The Independent Prescribing (IP) Course and the Advanced Prescribing B (APB) program are still under development. More information about the course will continue to be posted here as it becomes available.
Program Overview
| Summary |
The USask CPE Independent Prescribing (IP) Course is the accredited training requirement for Level II "B" Prescribing Authority (APB) Program. All participants will need to have a designated prescribing professional (DPP), either a physician or nurse practitioner, to complete the practice assessment portion of the course. More information to follow regarding the role of the DPP to follow. See SCPP SCOPe Oct 2023 and April 2024 for more information regarding the APB Program. |
|---|---|
| Mode of Study |
Part-time Blended Learning – 4 months
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| Date | The IP course plans to welcome the first cohort in 2026. This webpage will be updated as more information becomes available. |
| Duration | 4 months |
| Fees | TBD |
IP Course Outcomes (draft framework)
1.1: Gather relevant information through patient-centred consultation skills to inform safe prescribing.
1.2: Perform and document assessment of physical exams appropriate to their scope of practice.
1.3: Determine and justify the necessity of ordering additional lab tests to inform critical decision-making. Establishes and maintains a plan to review and monitor the patient's treatment, including the effectiveness of treatment and potential unwanted effects.
1.4: Interpret, curate, and document all relevant available patient data necessary to inform treatment options; for example, disease stability, medication side effects, patient preferences/drug coverage changes/availability, and medication side-effects.
2.1: Apply complex evidence-based research to determine viable patient-centred treatment options; include both non-pharmacological and pharmacological data.
2.2: Assess the risks of a patient taking or not following a treatment plan, including but not limited to adverse effects and potential misuse.
2.3: Create a plan to minimize potential risks associated with a treatment plan.
2.4: Determine viable evidence-based treatment options for specific cases and justify why they are better than the next best options; include both non-pharmacological and pharmacological options.
4.1: Provide a management plan in an understandable and accessible format for the patient.
4.2: Provide appropriate resources to support the patient and/or caregiver in self-managing their medicines and monitoring their condition.
4.3: Uses strategies to ensure the patient and/or caregiver understand(s) the essential actions for the treatment plan.
4.4: Uses strategies to ensure the patient and/or caregiver understand(s) what to do if there are any concerns about the management of their condition, if the condition deteriorates, or if there is no improvement in a specific timeframe.
5.1: Establishes and maintains a plan to review and monitor the patient's treatment, including the effectiveness of treatment and potential unwanted effects.
5.2: Adapts management plans, (as needed) in collaboration with the patient/caregiver, in response to ongoing monitoring and review of the patient's condition and preferences.
5.3: Recognises and reports suspected adverse events to medicines and medical devices using appropriate reporting systems.
6.1: Analyse and apply the current national and provincial standards and legal requirements to accurately prescribe a medicine or device within their scope of practice.
6.2: Synthesize clinical information to document accurate and legible clinical records following professional standards and best practices.
6.3: Clearly and securely communicate the assessment findings and treatment plan to those in the patient's circle of care, demonstrating both timeliness and adherence to required protocols.
6.4: Establish a transfer of care plan so that a patient’s continuity of care is not compromised when a transfer of care is initiated.
Structured Learning Activities
The course is delivered through a combination of independent learning activities within Canvas, live online learning sessions, and in-person practice assessment.
The structured learning activities are elaborated on below.
The independent learning activities are accessed online through Canvas and provide approximately 75 hours of learning activities so participants can study flexibly and at their own pace. Examples of independent learning activities include assessing case studies, interactive videos, and virtual simulations.
There will be live online learning sessions throughout the course. These sessions are an opportunity to practice specific skills with peers and discuss concepts from diverse perspectives. These are active learning sessions, not webinars.
Physical Assessment Workshop (16 hours)
First, there is a two-day in-person physical assessment workshop.
Practice Assessment (32 hours)
Second, each learner will work with a DPP at their workplace for a minimum of 32 hours. This provides the opportunity to apply knowledge and develop specific skills in context. It also provides opportunities to gain feedback from the DPP and patients. An individual learning plan developed at the start of the course guides efficient use of this time and ensures the pharmacist's development needs are addressed.
Understanding Competency Based Programming
This course is a competency-based program, meaning participants pass based on their ability to demonstrate competency in all areas of the course by the end. Success is measured by meeting defined standards of competence, not by achieving a certain percentage or by attendance and participation. Each learner must show proficiency in the essential skills and knowledge required for the course.
The Designated Prescribing Professional
All participants will need to have a designated prescribing professional (i.e., a physician or nurse practitioner) who is willing to support their competency development during 32 hours of practice assessment. The pharmacist will work on location with their DPP to practice and gain feedback for improvement on their IP skills. It is the responsibility of the pharmacist to find a designated prescribing professional for the program.
Course content is subject to change without prior notice. While every effort will be made to communicate updates in a timely manner, the course content and schedule are not guaranteed and may be adjusted to accommodate instructional needs, resource availability, or other considerations.