PG Certificate / PG Diploma / MSc in Clinical Pharmacy

Transcription

1 PG Certificate / PG Diploma / MSc in Clinical Pharmacy Programme Information September 2014 Entry School of Pharmacy Queen s University Belfast

2 Queen s University Belfast - Clinical Pharmacy programme Distance learning at the School of Pharmacy, QUB The School of Pharmacy s Distance Learning Centre has been providing high quality postgraduate programmes for pharmacists since Currently, the Centre provides MSc programmes in both clinical and community pharmacy in a part- time, distance learning format. The distance learning format allows students to remain in employment throughout their studies and involves a blend of home study and work- based learning activities. This format has been proven to be popular with students as it allows them to arrange their studies to suit their lifestyle and they can incorporate many of the learning activities into their normal work routine. In addition, the format is popular with employers as members of staff are not required to leave the workplace to attend lectures or study days at any stage. Why should you choose QUB? The QUB School of Pharmacy was named as the top overall Pharmacy School in the UK by the 'Sunday Times University Guide 2013', and is consistently rated among the top Schools of Pharmacy in the UK. We have been providing distance learning courses for pharmacists for over 20 years and during this time we have developed expertise in authoring and delivering distance learning materials. This is a never- ending process - we review our courses annually and have embraced opportunities provided by the Internet for course delivery and student support. In addition, the QUB School of Pharmacy was awarded the maximum score of 24 points by a visiting panel of Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Subject Review experts who assessed the quality of teaching provided by the School. The review included both the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. QUB Clinical Pharmacy programme The MSc in Clinical Pharmacy is a 3- year part- time programme. Students have the option of exiting with a Postgraduate Certificate at the end of the first year or with a Postgraduate Diploma at the end of the second year. In each module, students are provided with a comprehensive set of learning materials, which have been authored by expert clinical pharmacists, and they follow a timetable for studying the materials and submitting assignments to the Centre for marking. In addition, some modules include work- based assessments which are marked by the student s work- based Local Mentor. The third year consists of a 12 month research module. During this module, students undertake a work- based practice research or audit project. Each student is allocated to a member of staff within the School of Pharmacy, who supervises their research project. Who is the programme for? This programme has been developed specifically for pharmacists who are employed in the hospital sector and who wish to specialise in clinical pharmacy. Student support With distance learning, we feel that it is important that students do not feel isolated whilst completing the course. For that reason, student support is an issue that we take very seriously. Each student receives a comprehensive handbook at the beginning of the course. The handbook

3 Queen s University Belfast - Clinical Pharmacy programme provides detailed guidance on the structure and requirements of the course and the course timetable ensures that students know exactly what they should be doing and when they should be doing it. In addition, the Distance Learning Centre is staffed by four full- time members of staff who can be contacted by telephone or e- mail during normal office hours. The Centre s manager worked for several years as the Clinical Pharmacy Co- ordinator in one of the UK s largest hospitals. Our Deputy Distance Learning Manager joined the Centre in February 2012; she is a pharmacist with several years experience in developing e- learning materials. In addition, the Centre is staffed by 2 full- time administrative staff. The Local mentor It is important that students have support within their workplace and therefore each student must have a Local Mentor within their workplace. The student is required to identify a suitable Local Mentor before their application to join the programme can be accepted. Typically, the Local Mentor will be a senior clinical pharmacist or a medical consultant. The Local Mentor must be able to facilitate access to patients and their medical notes as required. In addition, the Local Mentor is required to meet with the student on a regular basis to discuss progress and provide advice when required. We suggest that students should aim to meet with their Local Mentor for at least 30 minutes each week. Local mentors are also required to undertake some work- based assessments, for example, taking a patient s medication history, inhaler counselling, and assessing case presentations by their student. Local mentors will be given guidance on marking and use standard marking forms for work- based assessments. Aims of the programme The overall aim is to improve the knowledge base and practice skills of hospital pharmacists so that they can contribute more fully to the provision of clinical pharmacy services. The programme has been developed in collaboration with clinical pharmacy specialists in the United Kingdom. The emphasis in the first year is on developing clinical skills; by the end of the year students will be able to demonstrate competence in a variety of clinical pharmacy skills and will have developed their knowledge of common clinical topics such as the management of pain, infection and adverse drug reactions. In year 2 the emphasis is on the application of clinical pharmacy skills within a number of therapeutic specialties. Students study three compulsory topics, respiratory disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and select two further topics from a range of options. In addition, second year students develop their literature evaluation and research skills in preparation for the research project in year 3. MSc students carry out a practice- based research project during year 3. Learning materials Our distance learning students study a variety of learning materials including printed materials downloaded from the course web pages and web- based resources. In addition, we are developing a range of e- learning materials for distance learning students.

4 Queen s University Belfast - Clinical Pharmacy programme Assessment A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the programme. This includes: Practice- based workbooks Clinical case studies Practical communication skills, e.g. medication history interview, patient counselling interview, inhaler counselling Oral presentations Online tests Literature evaluation Statistical analysis Research dissertation (MSc) Some assessments are done in the student s workplace and are supervised by the Local Mentor (practical communication skills and oral presentations). The remainder of the coursework assignments are submitted to the Distance Learning Centre electronically. In addition, students sit a 3- hour written examination paper in June, at the end of the PG Diploma year. The examination covers the topics studied in the therapeutics modules. Examination centres are arranged in the UK and in our international students countries of residence. Student fees Students are required to pay a registration fee for each year of enrolment on the programme fees information is available from the Centre s web pages. The annual registration fee increases each year in line with price inflation, approximately 3% per annum. Students who are paying their own fees can pay in four equal instalments. Clinical Pharmacy programme structure The following modules are studied in the direct entry programme: PG Certificate (Year 1): Pharmaceutical Care Medicines Governance Clinical Laboratory Tests Infection & Antimicrobials Pain Management (20 credits) (10 credits) (10 credits) (10 credits) (10 credits) PG Diploma (Year 2): Research in clinical pharmacy Therapeutics for clinical pharmacists 1&2 (20 credits) (40 credits)

5 Queen s University Belfast - Clinical Pharmacy programme MSc (Year 3): Research project (60 credits) Credit transfer Students who hold a recognised PG Certificate or PG Diploma may apply for credit via the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). Under this scheme, a maximum of 40 credits can be awarded. This allows the PG Diploma to be completed in 12 months and the MSc in 24 months. Credit will be awarded where there is overlap between the 2 programmes. The following modules are normally studied in the CATS entry programme: PG Diploma (Year 1): Research in clinical pharmacy Therapeutics for clinical pharmacists 1&2 Critical literature review (20 credits) (40 credits) (20 credits) MSc (Year 2): Research project (60 credits) Details of the content, learning outcomes and skills developed in each of the first, second and third year modules are provided in appendices A, B and C respectively. Applying for entry to our programme Details of how to apply for entry to this programme and the application process for credit transfer can be found on the Centre s web pages. Applications for postgraduate entry must be made via the QUB Admissions and Access Service. Closing date for applications: 30 June 2014 Further information For further information, please contact the Course Director: Dr Brian McCaw E- mail: b.mccaw@qub.ac.uk Tel: (International )

6 Queen s University Belfast - Clinical Pharmacy programme Please note: The format and contents of modules listed in the appendices are for guidance only and are subject to change following annual review of the course.

7 Appendix A: First year modules Pharmaceutical Care (Weeks 1 10) The overall aim of this module is to provide the student with the foundation level skills required to deliver a clinical pharmacy service. The module is introductory in nature and assumes no knowledge of clinical pharmacy services. Students who have had clinical experience prior to this course will find it both a useful learning and revision exercise. The module is delivered in two parts: Part 1: Pharmaceutical care - pharmaceutical care in practice - the patient journey from admission to discharge - the clinical record - pharmaceutical interventions - screening patients for medication problems - reviewing medication histories Part 2: Communicating information - developing questioning, explaining and listening skills - non- verbal communication - undertaking patient consultations - ethics and confidentiality This module aims to teach students how to gather and understand relevant clinical information and how to communicate effectively with patients, carers and health professionals. On completion, the student will be able to: Identify and access clinical information that is relevant to individual patients Process clinical information to determine if a patient's treatment is optimal Plan and implement changes when drug treatment is not optimal Communicate accurate and reliable information to patients, carers and health professionals. This module provides the student with the foundation level skills required to deliver a clinical pharmacy service, including: Analysis of drug charts and clinical information Development of treatment plans Communication with patients and carers including explaining and listening skills and medication history taking Provide effective discharge planning.

8 Appendix A: First year modules Medicines Governance (Weeks 11 15) This module is designed to teach the student the principles behind patient safety in relation to medicine use in hospitals and to give the student an awareness of common adverse drug reactions and interactions. Topics include: - understanding medication incidents - creating an open and fair reporting culture - creating a learning culture - high risk medicines and procedures - common adverse drug reactions and interactions - the role of the clinical pharmacist in identifying, preventing and managing adverse drug reactions and interactions This module aims to provide the student with an appreciation of the importance of detecting, reporting and learning from medication- related incidents and an understanding of the role of the clinical pharmacist in identifying, preventing and managing adverse drug reactions and interactions. On completion, the student will be able to: Identify and intervene whenever patient safety in relation to medicines may be at risk Manage a safety incident appropriately Discuss the importance of medication incident reporting and learning from incidents Recognise, prevent and manage adverse drug reactions and interactions. This module will provide the student with the skills associated with the delivery of safe pharmaceutical care, including the ability to: Identify and minimise risks associated with drug treatment Effective use of clinical information Patient monitoring Written and oral communication skills Effective time management skills.

9 Appendix A: First year modules Clinical Laboratory Tests (Weeks 16 20) This module is designed to provide the student with an understanding of clinical laboratory testing and its relevance to the drug treatment of patients. Topics include: - Haematology tests - Urea and electrolytes - Kidney function tests - Liver function tests - Thyroid function On completion, the student will be able to: Explain why a particular test might be undertaken Interpret common laboratory test reports relating to drug therapy Advise on changes to drug treatment dependant on the results of common laboratory tests Infection & Antimicrobials (Weeks 21 25) The aim of this module is to develop the student's ability to manage the drug treatment of patients with a range of common infections. Topics include: - common pathogenic organisms and associated infections - management of infection - therapeutic drug monitoring - prevention and control of infection - antimicrobial resistance On completion, the student will be able to: Contribute to the effective management of patients who have an infection Skills that have been introduced in previous modules will be further developed, including: Effective use of clinical information Patient monitoring Written and oral communication skills Effective time management skills

10 Appendix A: First year modules Pain Management (Weeks 26 30) The aim of this module is to develop the student's ability to manage the drug treatment of patients who are experiencing pain. Topics include: - causes of acute, chronic and neuropathic pain - drug treatment of acute and chronic pain - routes of administration of analgesia - switching between parenteral and oral analgesia - measurement and recording of pain On completion, the student will be able to: Contribute to the effective management of patients who are experiencing pain. Skills that have been introduced in previous modules will be further developed, including: Effective use of clinical information Patient monitoring Written and oral communication skills Effective time management skills

11 Appendix B: Second year modules Research in clinical pharmacy (Weeks 1 10) This module helps to prepare students to undertake their MSc research project in year 3. The module is delivered in 2 parts: Part 1: Pharmacy practice research and clinical trials Topics include: - pharmacy practice research methods - planning and undertaking research - organisation and presentation of data - research dissemination - clinical trials terminology - Good Clinical Practice (GCP) - design and conduct of a clinical trial - ethical considerations Part 2: Statistical methods Topics include: - hypothesis testing using a single sample or paired data - hypothesis testing using two independent samples - analysis of variance - analysis of categorical data - association between two quantitative variables This aim of this module is to give students an understanding of clinical research so that they will be able to critically evaluate the research of others in practice. In addition, students study research methodologies and statistical methods that are relevant to clinical and pharmacy research so that they might incorporate independent research into their future practice. On completion, the student will: have demonstrated the ability to critically evaluate the research of others understand the ethical implications of clinical research be able to plan and implement a research project using appropriate research methodology and statistical analysis.

12 Appendix B: Second year modules This module will provide the student with the skills required to design and plan a clinical practice research project and to evaluate the research of others, including: Critical evaluation Statistical analysis Research design Report writing Therapeutics for clinical pharmacists 1 (Weeks 11 20) The aim of this module is to develop the student's knowledge of common chronic diseases and their treatment. Students study recent advances in our understanding of the disease process and treatment of a variety of diseases that are commonly encountered in hospital practice. Reference is made to published clinical guidelines where appropriate. The module covers respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease (1) and diabetes. Topics include: - pathophysiology and drug treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, upper and lower respiratory tract infections - pathophysiology and drug treatment of coronary heart disease, essential hypertension and acute coronary syndromes - pathophysiology and drug treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes - managing acute complications of diabetes - managing long- term complications of diabetes Therapeutics for clinical pharmacists 2 (Weeks 21 30) The aim of this module is to further develop the student's knowledge of common chronic diseases and their treatment. Students study three from the following (additional topics may be available): - Gastrointestinal disease - Therapeutic drug monitoring - Mental health - Skin disease - CNS disease - Cardiovascular disease (2) arrhythmias, angina and heart failure

13 Appendix B: Second year modules The 2 therapeutics modules are designed to build on the student's knowledge of the development and treatment of diseases that are commonly encountered in hospital practice. On completion, the student will: Possess a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in a variety of diseases that are commonly encountered in hospital practice. Have knowledge of clinical guidelines that are relevant to treatment of these diseases Develop their knowledge of the pathophysiology of these conditions. The therapeutics modules will develop the skills associated with the delivery of clinical pharmacy services to patients with diseases that are commonly encountered in hospital practice. Critical literature review (CATS entry only) Students undertake a critical review of the recent literature relating to an agreed therapeutics or clinical pharmacy topic. Students are allocated to a QUB supervisor for the duration of this module. Assessment is by submission of a dissertation of up to words at the end of the 12 month period. This aim of this module is to develop the student s literature searching and critical evaluation skills. On completion, the student will have demonstrated the following abilities: to develop a literature review protocol to undertake a literature search to select and critically review suitable published research papers to monitor the progress of a project to ensure delivery on time to report their findings in a scientific manner This module will provide the student with the skills required to design and undertake a critical literature review, including: project planning project monitoring literature searching critical appraisal scientific report writing

14 Appendix C: Third year modules Research project Students undertake a research or clinical audit project within their workplace. Students are allocated to a QUB supervisor for the duration of this module. Assessment is by submission of a dissertation of up to words at the end of the 12 month period. The duration of this module can be extended if required. This aim of this module is to give students an opportunity to plan and implement a research project. On completion, the student will have demonstrated the following abilities: to develop a research protocol to develop and undertake suitable data collection methods to select and undertake suitable statistical analysis to monitor the progress of a research project to ensure delivery on time to report their research in a scientific manner This module will provide the student with the skills required to design and undertake a clinical practice research project, including: project planning project monitoring statistical analysis scientific report writing