Medicines Management

Medicines management describes a system of processes and behaviours that determines how medicines are used by patients and the NHS. Effective medicines management places the patient as the primary focus of interventions by health-care professionals and is a key driver for NHS modernisation in the UK. The aim of the programme is to equip health-care professionals with the skills and knowledge to contribute to medicines management services and to individual drug therapy decisions in primary and secondary care. The programme is delivered by flexible learning, supported by up to a twelve (depending upon the pathway chosen) compulsory contact days, and is structured to enable the student to incorporate learning directly into the workplace.

The material provided for self-study is designed for use by all health professionals involved in medicines management and reflects the most recent evidence and practice.

There are two main pathways to the qualification of MSc Medicines Management. One involves PGCert Independent/Supplementary Prescribing. Students successfully completing 60 credits from the courses are eligible for PGCert Medicines Management. Alternatively, students may elect to continue with an additional 60 credits to achieve the diploma. A research project and dissertation is required to complete the MSc.

Regardless of the pathway chosen, course options allow students to achieve personal goals within the credit totals for each stage of the degree. They can thus provide a valuable means of supporting Continuing Professional Development or can be used as a training package to support service developments in primary or secondary care.

Content

• Patients as Partners (15 credits)
• Advanced Medication Review (15 credits)
• Research Project (Medicines Management) (60 credits)

Options chosen from a range that currently includes:

• Cardiovascular Disease (15 credits)
• Diabetes/Impaired Glucose Tolerance (15 credits)
• Minor Ailments (15 credits)
• Respiratory Disease (10 credits)
• Gastrointestinal Drug Therapy (5 credits)
• Minor Ailments Service Developments (for pharmacists only) (10 credits)
• Using Evidence Effectively (10 credits)
• Principles of Medicines Management (15 credits)
• Patient Monitoring in Practice (10 credits)