PgDip Pharmacy Practice (Top-up to MSc)

This module aims to develop and consolidate understanding of the skills, knowledge and attributes required for safe, and effective treatment of dermatological conditions. Successful completion will provide a deeper knowledge and understanding of the pharmacokinetics of topical and systemic treatments used to treat skin disease. Students will gain an increased understanding of key factors to consider when choosing treatment options including risk, cost, evidence about efficacy, disease severity and patient's response to treatment, inlcuding potential adverse. 

The module will develop and enhance patient consultation skills to formulate effective patient centred treatment options for a range of dermatology conditions whilst focusing on specialist knowledge of systemic and topical drug therapies used to treat skin disease.

This module is compulsory for the MSc Clinical Dermatology. It is suitable for practitioners with an interest in dermatological conditions and will be of interest to FY1-2, GPs, Dermatology Nurses, Advanced Care Practitioners, hospital and retail Pharmacists who are managing people with skin conditions on a regular basis.

The aims of this module are to advance the practitioner’s knowledge in the provision of pharmaceutical care. A particular focus of this module is service provision for patients and stakeholders. Students are expected to consider the provision of pharmaceutical and patient care services and the theoretical application of frameworks relevant to monitor and improve the provision of these services.

Service review and evaluation applies to both clinical and non-clinical service provisions. Students are expected to develop their knowledge, refine their skills and apply evidence-based knowledge/practice in the management of issues concerned with their patients.

There is also an expectation that students will consider the workforce and how processes can be improved to facilitate the efficient and effective delivery of services by staff.

Students will be expected to undertake a service review/evaluation as well as propose a service improvement strategy relevant to their area of practice. Leadership and management strategies are covered to make students aware of factors which may be influential at organisational levels.

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved by a variety of methods including:

Experiential learning in the workplace facilitated by a work-based tutor.

Independent learning, independent analysis and identification of learning needs related to continuing professional development.

Independent review of materials available for e-learning and structured reading.

This module covers fundamental patient examination including those commonly observed within the community, primary care and acute care settings at the appropriate level of expertise and practice; clinical investigations and tests commonly associated with diagnostics, patient monitoring; application of best practice guidance in medicines optimisation including the ability to identify, resolve and prevent actual and potential medicines related problems. Learning from this module will enable students, demonstrate the ability to effectively build patient and carer relationships by taking a patient-centred approach to consultation. Students are expected to engage in experiential learning within their workplace.

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved by a variety of methods including:

Experiential learning in the workplace facilitated by a work based or academic tutor. Independent learning, independent analysis and identification of learning needs related to continuing professional development. Independent review of materials available for eLearning, structured reading Group work such as problem-based learning, seminars and group discussion on study days.

This module covers the application of theory, policy and guidelines relevant to the provision of pharmaceutical and patient care services to patients with common cardiovascular diseases (cardiovascular risk assessment, hypertension, acute coronary syndromes), common infections seen across settings and drug handling in hepatic and renal dysfunction. Case studies reflecting practice across sectors will be used. Students are expected to engage in learning within their workplace to inform and improve their autonomous practice and contributions as part of the multidisciplinary team.

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved by a variety of methods including:

Experiential learning in the workplace facilitated by a work based or academic tutor. Independent learning, independent analysis and identification of learning needs related to continuing professional development. Independent review of materials available for eLearning, structured reading Group work such as problem-based learning, seminars and group discussion on study days.

This module provides learning on clinical evidence sources and how to evaluate these relating to practice and service provision across care settings. This module provides students with an understanding of how evidence impacts on the procurement and delivery of patient and pharmaceutical care service from an integrated care systems perspective, thereby enabling practitioners to demonstrate the principles of evidence- based practice in service provision. Knowledge on risk management and clinical governance relevant to patient and medication safety and how this can be applied to the student's own practise is covered. The principles of pharmacoeconomics are covered. Students are expected to demonstrate an awareness of methods of economic evaluation in healthcare and its impact on shaping policies for service provision in their workplace. Case studies reflecting practice across sectors will be used. Students are expected to engage in learning within the workplace to inform and improve their autonomous and collective practice within the multidisciplinary team.

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved by a variety of methods including:

Experiential learning in the workplace facilitated by a work based or academic tutor.

Independent learning, independent analysis and identification of learning needs related to continuing professional development.

Independent review of materials available for eLearning, structured reading. Group work such as problem-based learning, seminars and group discussion on study days.

Please note this module may not run if we do not achieve a minimum threshold of students. Hence students who apply for this module as part of the programme pathway for year 1 entry may be required to select a second optional module as their reserve.

This module provides students with an understanding of indications, methods, formulations and problems relating to enteral feeding, parenteral drug administration and fluid management. Common pharmacokinetic parameters relevant to treatment initiation and monitoring are covered to support student's application of population data in the evaluation and design of dosage regimens. Case studies reflecting practice across sectors will be used.

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved by a variety of methods including:

Experiential learning in the workplace facilitated by a work based or academic tutor.

Independent learning, independent analysis and identification of learning needs related to continuing professional development.

Independent review of materials available for eLearning, structured reading.

Group work such as problem-based learning, seminars and group discussion on study days.

This module covers the clinical presentation of conditions in older people, comprehensive geriatric assessment, principles of drug handling in this group, polypharmacy and deprescribing, shared decision making, administration and medication concordance, integration of care systems relevant to older people and safeguarding principles. Case studies are usually based on common disease conditions in older and frail older people. Topics covered also include falls, pain, nutrition and skin care in older people.

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the provision of pharmaceutical care to older people and the wider social issues surrounding older people's care, thereby enabling practitioners to demonstrate the principles of evidence-based practice in service provision.

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved by a variety of methods including:

Experiential learning in the workplace, Independent learning, independent analysis and identification of learning needs related to continuing professional development, independent review of materials available for eLearning, structured reading, problem based learning and group discussion on study days.

Please note this module may not run if we do not achieve a minimum threshold of students. Hence students who apply for this module as part of the programme pathway for year 1 entry may be required to select a second optional module as their reserve.

This module provides an introduction to the detection and screening for cancers and awareness of national and local policies related to cancer treatment, common therapies and regimens used and the management of side effects associated with treatment, holistic medicines optimisation for cancer patients and supportive services for patients and families. Case studies reflecting practice across sectors will be used.

This module provides students with an understanding of the management of pre-diagnosed and cancer patients based on integrated care systems principles, thereby enabling practitioners to demonstrate the principles of evidence-based practice in service provision.

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved by a variety of methods including:

Experiential learning in the workplace, independent learning, independent analysis and identification of learning needs related to continuing professional development, independent review of materials available for eLearning, structured reading, problem-based learning and group discussion on study days.

This module covers the application of theory, policy and guidelines relevant to the provision of pharmaceutical and patient care services to patients with specified cardiovascular diseases (atrial fibrillation, angina, heart failure and stroke), renal and hepatic diseases (alcoholic liver disease, chronic kidney disease and hepatorenal syndrome) and diabetes (type 1 and type 2). Case studies reflecting practice across sectors will be used. Students are expected to engage in learning within their workplace to inform and improve their autonomous practice and contributions as part of the multidisciplinary team.

This module provides students with an understanding of the management of patients based on integrated care principles.

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved by a variety of methods including:

Experiential learning in the workplace facilitated by a work based or academic tutor, independent learning, identification of learning needs related to continuing professional development, independent review of materials available for eLearning, structured reading, problem-based learning, seminars and group discussion on study days.

This module covers the application of theory, policy and guidelines relevant to the provision of pharmaceutical and patient care services to patients with respiratory (Asthma, COPD and specified infectious respiratory diseases), gastroenterology (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases), neurological and psychiatric diseases (Schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, Epilepsy and Dementia). Case studies reflecting practice across sectors will be used. Students are expected to engage in learning within their workplace to inform and improve their autonomous practice and contributions as part of the multidisciplinary team.

This module provides students with an understanding of the management of patients based on integrated care principles.

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved by a variety of methods including:

Experiential learning in the workplace facilitated by a work based or academic tutor, independent learning, identification of learning needs related to continuing professional development, independent review of materials available for eLearning, structured reading, problem based learning, seminars and group discussion on study days.

This module develops the students’ ability to design and execute a research project in an area of relevance to pharmacy under the supervision of an academic supervisor. During the first weeks of the module, the students will review the related literature and generate a research question. A summative literature review and research proposal will be submitted to the project supervisor for feedback and guidance. The data collection and analysis will be based on the agreed proposal, followed by the production of the dissertation demonstrating the student’s critical understanding and interpretation of the methodologies and results of their research. The results should be disseminated through a poster presentation. 

The module is delivered through class based teaching and online resources to enable the students to critically understand the principles of research design and how to choose an appropriate research methodology. Methods of sampling and data gathering will be addressed including experimentation, questionnaires, interviews, case studies, action research, content, framework or thematic analysis and observation. Quantitative and qualitative data, their statistical description, analysis, interpretation, presentation and reporting will be also be explored. 

The majority of learning will be self-directed, supported by regular sessions with the supervisor.

Knowledge and understanding is delivered through independent research, feedback from the project supervisor, directed reading, case studies and resources provided through the StudyNet site for the module. Knowledge and understanding is assessed through the dissertation and poster presentation on the research carried out. Skills and attributes are developed through the research investigation and through the use of the interactive facilities on the StudyNet site and tutor feedback.

This module covers skills in literature searching, information retrieval, and provides the opportunity to use electronic search databases and critical appraisal of evidence. You will be expected to challenge current practice by conducting a literature search and producing critique of a published study. These skills will inform your clinical decision making.

Content: 

Includes the following:

• Understanding of the importance of evidence to inform practice and the impact of the hierarchy of evidence

• Efficient and systematic searching of appropriately identified databases

• Retrieval of research evidence to answer an agreed research question relevant to the student's programme of study

• Development of critical appraisal skills

• Applying the evidence identified to the student's own area of practice

Full time students should have had relevant and recent work experience

Note: no attendance at the University is required. This is an online module. You will need to have access to a computer from between 1230 and 1430 hrs GMT on each of the above dates to access live online taught sessions by academic staff. These sessions will be recorded for repeat viewing but it is better if you participate in person as there will be opportunity to ask questions.

The module leader is Rebecca Penzer-Hick - r.penzer-hick@herts.ac.uk 

Madeleine Flanagan is Programme Lead for MSc Dermatology - m.flanagan@herts.ac.uk and Kathy Radley is Programme Lead for MSc Skin Lesion Management - k.radley@herts.ac.uk

This module has been designed to enable students to demonstrate an extensive, detailed and critical understanding of health care related project management from both academic and professional perspectives. It will enable you to engage in independent study in order to undertake a comprehensive project plan for the introduction of a change, which will be of value to your area of work. The project will be an analysis of an issue related to your professional discipline, which will require you to explore critically the relevant literature, developing new insights and perspectives. Ideally, this should be a proposal for a project you wish to implement in the future.

Key content is delivered face to face and online on 3 days teaching to guide you through this project. You will also be supported by an individual supervisor but as this project is the final module for the majority of students it represents a culmination of the knowledge and skills learnt during your postgraduate studies and is student led. Some sessions will be live to encourage participation and exchange of ideas but will be recorded so they can be viewed at a later date.     

This module has been designed to enable students to undertake this module as the final part of all Master’s programmes offered by the School of Postgraduate Medicine.