STUDENT HANDBOOK
The University of Sheffield School of Nursing and Midwifery
Nurse / Midwife Independent / Supplementary Prescribing Programme
Nurse / Midwife
Independent / Supplementary Prescribing Programme
Student Handbook
September2012
STUDENT HANDBOOK
The University of Sheffield School of Nursing and Midwifery
Nurse / Midwife Independent / Supplementary Prescribing Programme
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 – THE PROGRAMME
1.1 Introduction and Welcome ...... 4
1.2The University of Sheffield...... 5
1.3 The School of Nursing and Midwifery ...... 5
1.4Programme Administration...... 5
1.5Pre Course Preparation ...... 5
1.6The Programme Team...... 6
1.7 The Programme Aims...... 7
1.8Structure...... 7
1.9 Learning Outcomes...... 8
1.9.1Learning Outcomes – Level 6 (Degree)...... 8
1.9.2 Learning Outcomes – Level 7 (Masters) ...... 8
1.10Indicative Content...... 9
1.11Practice Experience...... 11
SECTION 2 – TEACHING AND LEARNING
2.1Teaching and Learning Strategies...... 12
2.2 Quality Assurance / Programme Evaluation ...... 13
SECTION 3 – PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
3.1 Background to Assessment ...... 14
3.2Assessments...... 14
3.2.1 OSCE ...... 14
3.2.2Unseen Examination...... 15
3.2.3Portfolio ...... 15
3.2.4Case Studies...... 16
3.2.5 Assignments...... 16
3.2.6Assessment of Practice Record...... 16
3.2.7Portfolio Verification...... 17
3.3 Assessment Calendar...... 17
3.4Confidentiality...... 17
3.5 Tutorial Support ...... 18
3.6Mitigating Circumstances...... 18
3.7Plagiarism ...... 18
3.8 Word Allowance ...... 19
3.9Presentation of Assignments...... 19
3.10 Portfolio Submissions ...... 19
3.11Attendance at Examinations...... 19
3.12University Marking Strategy ...... 19
3.13Notification of Results...... 20
3.14 Hot to access results...... 20
3.15Feedback...... 20
3.16.1 Failure at 1st attempt...... 20
3.16.2Failure at 2nd attempt...... 21
3.16.3Failure to attend / Failure to submit...... 21
3.17Right of Appeal...... 21
3.18Appeals procedure ...... 21
3.19Withdrawal from a unit / programme ...... 21
SECTION 4 – STUDENT SUPPORT
4.1 Ucards ...... 23
4.2Email...... 23
4.3 MUSE ...... 23
4.4MOLE 2 ...... 24
4.5Library Services...... 24
4.6Special Learning Needs...... 24
4.7 Information Commons...... 25
4.8Computing Services...... 25
4.9 Student Representation...... 26
4.10.1Key Websites...... 26
4.10.2Booklist...... 26
APPENDICES……………………………………………………………………………………………….……………… 27
Appendix 1 Information Pack
Appendix 2 Fees and Funding Form
Appendix 3 Protocol and Audit
Appendix 4 Designated Medical Practitioner Handbook
Appendix 6 OSCE Marking Criteria
Appendix 7 Marking Criteria
Appendix 8 Assessment of Practice Record
Appendix 9 Portfolio Verification
Appendix 10 Assignment Guidelines
Appendix 11 Feedback Sheet
Appendix 12 Formative Feedback
Appendix 13Plagiarism Action Guidance
Appendix 14 Sample Title Page
Appendix 15 E1 Forms
Appendix 16Evaluation Forms
1.1INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you from the University of Sheffield and thenurse prescribing teaching team. This handbook introduces the course and provides
important information that is intended to be useful to you as you pursue your study.
This education programme aims to prepare nurses and midwives to prescribe safely, appropriately and cost-effectively as an independent/supplementary nurse prescriber in a rapidly changing practice environment. In addition it aims to enable you to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s standards in order to be recorded as an independent/supplementary prescriber on the professional register.
Information contained in this handbook is up to date at the time of publication but National, professional and University standards, processes and policies regarding non-medical prescribing are constantly changing. It is your responsibility to keep abreast of the changes by reviewing the Department of Health website and ensuring that you always have access to and use the up to date British National Formulary.
The course and the Programme Co-ordinatorDebbie Turner (01142222065, )are based at;
Barber House Annexe
3a Clarkehouse Road
Sheffield
S10 2HQ
Our postal address is;
Barber House
387 Glossop Road
Sheffield
S10 2HQ
The teaching team look forward to getting to know you and hope that you find the course informative, stimulating and enjoyable.
Derek Darling
Nurse Prescribing Programme Leader
1.2THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
The School of Nursing and Midwifery is part of the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, and takes an active part in all Faculty and University activities and developments. Founded in 1905, the University of Sheffield is rightly regarded as one of the country’s leading research and teaching universities, and is consistently one of the most popular universities in terms of applications per place. The University is also well known for its community spirit; the Union of Students, to which all students automatically belong, enjoys a national reputation for providing some of the best services and activities in any university. The University’s Students’ Charter is an expression of the close working partnership between the University and the Union of Students and of a shared commitment to maintaining and enhancing excellence in the educational experience of students at the University.
1.3THE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
The reconfigured School of Nursing and Midwifery was launched in 2007. It aims to combine research activities with the delivery of postgraduate and continuing professional development programmes. Our research and research-led education is shaped by local, national and international health and social care policy. We work closely with our partners in health and social care, and design our programmes to meet the needs of the workforce. The School offers high-quality graduate and postgraduate education, which is flexible and responsive to the needs of competing demands within a rapidly changing environment.
The School has strong education and research links with cognate University departments, including the School for Health and Related Research (ScHARR), the Department of Sociological Studies, the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing (SISA) and the Centre for the Study of Childhood and Youth. International collaborations include universities in Hong Kong and Taiwan and the Worldwide Universities Network.
The school attained a top rating of 5 in the last national Research Assessment Exercise, putting us in the top four of UK Nursing and Midwifery schools. It was also awarded an overall ‘Commendable’ rating in 2006 QAA Major Review of Teaching and Learning. Innovation, collaboration and scholarship is encouraged and supported.
1.4PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATION
This26 week integrated theoretical and practical course is validated by the University of Sheffield and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and meets the standards outlined in the Standards of proficiency for nurse and midwife prescribers. (NMC 2006) and The University of Sheffield Calendar. In addition, it takes account of the Department of Health guidance, Supplementary prescribing by nurse/pharmacist/ chiropodist/physiotherapist and radiographers within the NHS in England (2005) and theNational Prescribing Centre (NPC) “Maintaining Competency in the Prescribing Framework (2003)..
1.5PRE-COURSE PREPARATION
The course application criteria are set down by the University of Sheffield, the Department of Health (2005) and the NMC (2006)
The NMC requires employers to undertake an appraisal of a registrant’s suitability to prescribe beforethey apply for a training place. Employers must also have the necessary clinical governance infrastructure in place to enable the registrant to prescribe once they are qualified to do so.
Where the registrant is not undertaking a module to prepare them in diagnosis and physical assessment alongside the nurse/midwife independent/supplementary prescribing programme, then the employer is responsible for confirming that:
- A Criminal Bureau Check has been completed within 3 years prior to commencement of the programme (NMC, 2007).
- The applicant has been assessed as competent to take a history, undertake a clinical
assessment, and diagnose, before being put forward.
- There is clinical need within the registrant’s role to justify prescribing.
- The applicant has sufficient knowledge to apply prescribing principles taught on the
Programme to their own area and field of practice.
- The applicant must be able to demonstrate appropriate numeracy skills (these will be
further developed within the context of prescribing and assessed on the course).
(See appendix 1 for the precourse information pack and appendix 2 for the Fees and Funding form.)
In order for the assessment of practice to progress, an academic mentor / nurse lecturer will undertake a placement audit to determine the suitability of the learning environment and prepare the DMP for the supervision process, prior to the course commencing. If the DMP has supported a student before but the practice environment has not been audited within the previous 2 years, an audit will be undertaken. (See appendix 3 for details of the audit and the relevant protocols.) The DMP will also be sent an information handbook prior to the commencement of the programme (See appendix 4) and be invited to a DMP supervision update.
1.6THE PROGRAMME TEAM
It is anticipated that this programme of study will provide you with an interesting and challenging experience that will lay the foundation of your professional development as an independent / supplementary prescriber. The taught component of the programme will be delivered by clinicians with extensive expertise in the field of prescribing both within the primary and secondary care settings. A range of motivated and informed academic staff will support you in maximising the educational opportunities available and successfully completing the assessment process.
Derek Darling/ Programme Leader / University of Sheffield / 0114 2222041
Tracey Moore
/ Head of Taught Studies / University of Sheffield / 0114 2222056
Debbie Turner
/ Programme
Co-ordinator / University of Sheffield / 0114 2222065
Angela Walker
/ Programme Facilitator
Clinic Nurse Coordinator / University of Sheffield / 01142222070
Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi / Consultant Physician / Associate Lecturer / Doncaster & Bassetlaw NHS Trust
Jacqui Holcombe / Course Tutor BTEC Pharmacy Services /Associate Lecturer / Sheffield College
Melanie Stevens / Nurse Practitioner /
Associate Lecturer / A& E, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
1.7PROGRAMME AIMS
The education programme aims to prepare nurses and midwives to prescribe safely, appropriately and cost-effectively as an independent/supplementary nurse prescriber in a rapidly changing practice environment. In addition, it aims to enable participants to fulfil the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s criteria in order to be recorded on the Professional Register as an independent/supplementary prescriber.
In addition, on successful completion of the programme, the University of Sheffield will award 40 academic credits at degree level 6, (formally level three) or 30 credits at master’s level, depending on the level of study determined when registering with the University.
The programme structure, content and assessment is the same for degree and maters level students, except for the assignments which will be marked at the pertinent levels.
1.8STRUCTURE
The attendance pattern is part time over a period of six months and is comprised of a total of 38 days study. These days are made up as follows
- 14 days attendance at the University
- 12 days independent study
- 12 days (90 hours) supervised assessed practice
The 12 days (90 hours) in supervised clinical practice are completed in between the study days to fit in with the student’s normal working practice.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery is obliged to provide information about attendance to the course purchasing Strategic Health Authority. Maximum attendance is the expected norm and absences in excess of 20% of the taught course are not permitted. If this is the case your manager will be notified. You are required to attend a minimum of 80% of the overall attendance (i.e. not having more than 5 days absence). If your attendance falls below 80% you will be invited to a meeting with the programme leader to review your progress. If attendance remains above 70% you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate the achievement of learning outcomes of the missed sessions in the portfolio.
However, where a student fails to participate effectively in the learning process, the University may award a grade of zero or withhold the award of academic credit.
1.9LEARNING OUTCOMES
The learning outcomes, set out below, reflect the nationally prescribed learning outcomes as defined by The Department of Health in ‘Supplementary Prescribing by Nurses and Pharmacists within the NHS in England’ (DH 2005) and The Nursing and Midwifery Council ‘Standards of Proficiency for Nurse and Midwife Prescribers’ (2006)
1.9.1LEARNING OUTCOMES – LEVEL 6 (DEGREE)
By the end of the programme the student will be able to:
1.Understand and critically apply knowledge of drug actions in prescribing practice
2.Understand and critically apply the relevant legislation to the practice of nurse/midwife prescribing
3.Appraise and use sources of information / advice and decision support systems in prescribing practice
4.Understand the influences that can affect prescribing practice, and demonstrate a critical understanding by managing prescribing practice in an ethical way
5.Demonstrate a critical understanding of the roles and relationships of others involved in prescribing, supplying and administering medicines
6.Undertake a thorough history, including medication history and current medication (including over-the-counter, alternative and complementary health therapies) to inform diagnosis
7.Assess and consult with patient, clients, parents and carers
8.Prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively
9.Practise within a framework of professional accountability and responsibility
10.Develop a clinical management plan within legislative requirements (supplementary prescribing only)
11.If prescribing for children, demonstrate appropriate history taking, undertake a clinical assessment and make an appropriate diagnosis, having considered the legal, cognitive, emotional and physical differences between children and adults.
1.9.1LEARNING OUTCOMES – LEVEL 7 (MASTERS)
By the end of the programme, a student will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the impact of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics on the individual and the implications for prescribing practice.
2. Critically evaluate the relevant legislation and it’s application to the practice of
nurse/midwife prescribing
3. Critically appraise sources of information/advice and decision support systems in
prescribing practice
4. Critically evaluate the influences that can affect prescribing practice, and demonstrate
understanding by managing prescribing practice in an ethical way
5. Critically evaluate the roles and relationships of others involved in prescribing, supplying
and administering medicines
6. Undertake a thorough history including medication history and current medication
(including over-the-counter, alternative and complementary health therapies) to inform
diagnosis
7. Assess and consult with patient/clients, parents and carers
8. Prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively.
9. Practise within a framework of professional accountability and responsibility
10. Develop a clinical management plan within legislative requirements.
11. If prescribing for children, demonstrate appropriate history taking, undertake a clinical
assessment and make an appropriate diagnosis, having considered the legal, cognitive,
emotional and physical differences between children and adults.
1.10INDICATIVE CONTENT
The following list is the indicative content suggested by the NMC (2006). Some of the content will be provided in the taught component of the programme. Some you will be able to access through the DVD produced by the North West Strategic Health Authority. Other aspects you will be expected to access through your own study. The taught component is generic, applicable to all prescribing settings, however it is up to you to apply the theory to your own area of practice. (See appendix 5 for a sample timetable).
Consultation, decision-making and therapy, including referral
• Models of consultation
• Accurate assessment, history taking, communication and consultation with
Patients/clients and their parents/carers
• Concepts of working diagnosis or best formulation
• Development of a management plan and/or clinical management plan
• Confirmation of diagnosis/differential diagnosis - further examination, investigation,
referral for diagnosis
• Prescribe, not to prescribe, non-drug treatment or referral for treatment
• Numeracy and drug calculations
• Stopping medication prescribed by others
• Medicines review
Influences on, and psychology of, prescribing
• Patient/client demand, and preference versus patient/client need – knowing when to
say ‘no’
• External influences, eg. Pharmaceutical companies or colleagues
• Patient/client partnership in medicine-taking, including awareness of cultural and ethnicneeds
• Concordance, as opposed to compliance
• Achieving shared understanding and negotiating a plan of action
Prescribing in a team context
•Rationale, adherence to, and deviation from national and local guidelines, local formularies, protocols, policies, decision support systems and formulae
• Understanding the role and functions of other team members
• Documentation, with particular reference to communication between team members,
including electronic prescribing
•Auditing, monitoring and evaluating prescribing practice
• Interface between multiple prescribers and management of potential conflict
• Budgets and cost effectiveness
• Dispensing practice issues
Clinical pharmacology, including the effects of co-morbidity
•Pharmacology, including pharmaco-dynamics, pharmaco-kinetics, pharmaco-therapeutics
• Anatomy and physiology as applied to prescribing practice and community practitioner formulary
• Basic principles of drugs to be prescribed, eg. absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, including adverse drug reactions (ADR)
• Interactions and reactions
• Patient/client compliance, concordance and drug response
• Impact of physiological state on drug responses and safety, for example, in elderly people, newborn babies, children and young people, pregnant or breast feeding women
• Pharmaco-therapeutics related to controlled drugs
Evidence-based practice and clinical governance in relation to nurse prescribing
•Rationale, adherence to and deviation from national and local guidelines, protocols, policies, decision support systems and formulae
• Continuing professional development - role of self and role of the organisation
• Management of change in prescribing practice
• Risk assessment and management, including safe storage, handling and disposal
• Clinical supervision
• Reflective practice/peer review
• Critical appraisal skills
• Auditing practice and scrutinising data, systems monitoring
• Identify and report adverse drug reactions and near misses
• Prescribing controlled drugs
• Prescribing and administering
• Prescribing and dispensing
Legal, policy and ethical aspects
• Sound understanding of legislation that impacts on prescribing practice
• Legal basis for practice, liability and indemnity
• Legal implications of advice to self-medicate including the use of alternative therapies, complementary therapy and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
•Safe-keeping of prescription pads, action if lost, writing prescriptions and record
keeping
• Awareness and reporting of fraud (recommendations from the Shipman Inquiry, Fourth Report)
• Drug licensing
• Yellow Card reporting to the Committee of Safety on Medicines (CSM) and reporting patient/client safety incidents to the National Patient Safety Agency
• Prescribing in the policy context
• Manufacturer’s guidance relating to literature, licensing and off-label
• Ethical basis of intervention
• Informed consent, with particular reference to client groups in learning disability, mental health, children, critically ill people and emergency situations