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Clinical pharmacy has developed into a distinct discipline in the UK, compared with many parts of the world where hospital pharmacists are seen as mainly drug suppliers and dispensers. The introduction to this module will examine how clinical pharmacy has developed in this country within the wider context of the development of the National Health Service (NHS). The use of key reference works, such as the British National Formulary (BNF), and interpretation of medical notes will also be covered during induction sessions.

A series of lectures on the World Health Organisation (WHO) and NHS priorities of diabetes, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) will enable students to improve their knowledge of pharmacotherapeutic approaches and rational medicines use in these areas, as well as imparting principles which can be applied in other disease states.

Effective communication is fundamental to the practise of clinical pharmacy, both in relation to other healthcare professionals and with patients. Sessions on presentation skills are designed to equip students to make effective oral case presentations. An understanding of patients’ health beliefs is fundamental to promoting adherence and these will be covered in sessions on consultation skills.

Evidence-based approach to medicines use requires the practitioner to be able to seek out, understand and critically appraise the relevant literature. Lectures will be provided on search strategies, critical appraisal and statistics in order to equip students with these skills.

This module is closely aligned with Module 3, Clinical Practice at Placement Site.

MODULE OBJECTIVES:-

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Discuss the development and practice of clinical pharmacy in the UK.
2. Accurately interpret medical notes, patient histories and clinical monitoring parameters.
3. Identify pharmaceutical care problems and select optimal pharmacotherapy for patients with diabetes, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and infectious diseases, taking into account individual patient demographics.
4. Understand principles of pharmacotherapeutic drug monitoring and when it is required.
5. Identify and critically appraise the relevant evidence base pertaining to pharmaceutical care in the disease states listed in objective 3.
6. Demonstrate a systematic approach to medicines optimisation for patients with a range of common conditions.
7. Understand factors that help or hinder effective patient consultation.
8. Communicate effectively and professionally with other health care practitioners and patients.
9. Independently appraise pharmacy research publication, commenting on the value and implications for current practice.