%0 Journal Article
%T Assessing a Bespoke Training and Competency Framework for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers in UK Care Home Medicines Management
%A Yousef A. Haddad
%A Rana M. Khalil
%A Samer T. Nassar
%J Annals of Pharmacy Education, Safety, and Public Health Advocacy
%@ 3108-4850
%D 2024
%V 4
%N 1
%R 10.51847/qqkfccldze
%P 172-180
%X Granting independent prescribing authority to pharmacists in the United Kingdom (UK) allows them to issue prescriptions based on their expertise. This research assessed a rigorously developed educational initiative aimed at equipping Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (PIPs) to securely and efficiently manage pharmaceutical care for elderly individuals residing in UK care homes, as part of a randomised controlled trial. The educational and skill evaluation procedure featured two instructional sessions, individual advancement strategies aligned with a tailored skill framework, guidance from mentors, and an oral examination conducted by an unrelated General Practitioner (GP). Feedback on PIPs' views of the education was gathered via assessment sheets right after the sessions and via digital surveys and discussions following the completion of the 6-month service delivery. A combined quantitative-qualitative methodology analyzed each dataset independently before integration to offer a thorough appraisal of the approach. Interpretations followed Kaufman’s Model of Learning Evaluation. Every one of the 25 PIPs who underwent the education submitted an assessment sheet (N = 25). Surveys after the service were returned by 16 PIPs, while 14 PIPs engaged in discussions. Participants indicated that the instructional sessions and guidance helped them build an individualized evidence collection demonstrating skills, ready for review in an oral exam with an unrelated GP. Interactions with mentors decreased as PIPs built assurance in their positions. PIPs incorporated their recently acquired knowledge during service provision, resulting in observed enhancements in residents' well-being and medication oversight. Some PIPs noted that assembling the skill evidence collection demanded considerable time, and additional instruction in management abilities would prove useful. The customized educational initiative proved suitable for its intended use. Guidance and skill evaluation demanded substantial resources yet remained suitable. A further advantage was that numerous PIPs experienced career advancement exceeding the study's demands.
%U https://smerpub.com/article/assessing-a-bespoke-training-and-competency-framework-for-pharmacist-independent-prescribers-in-uk-c-o0x6vfyophchn2s