OPT035: Practical Prescribing
This module aims to provide eye care practitioners with the knowledge and skills to provide a high standard of practical prescribing.
You must pass module OPT034 before beginning this module. This module includes a contact teaching day at the end of semester one where you will take part in interactive small group teaching sessions. Throughout the module you will study with a series of distance learning articles and lectures delivered on Learning Central. Interactive case discussions are presented in a webinar and at the contact teaching day, and formative assignments are offered to guide and enhance your learning.
In total there are two contact days which include the teaching day at the end of semester one (which takes place the day after the exam for OPT034), and an examination for OPT035 during semester two (which is held the day before the contact teaching day for the final module OPT036).
CET points are available on completion of applicable elements of the module.
Along with OPT034 and OPT036, this module is accredited by the General Optical Council for the Independent Prescribing Qualification.
| Start date | September |
|---|---|
| Duration | 20 contact hours over one academic term |
| Credits | 20 credits - CET points available |
| Prerequisites | OPT034 |
| Module tutors | Angela Whitaker |
| Module code | OPT035 |
Learning objectives
On successful completion of the module you will be able to demonstrate following as defined by the GOC:
- An ability to critically evaluate sources of information, advice and decision support in prescribing practice, taking into account current evidence-based practice.
- An understanding of the legal and professional framework for accountability and responsibility in relation to independent prescribing.
- A knowledge of the pathophysiology, clinical features and natural course of the conditions being treated
- An ability to identify the nature and severity of the presenting condition and to generate an appropriate patient-specific clinical management plan.
- An understanding of how to prescribe, safely, appropriately and cost effectively.
- An understanding of how to take a shared approach to decision making by assessing patients’ needs for medicines, taking account of their preference.
The programme also provides opportunities for you to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes appropriate to level 7 learning:
- To be able to combine the information from investigations to rank potential treatment options and to formulate, recommend and justify (by providing evidence of appraisal of the literature) an appropriate management plan for patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
- To be able to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment to lower intra-ocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma and to review the management plan accordingly or not, defending and explaining the choice(s) made.
How the module will be delivered
Through online lectures, a webinar, case based learning, practical sessions, and a series of online articles.
All contact days and the webinar are mandatory activities.
How the module will be assessed
Formative assessment
Formative activities are presented online. You also have the opportunity to submit a formative case report to obtain detailed feedback in advance of the summative case report.
Summative assessment
- exam (65%)
- ease reports (35%).
Skills that will be practised and developed
Academic Skills
- Advancing own knowledge and understanding.
- Collating and synthesising information from a number of resources to improve learning.
- Data interpretation.
Subject-Specific Skills
- Awareness of recent research in ophthalmic prescribing practice and the evidence base for accepted clinical practice in prescribing.
Generic Skills
- Time management.
- Working independently.
- IT skills, including online discussion forums.
- Problem solving ability.
