Independent Prescribing (non-medical) - 2024

PLEASE GO DIRECT TO YOUR SP LINE MANAGER TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST – ONCE APPROVED PLEASE COME BACK TO THIS AND APPLY WHEN INSTRUCTED. pLEASE DO NOT APPLY UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO.

Please read this first

Independent Prescribing for Paramedics

To apply for Independent Prescribing, you must be able to meet an eligibility criteria.
This is set by the College of Paramedics (CoP) and the Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). The SWASfT NMP/IP policy has some addtional specifications, but most is set at a national level and cannot be deviated from. If you cannot meet all the criteria, you are not yet ready.

The application process is complex and comprised of several stages; with this being the first. We have tried to make things as straightforward as possible and provide guidance along the way.

If you cannot complete the the application form, then you will not be eligible to apply with the HEI.

There is no way around this or special circumstances / exemptions; these are national specifications as well as SWASfT policy specifications.

Your DMP- The rules have now changed & this role has changed to DPS & DPP – They can be a an AHP or Nurse prescriber with suitable qualifications & experience. These are detailed here

SWASFT NMP/IP Policy

The SWASFT NMP /IP policy can be downloaded HERE

SPCCs - 2024

The criteria for SPCCs to undertake the Independent Prescribing course and to work as prescribers is currently under review and the policy will be updated to reflect this. This will mean that for the time being, you will need direct line manager approval and Chief Pharmacist approval before applying.

Please discuss with your direct line manager in the first instance.

Application Process

Read all supporting information
Complete your eligibility checks & register your interest to proceed via the form below on this web page. You will need to submit your evidence here.
The information and evidence needed for the application to proceed and the UWE PAF (Programme Application Form) is very similar, so you should be able to use the same evidence to submit here and with UWE.
Applications will be put forward for shortlisting if they meet the critera as the NMP/IP policy which the below form is based on. *Due to the CoP Dip and the Dip IMC COVID back logs, you only need to be on a waiting list for this exam. Your line manager will be able to let you know if this is the case.
The IP lead will approve applications from the shortlist in discussion with the relevant line managers.
Await a decision from the SWASfT Independent Prescribing Lead – this will be communicated to you by the CPD Team Leader.
Once you have approval – you can then complete the UWE PAF via the UWE website. DO NOT complete this before you have approval.
The CPD Team Leader will then approve the UWE PAF application via his UWE approve dashboard. If you apply online with UWE without having sign off from the SWASfT IP Lead – your application will be rejected at this stage. This includes both SP & SPCC’s.
Your application will then be approved by the UWE IP programme Lead.

We are aware that this is a long & complex process, but please do not try & circumnavigate or short cut the process, as this will lead to your application being rejected- should you need help or advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the CPD Team Leader – Hannah Rogers-Smith

Who does what in the application process

Roles in the process:

Your Line Manager

Role in application process – Local approval & recommendation at the SWASfT stage of the application process. Confirmation that you are in post and able to meet certain criteria.

This role has now changed – & although a DMP can still be used- you can now use an AHP or Nurse Prescriber for both roles (these should be separate people unless using a DMP) of DPS & DPP – Please see the documentation here

If using a DMP – this process has remained unchanged as the above document

Your DMP/DPS – (Designated Medical Practitioner / Designated Prescribing Supervisor)

Role in application process – Agrees to supervise your practice and mentor you.

Your DMP/DPP – (Designated Medical Practitioner / Designated Prescribing Assessor)

Role in application process – Agrees to assess your practice.

The DMP/ DPP MUST complete the application form with a physical signature

CPD Team Leader – Hannah Rogers-Smith

Role in application process – Collates and checks all SWASfT applications. Passes to SWASfT IP Lead for shortlisting & final approval. Liaises with HEI -(UWE) to ensure UWE applications (PAFs) on track. Liaises with applicants and UWE to get correct dates and locations (Virtual for 2022-23) for applicants. Signs off funding with UWE once final approval received from IP Lead.

Your 1st point of contact for all applicants needing help with the process

SWASfT Independent Prescribing Lead – Robert Harvey Pharmaceutical Advisor – Quality Clinical Management

Role in application process – Final approval of all IP applicants and oversight of process. Will manage shortlisting if over subscribed – IP Lead approval does not need to be a physical signature as we will send a list of approved applicants by email.

UWE HASCPD Team

Role in the Application Process – Manages the UWE application process. They will receive your ONLINE UWE Programme Application Form (PAF) – (This is a separate application you must complete, additional to the SWASfT application to proceed). Manages the cohort dates and place allocation.

Here is an example of the PAF – but DO NOT submit it until you have been approved by the SWASfT IP Lead via the SWASFT process or it will be rejected.

UWE IP Programme Lead – Deborah Moreno-Chamorro

Role in the Application Process – Approves PAFs from applicants. Liaises with CPD Team Leader and SWASfT IP Lead.

Module overview

Successful completion of this programme requires learners to successfully pass the module “Non-Medical Prescribing (Independent and/or Supplementary Prescribing)” and will award successful candidates 40 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points.

This module is only available at LM/7 – (MSc level) for Paramedics – It has a strict entry requirements as detailed above- Please read these first if you are unsure if you are eligible.

The module is provided at UWE Virtually with face to face tutorials in several different locations, over several different cohort dates. You can view the different dates and locations on the UWE web page on the dates tab below.

You can view the UWE module page for more information by Clicking here

Supporting documents

CoP – You are strongly encouraged to visit the College of Paramedics guidance for Medicines & Independent prescribing web page and read the downloadable documents.

Your Designated Prescribing Supervisor- (DPS)- You will need to be able to arrange access to a suitable DPS for this module. Please read the UWE guide and share it with your DPS to make sure they understand what they are signing up to.

The criteria for DPS & DPP (Desginated Prescribing Assessor) can be found here

Click the image to download a PDF programme example

Definitions of Independent Prescribing & Advanced Practice

Definitions

Independent Prescribing is defined as prescribing by an appropriate practitioner (Doctor, Dentist, Paramedic, Nurse, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist, Optometrist, diagnostic and therapeutic Radiographer) responsible and accountable for the assessment of patients with undiagnosed or diagnosed conditions and for decisions about the clinical management required, including prescribing medicines (1).

Advanced Clinical Practice is defined as being delivered by experienced, registered health and care practitioners. It is a level of practice characterised by a high degree of autonomy and complex decision making. This is underpinned by a Masters level award or equivalent that encompasses the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research, with demonstration of core capabilities and area clinical competence.

Advanced clinical practice embodies the ability to manage clinical care in partnership with individuals, families, and carers. It includes the analysis and synthesis of complex problems across a range of settings, enabling innovative solutions to enhance people’s experience and improve outcomes (2).

The College of Paramedics has a lot of information on Independent Prescribing, and also has a handy interactive Career Framework PDF that can be downloaded here – Digital Career Framework 2017 v2 – PDF Download, and also this Paramedic Career Framework 4th edition 2018 – PDF Download

1 Health Education England, NHS Improvement and NHS England (2017), Multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England Available at: https://www.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Multi-professional%20framework%20for%20advanced%20clinical%20practice%20in%20England.pdf (Accessed 23rd August 2018)

Health Education England - 'An Introduction to Advanced Clinical Practice'

Course Dates

Course dates for Sep 2024 & Jan 2025

Click here for cohort dates & locations

"*" indicates required fields

You must be able to check the boxes below to be eligible to start the application process. Without agreeing to these statements and submitting the required evidence- your application will be rejected.

This is a requirement of the module specification - if you are having trouble completing this form or uploading documents - please email - alex.jamieson@swast.nhs.uk

Role*

Please choose your current role

The criteria for SPCCs to undertake the Independent Prescribing course, and to work as prescribers is changing, and the policy will be updated to reflect this. This will mean that for this application round, we will not be taking any applications from SPCCs. As soon as the process is completed and confirmed, we will open up applications to SPCCs again in consultation with the Critical Care leads and the Independent Prescribing lead. *The application form will still show information for SPCCs - as it is being kept ready for the changes, but any submitted applications will be rejected at this point.*

Eligibility criteria - SPUEC*

I am a Registered Paramedic with evidence of post qualification study - THIS IS A MINIMUM OF - Post Grad Cert. (Or progress along an MSc pathway to PG Cert. level.)

I have been registered for 5 years and have been working as a qualified specialist level for 1 year within my speciality where the inability to prescribe has limited my practice.

I have a College of Paramedics Diploma in Primary and Urgent Care*This may not be possible during Covid & you may tick if you have not been able to complete for this reason

I have a qualification and evidence of continuing competency in physical examination, clinical skills, diagnostics, decision making in an area relevant to my clinical area

I am currently in a clinical role and to the best of my knowledge will remain so for the next 3 years

I have a current enhanced Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) that adheres to my employing organisations governance policy and I confirm there are no circumstances that have required reporting to my regulatory body since the DBS was issued. You do not need to provide a copy to but include Date of Issue

There is an identified organisational need for me to prescribe independently

I have DPS/DMP/DPP in place willing and able to supervise 90hrs of my practice learning in relation to my future prescribing role.

I understand that there is a 100% attendance for the 12 face to face days. Unexpected absences will require discussion with the programme leader

I can demonstrate how I reflect on my own performance and take responsibility for my own Continuing Professional Development (CPD), including development of networks for support, reflection and learning

I have discussed with my DMP/DPP/DPS and my manager how the additional 12 directed learning days and the required 90 hrs of supervised learning hours in practice will be achieved

I understand that the Non-Medical Prescribing programme is intensive and that there is an expectation that I will need to devote around 400 hours to studying

I understand that although support is given to enhance my academic work, there is not capacity within the course timescales to be taught to write at Level M (7)

I have uploaded evidence of qualifications, DMP/DPP/DPS support, and Line Manager support

You must be able to complete these questions to be eligible to apply for the module with UWE

Eligibility criteria - SPCC*

I am a Registered Paramedic with evidence of post qualification study - Post Grad Cert.

I have been qualified for 5 years and have been working at an specialist level for 1 year within my speciality where the inability to prescribe has limited my practice.

SPCC Only - I am working towards becoming an Advanced Practitioner (This will be at the discrection of the NMP lead but would typically include the 5 points below)

1. Working in an Enhanced and Critical Care unit where the introduction of the APCC role has been agreed

2. Has successfully completed at least 120 credits of a relevant MSc, unless prescribing is being used as part of the MSc in which case must have completed a minimum of 80 credits.

3. Identified and agreed with line manager to work towards becoming an APCC within the next 18 months at last career conversation

4. Has successfully completed the Diploma in Immediate Medical Care (Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh) *This may not be possible during Covid & you may tick if you have not been able to complete for this reason

5. Been working in pre-hospital critical care for a minimum of two years WTE at the point they begin their prescribing module.

I am currently in a clinical role and to the best of my knowledge will remain so for the next 3 years

There is an identified organisational need for me to prescribe independently

I have a DMP/DPP/DPS secured -This must be a Dr at present - (for SPCCs these people must have approval from the Lead base Dr to perfom this role) in place willing and able to supervise 90hrs of my practice learning in relation to my future prescribing role.

I have a qualification and evidence of continuing competency in physical examination, clinical skills, diagnostics, decision making in an area relevant to my clinical area

I understand that there is a 100% attendance for the 12 face to face days. Unexpected absences will require discussion with the programme leader

I have discussed with my DMP/DPS/DPP and my manager how the additional 12 directed learning days and the required 90 hrs of supervised learning hours in practice will be achieved

I understand that the Non-Medical Prescribing programme is intensive and that there is an expectation that I will need to devote around 400 hours to studying

I understand that although support is given to enhance my academic work, there is not capacity within the course timescales to be taught to write at Level M (7)

I have uploaded evidence of qualifications, DMP/DPP/DPS support, and Line Manager support

You must be able to complete these questions to be eligible to apply for the module with UWE

Eligibility criteria - NURSE*

NURSE ONLY - Must be a first level nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC

NURSE ONLY - Must have at least three years post registration clinical experience or part time equivalent

NURSE ONLY - Must have established competences in the therapeutic areas they will prescribe (Nurses must have been working within their specialist area for at least one year preceding course application).

I have been qualified for 3 years and have been working at an specialist level for 1 year within my speciality where the inability to prescribe has limited my practice.

I am currently in a clinical role and to the best of my knowledge will remain so for the next 3 years

There is an identified organisational need for me to prescribe independently

I have DPS/DMP/DPP in place willing and able to supervise 90hrs of my practice learning in relation to my future prescribing role.

I have a qualification and evidence of continuing competency in physical examination, clinical skills, diagnostics, decision making in an area relevant to my clinical area

I understand that there is a 100% attendance for the 12 face to face days. Unexpected absences will require discussion with the programme leader

I have discussed with my DMP/DPS/. DPP mentor and my manager how the additional 12 directed learning days and the required 90 hrs of supervised learning hours in practice will be achieved

I understand that the Non-Medical Prescribing programme is intensive and that there is an expectation that I will need to devote around 400 hours to studying

I understand that although support is given to enhance my academic work, there is not capacity within the course timescales to be taught to write at Level M (7)

I have uploaded evidence of qualifications, DMP/DPP/DPS support, and Line Manager support

You must be able to complete these questions to be eligible to apply for the module with UWE

Eligibility criteria- PHARMACIST*

PHARMACIST ONLY- Must be professionally registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

PHARMACIST ONLY- Must Have at least two years' appropriate patient-orientated experience in a UK hospital, community or primary care setting following their pre-registration year