Clinical Pharmacy I Module Description

Module Overview

The Clinical Pharmacy I module introduces students to the fundamental principles of clinical pharmacy practice. It is designed for thirdyear pharmacy students and provides a solid foundation for applying pharmacological knowledge in patientcentred care settings. The module blends theoretical teaching with practical, casebased learning to develop critical thinking, clinical decisionmaking, and communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Explain the role of the clinical pharmacist within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Interpret and apply drug information from primary sources such as the British National Formulary (BNF), Medicines Handbook, and peerreviewed literature.
• Conduct a structured medication review, identify drugrelated problems, and propose evidencebased interventions.
• Demonstrate effective communication with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals, using both verbal and written formats.
• Utilise clinical guidelines and therapeutic algorithms to support safe and effective medication use.
• Reflect on personal practice and recognise areas for continued professional development.

Curriculum Structure

1. Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy

Topics include the evolution of clinical pharmacy, professional responsibilities, and the ethical framework governing practice. Students explore the concept of patientcentred care and the pharmacists contribution to health outcomes.

2. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Clinical Practice

Application of PK/PD principles to dose optimisation, therapeutic drug monitoring, and special populations (e.g., renal impairment, paediatrics, elderly). Case studies illustrate dose adjustments and monitoring strategies.

3. EvidenceBased Medicine

Introduction to the hierarchy of evidence, critical appraisal of journal articles, and the use of databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, and NICE guidelines. Students complete a short literature review on a selected therapeutic area.

4. Medication Review and Reconciliation

Stepbystep methodology for conducting medication histories, identifying discrepancies, and resolving drugrelated problems. Roleplay exercises simulate interactions with patients and other clinicians.

5. Clinical DecisionMaking Tools

Training on the use of clinical decision support systems (CDSS), dosing calculators, and risk assessment tools (e.g., CHA2DS2VASc, HASBLED). Emphasis on integrating these tools into routine workflow.

6. Communication Skills

Focus on SBAR (SituationBackgroundAssessmentRecommendation) technique, patient counselling, and documentation standards. Simulated consultations are recorded for reflective feedback.

7. Interprofessional Collaboration

Students partake in joint sessions with medical, nursing, and allied health students to understand team dynamics, shared decisionmaking, and conflict resolution.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is continuous and formative, encouraging ongoing improvement. The final grade comprises:

• Written Assignment (30%) A critical appraisal of a recent clinical trial, including discussion of relevance to pharmacy practice.
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) (40%) Stations assess medication review, patient counselling, and interprofessional communication.
• Reflective Portfolio (20%) Students compile case notes, reflections on learning experiences, and a selfassessment of competency development.
• Participation (10%) Active involvement in seminars, group discussions, and peerfeedback activities.

Teaching Methods

The module employs a blended learning approach:

• Lectures (online & facetoface) Core concepts and guideline updates.
• SmallGroup Workshops Interactive case analyses and skill practice.
• Clinical Simulations Highfidelity patient scenarios using mannequins or simulated patients.
• SelfDirected Learning Access to elibraries, podcasts, and recorded webinars.
• Clinical Placement (optional) 2day shadowing experience in a hospital pharmacy or community setting.

Resources

Students are provided with the following core resources:

• British National Formulary (BNF) 81st edition
• Medicines Handbook 10th edition
• Essentials of Clinical Pharmacy textbook (selected chapters)
• Access to the universitys electronic journal database
• Clinical decision support software (e.g., Lexicomp, Micromedex)

Professional Relevance

Clinical Pharmacy I aligns with the General Pharmaceutical Councils (GPhC) standards for competence. Mastery of the skills taught prepares graduates for roles such as:

• Hospital pharmacist conducting ward rounds and medication reconciliations.
• Community pharmacist providing medicines use reviews (MUR) and chronic disease management.
• Clinical research pharmacist supporting trial design and pharmacovigilance.
• Specialist pharmacist oncology, antimicrobial stewardship, or cardiology services.

The module also satisfies part of the NHS Clinical Pharmacist Training Programme, facilitating a smoother transition into postgraduate training.

Future Pathways

Following Clinical Pharmacy I, students progress to Clinical Pharmacy II, which deepens therapeutic knowledge and expands on patientfocused services, including prescribing and advanced clinical interventions. Opportunities for elective modules in pharmacogenomics, health informatics, or leadership are also available.