PAR-20003 - Pharmacology and Medicines Management in Paramedic Practice
Coordinator: Kevin Armstrong Room: N/A
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733928

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module will enable students to gain a deeper understanding of aspects of pharmacology and concepts of safety and quality in caring for people. Students will learn about the role of an autonomous paramedic practitioner and legislation pertaining to paramedic practice but also different roles within the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in relation to prescribing and accountability and responsibility. Students will gain insight into the importance of quality improvement, risk assessment and how they can influence care through clinical skills, critical discussion and practice experiences.
Students will be involved in MDT discussions about medication and treatment plans and introduced to the differing roles of healthcare professionals within prescribing in placement as part of the practice module. Students will have opportunities to reflect on critical incidents in practice and make links to their reflective practice.
Students will take part in inter-professional education during this module with other students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to aid mutual learning about each other¿s roles in healthcare.

Aims
The module aims to develop the students¿ knowledge and understandings of pharmacological concepts relating to pharmacotherapeutics, safe medicines management, assessment of medication needs, and their application in paramedic practice by working within legal and professional boundaries.
Content linked to the College of Paramedic Curriculum Guidance for Public Health and Wellbeing (CoP, 2019), the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency for Paramedics (HCPC, 2014) and QAA Subject Benchmark Statement Paramedics (QAA, 2019)
College of Paramedics
Physical, Life and Clinical Sciences
ILO 3 & 4 & Indicative Content
C1.1.3
Pharmacology
ILO 1, 2 & 3 & Indicative Content
C1.1.10, C1.1.11, C1.1.12, C1.1.13, C1.1.14, C1.1.15, C1.1.16
Legal systems and healthcare law
ILO 2 & Indicative Content
C1.4.1,
Health and Care Professions Council
2. be able to practise within the legal and ethical boundaries of their profession
ILO 2 & Indicative Content
2.6
13. understand the key concepts of the knowledge base relevant to their profession
ILO 1 & Indicative Content
13.11.6
QAA Subject Benchmark Statement Paramedics:
4.2
ILO 3 & 4 & indicative Content
i, vii
ILO 1, 2, 3 & 4 & Indicative Content
xxiv
Indicative Content
xxii

Intended Learning Outcomes

Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics across the lifespan: 1
Demonstrate knowledge of safe medicines management including legislation pertaining to paramedic drug exemptions, national clinical practice guidelines and an introduction to paramedic prescribing: 1
Demonstrate a critical understanding of analgesic medications encountered in paramedic practice and their application in the theoretical practice setting: 2
Recognise potential adverse drug reactions and drug interactions; especially through polypharmacy, and how to deal with such events: 2

Study hours

Lectures - 32 hours
Group work - 5 hours
Assessment tutorial and preparation - 3 hours
Independent Study - 110 hours to include directed reading, research and assessment preparation.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Multiple Choice Questions - Knowledge weighted 50%
1 hour Multiple Choice Examination
A 1 hour examination to include single best answer (SBA) questions to cover pharmacology and therapeutics in relation to paramedic practice, in addition to safety, legislation and guidelines.

2: Case Study weighted 50%
1500 word case study
1500 word case study - students are to demonstrate an understanding of medicines used by paramedics to alleviate pain, including the underlying pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medicines discussed.