Independent / Supplementary Prescribing

Teaching and assessment

Each module and its assessments are applied to your scope of practice. All of the assessments are different in focus and require different things from you. You are given feedback on your work before your next assignment is due to be submitted.

Module 1

Clinical Review as a recorded narrative with supporting documentation directly relating to scope of practice.

Module 2

Exam: includes sections on Numeracy, Using the BNF and Pharmacology pre-seen long answer questions to demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and skills.

Module 3

Practical Assessment of Prescribing Practice (PAPP): a high-fidelity clinical situation tailored to your individual scope of practice. 

VIVA for applied evidence based medicine analysis , focused questioning on the application of the evidence base to a given patient case, this is linked with the PAPP.

Module 4

Structured portfolio evidencing how you have met the prescribing competencies, learning outcomes and professional requirements for your regulatory body (NMC, HCPC, GPhC)This includes evidence of Portfolio Progress Reviews (one formative review- 2 summative)

Reflective Diary, containing three structured reflective entries supported by an appendix of personal reflection diary entries which document progress during period of learning in practice and provide evidence against the professional and regulatory body requirements linked to the period of learning in practice

The type of assessments are the same for each version of the modules (level 6 or level 7). 

Study support

Postgraduate resources

Postgraduate students have access to all the facilities at the Medway School of Pharmacy, including clinical skills labs and a ‘simulation man’. As the School of Pharmacy is a joint venture between the two universities, students have access to facilities at Kent’s Medway and Canterbury campuses, and the University of Greenwich.

Distance learning

While on a distance learning programme you need to be able to organise your time carefully and negotiate with your workplace on how this programme will work for you and your employer. We will provide you with a comprehensive list of dates for submission to help you plan your placement time and to help you negotiate study leave so you can complete your assignments and portfolio.

You will already possess most, if not all, of the required skills such as navigating around a webpage or attaching a file and uploading this to a website or email. The academic skills required will depend on your level of study and how recently you last studied. The universities have good resources that you can access to help you rediscover or reinvigorate these skills as needed.

Getting to grips with the virtual learning environment (Moodle) early will be really useful to you. This is where the course is delivered. You will be able to get feedback at regular intervals to help you with your assignments, access practice quizzes and examples of the assessments, revisit lecture material when it suits you and download Course Study Guides & Workbooks for each of the four modules within the programme.

Workplace Support Guides

Please have a look at the following guides, outlining support you will need from your workplace:

• Practice Supervisor Guide
• DPP Guide (PDF 195KB)
• Information for Managers (PDF 173KB)
• Information sheet for Applicants (PDF 175KB)

British National Formulary (BNF)

Students will need access to the BNF App for the duration of the programme and throughout their career as a prescriber upon completion of the programme.