studied and sustainability efforts. The module will also allow you to evaluate your personal effectiveness as leader. Clinical topics covered in the module include: clinical and haematological lab data, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and an overview of depression and anxiety.

Assessment:

Structured report involving a critical evaluation of patient care.
Reflection focusing on development as a clinical leader.

Applied Therapeutics 2 (15 credits)

Aim: This module explores how pharmacists contribute to holistic and person- centred care in a range of settings. It underscores the necessity of grounding clinical decisions in evidence-based medicine, guidelines and the primary evidence that informs practice, whilst emphasising the importance of evaluating and reflecting on patient care through the experiences of both patients and clinicians. You will be required to show an understanding of the significance of the public health agenda and the connection between the topics studied and sustainability efforts. The module will also allow you to evaluate your personal effectiveness as an educator. Clinical topics covered in the module include: diabetes, thyroid disorders and diseases associated with the gastro-intestinal system.

Assessment:

Case presentation critically evaluating patient care (see attendance dates)
Reflection focusing on development as an educator.

Applied Therapeutics 3 (15 credits)

Aim: This module explores how pharmacists contribute to holistic and person- centred care in a range of settings. It underscores the necessity of grounding clinical decisions in evidence-based medicine, guidelines and the primary evidence that informs practice, whilst emphasising the importance of evaluating and reflecting on patient care through the experiences of both patients and clinicians. You will be required to show an understanding of the significance of the public health agenda and the connection between the topics studied and sustainability efforts. The module will also allow you to evaluate your personal effectiveness in developing research skills. Clinical topics covered in the module include: musculoskeletal conditions, pain, neurology, and an overview of commonly encountered infections, for example sepsis, meningitis, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis

Assessment:

Structured report involving a critical evaluation of patient care.
Reflection focusing on development of research skills

Supportive Therapeutics (15 Credits)

Aim: This module explores how pharmacists contribute to holistic and person- centred care in a range of settings. It underscores the necessity of grounding clinical decisions in evidence-based medicine, guidelines and the primary evidence that informs practice, whilst emphasising the importance of evaluating and reflecting on patient care through the experiences of both patients and clinicians. You will be required to show an understanding of the significance of the public health agenda and the connection between the topics studied and sustainability efforts. The module will also allow you to evaluate your personal effectiveness in the multidisciplinary team. Clinical topics covered in the module include: Pre, peri and postoperative care, nutrition, nausea and vomiting, nil by mouth, substance misuse and palliative care.

Teaching: Modules commonly studied in the second (diploma) year vary in regards to study day requirements, this module does not have a study day. Study materials are available online in the DMU virtual learning environment. Module leaders support your learning through a variety of methods during the programme.

Assessment:

Structured report involving a critical evaluation of patient care.
Reflection focusing on effectiveness in a multidisciplinary team.

Professional Practice 2 (15 credits)

Aim: This module focuses on professional decision making. Students will explore the multitude of factors that influence patient care and the wider delivery of NHS services. This will include the intersection of law, ethics, professionalism and evidence based clinical practice.

Assessment:

Analysis and evaluation of clinical, legal, professional and ethical obligations in clinical decision making. Contact pgpharmacyrecruitment@dmu.ac.uk for further information regarding the format of this assessment.
Reflection focusing on development in the integration of law, ethics and professional obligations into clinical decision making

Teaching: This module is supported with a series of online tutorials, please contact pgpharmacyrecruitment@dmu.ac.uk for the dates. Study materials are available online in the DMU virtual learning environment. Module leaders support your learning through a variety of methods during the programme. This module runs across three semesters.

Quality Improvement (30 credits)

Aim: The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop and improve your skills and knowledge related to the development and implementation of quality improvement projects, with particular emphasis on embedding sustainable change ideas. You will use knowledge of improvement principles to identify quality and safety issues, including measurement of clinical safety and quality indicators in relation to the delivery of practice-based healthcare services.

Teaching: Modules commonly studied in the second (diploma) year vary in regards to study day requirements, this module is supported with a series of online tutorials. Study materials are available online in the DMU virtual learning environment. Module leaders support your learning through a variety of methods during the programme. This module runs across two semesters.

Assessment:

Structured report including a critical analysis of an area of service operation or pharmaceutical provision.
Quality management principles are applied and supported by a portfolio of evidence Structured abstract.

Mental Health (15 credits)

Aim: This module will enable you to develop the necessary understanding and skills to facilitate the delivery of effective therapeutic care in the area of mental health including the challenges of deprescribing inappropriate medication. You will reflect upon your learning and role within the multidisciplinary team.

Assessment:

Structured report involving a critical evaluation of patient care.

Polypharmacy in Clinical Practice (15 credits)

Aim: This module aims to enable you to develop the necessary understanding and skills to facilitate the delivery of pharmaceutical care in the clinical area of polypharmacy and to reflect upon your learning. The learning materials will support students to become equipped with the tools, knowledge and understanding required to identify appropriate and inappropriate polypharmacy. This includes: Principles of managing polypharmacy, managing polypharmacy within different body systems and approaching structured medicines review in clinical settings.

Assessment:

Structured report involving a critical evaluation of patient care.

Antimicrobial Stewardship (15 credits)

Aim: This module aims to enable you to develop the necessary understanding and skills to facilitate the delivery of antimicrobial stewardship in your clinical area, identify inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing, contribute to the reduction of antimicrobial resistance in clinical practice, and to reflect upon your learning. It underscores the necessity of grounding clinical decisions in evidence-based medicine, guidelines and the primary evidence that informs practice, whilst emphasising the importance of evaluating and reflecting on patient care through the experiences of both patients and clinicians. The module will also allow you to evaluate your personal effectiveness in delivering an antimicrobial stewardship agenda within your organisational setting.

Assessment:

Structured report involving a critical evaluation of patient care.
Reflection focusing on effectiveness in a multidisciplinary team raising awareness of antimicrobial stewardship.

Fundamentals of Leadership and Change Management (15 credits)

Aim: This module aims to equip pharmacists with the skills they need to become effective leaders in practice. It will include exploration of leadership and change management theories. Students will explore, demonstrate and reflect upon their development as a leader.

Teaching: Modules commonly studied in the second (diploma) year vary in regards to study day requirements, this module has an online study day, please contact pgpharmacyrecruitment@dmu.ac.uk for the date. Study materials are available online in the DMU virtual learning environment. Module leaders support your learning through a variety of methods during the programme.

Assessment:

Structured report evaluating personal effectiveness as a leader within a multidisciplinary team.

Concepts in Research (15 credits)

Aim: Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods, including: setting a research question, research design, validity, reliability, research ethics, participant sampling and analysis.

Assessment:

The assessment with involve you developing the core elements of a research proposal accompanied by justification of research design.

Independent Prescribing (45 credits)

Prepares pharmacists to become independent prescribers as recognised by the GPhC. Please see the Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing course page for further information on the Independent Prescribing module.

**Postgraduate Healthcare Dissertation* (MSc Year 60 credits)**

Aim: Undertaking project involving research or application of research principles to advance knowledge or understanding of an area of healthcare practice, including appropriate critique, justification and presentation of methodologies. The module includes learning related to: project management, setting aims and objectives, literature searching, project design, ethical principles, data analysis, presentation of data and subsequent discussion of that data, and dissemination of findings.

Teaching: Please contact pgpharmacyrecruitment@dmu.ac.uk for further information.

Assessment: Dissertation.

*Students who wish to study the Masters Year need to have successfully completed the Concepts in Research module.