This module is designed to integrate advanced clinical and scientific concepts as they relate to patient care. Using complex patient cases as the basis for group discussions, you will learn how to apply your clinical skills and scientific knowledge (pharmaceutics, chemistry, pharmacology etc.) to provide the most appropriate recommendations. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem-solving skills and independent learning.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
This module will be delivered via lectures, workshops and practicals. The students will be provided with reading material to help them prepare for each session. The workshops will provide the students with complex patient case scenarios where they have to integrate and apply the knowledge accrued from the pre-readings, lectures and practicals.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, practicals and workshops | 85 |
| Guided independent study | 215 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessment is through a mixture of coursework, practical assessment in workshops and an end of module examination. The end of module examination will test understanding and application of knowledge, with the use of SBA and EMQ style questions along with essay based questions used to assess critical thinking and problem solving skills. Coursework will consist of a critical appraisal assignment, including the development and presentation of arguments to support clinical decisions. This piece of work will be a maximum of two pages in length excluding references. Independent learning skills will be developed through directed reading to supplement formal teaching, in addition to preparation and assimilation of information relevant to workshop sessions.
A series of practical assessments, in the form of mini-quizzes (10x2.5%) during workshops will be used so that students can identify and reflect on their progress as well as being a tool for encouraging student engagement in these valuable learning sessions.
Students in MPharm Level 7 undertake a synoptic OSCE (practical exam) which assesses their ability to demonstrate that they practice as a future pharmacist in a safe and effective manner as well as demonstrating show and undertake effective clinical decision making related to practice issues. The critical appraisal assignment, the practical mini-quizzes and formative assessments all feed forward and should prepare the students for this OSCE assessment.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Relate the selection of therapy to treatment guidelines, evidence-base, drug properties, and the patient. | Workshop patient cases-formative End of module exam Critical appraisal report Workshop in-class mini-quizzes |
| Provide appropriate pharmaceutical and clinical pharmacy recommendations | Workshop patient cases-formative End of module exam Critical appraisal report Workshop in-class mini-quizzes |
| Summarise key considerations in the use of medicines in paediatrics, the elderly and patients with compromised renal/hepatic function. | Workshop patient cases-formative End of module exam Critical appraisal report Workshop in-class mini-quizzes |
| Understand the role of the pharmacist in the management of patients with additional needs such as cancer, HIV, surgery and critical care | Workshop patient cases-formative End of module exam Critical appraisal report Workshop in-class mini-quizzes |
| Describe the role of novel drug delivery systems and various biopharmaceutical therapies in patient care | Workshop patient cases-formative End of module exam Workshop in-class mini-quizzes |
| Demonstrate the use of various analytical instruments for quality assurance | Practical -formative End of module exam |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Written examination | End of module exam | 50% |
| Written examination | Portfolio of workshop in-class mini-quizzes (10 x 2.5%) | 25% |
| Coursework | Critical appraisal report (maximum length 2 pages, excluding references) | 25% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It is a requirement that the elements of assessment are passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Due to the nature of the module, the core texts will tend to consist of materials such as journal articles and papers, NICE, EMEA or ICH guidelines, Newspaper articles and online content.