Therapeutics in Vascular Science

Details

Title

Therapeutics in Vascular Science

Type

Stage One

Module code

HPS130

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

Medicines legislation does not currently allow clinical vascular scientists to prescribe as either supplementary or independent prescribers. However, there are situations where medicines can be given by another professional following the directions of a prescriber referred to as patient specific directions. Provider organisations should have arrangements in place which enable these legal requirements to be implemented. This therapeutics module is included in this HSST curriculum to provide the underpinning knowledge and understanding of a range of therapeutics utilised within vascular science to support Clinical Scientist in HSST to work with other clinicians   and healthcare professionals within the multi professional team.

 By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST, in respect to vascular science, will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge of appropriate vascular specific therapeutic interventions relevant to clinical practice including non-medication-based therapeutic and preventative interventions within scope of practice of Consultant Clinical Vascular Scientist.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will analyse, synthesise, evaluate and critically apply their knowledge with respect to the: 

• indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions and dosages of commonly used cardiovascular drugs.
• range of adverse reactions to commonly used drugs, including complementary medicines.
• drugs requiring therapeutic monitoring and ability to interpret monitoring test results.
• use of medications appropriate for use in pregnancy, and during breast feeding.
• tools used to promote patient safety in prescribing, including electronic clinical record systems and other IT systems.
• effects of age, body size, organ dysfunction and concurrent illness on drug distribution and metabolism relevant to the Clinical Scientist in HSST’s practice.
• roles of regulatory agencies involved in drug use, monitoring and licensing (e.g. National Institute for Clinical Excellence [NICE], Committee on Safety of Medicines [CSM], Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and hospital formulary committees).

Technical and clinical skills

Although not undertaking independent prescribing of medications, by the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to critically reflect and apply in practice a range of clinical and communication skills to advise and communicate effectively with relevant clinicians and other healthcare professionals and will, within the multi-professional team:

• review the continuing need for, effect of including adverse drug interactions, and adverse effects of, long term vascular related medications relevant to the Clinical Scientist in HSST’s clinical practice.
• recognise and anticipate avoidable defined drug interactions, including with complementary medicines.
• suggest appropriate dose adjustments following therapeutic drug monitoring, or physiological change.
• employ validated methods to improve patient compliance with prescribed medication.
• provide comprehensible explanations for the use of drugs to the patient and to carers when relevant; understand the principles of compliance in ensuring that drug regimens are followed.
• utilise non-medication based therapeutic interventions and preventative health interventions.

Attitudes and behaviours

By the end of this module, the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations. They will also be expected to consistently demonstrate the professional attributes and insights required of a Consultant Clinical Scientist working within the limits of professional competence referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:

• recognise the benefit of minimising number of medications and interventions taken by a patient to a level compatible with best care.
• remain open to advice from other health professionals on medication issues.
• ensure information is shared promptly and accurately with a patient’s health providers, including between primary and secondary care.
• participate in adverse drug event reporting processes.
• remain up-to-date with therapeutic alerts, and respond appropriately.