Therapeutics in GI and Urodynamic Science

Details

Title

Therapeutics in GI and Urodynamic Science

Type

Stage One

Module code

HPS311

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

Medicines legislation does not currently allow Clinical 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 Gastrointestinal and Urodynamic Science to support Clinical Scientists 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 Gastrointestinal and Urodynamic Sciences, will be able to critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge of appropriate cardiac-specific therapeutic interventions relevant to clinical practice including non-medication-based therapeutic and preventative interventions (e.g. pacemaker programming) within scope of practice of Consultant Clinical Scientist.

Knowledge and understanding

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

• indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions and dosages of commonly used drugs.
• range of adverse reactions to commonly used drugs, including complementary medicines.
• drugs requiring therapeutic monitoring and be able to interpret 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 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 (e.g. deteriorating GI/urinary function).
• employ validated methods to improve patient compliance with medication.
• provide comprehensible explanations for the use of drugs to the patient and to carers when relevant; understands 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 critically evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations consistently demonstrating 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 open to advice from other health professionals on medication issues.
• remain up to date with therapeutic alerts, and respond appropriately.