The module addresses the underpinning practical principles of prescribing practice and highlights mechanisms and pathways necessary to refine and optimise the prescribing process at patient, local practice and national levels resulting in safe, effective prescribing.

This module is designed to:

• be paired with a companion module (Prescribing: Scientific Principles and Practice, 20 credits) as part of the Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing.  The pairing is designed to meet the requirements for an accredited programme for independent non-medical prescriber status (according to each relevant professional body, General Pharmaceutical Council, Nursing & Midwifery Council).
• be used as a self-standing CPD module to provide extended knowledge and understanding of the medical prescribing process (to service existing prescribers wishing to develop their knowledge base or those who do not necessarily prescribe but are involved with a medicines management process).

Candidates will extend their existing knowledge base and practical professional practice through development of appropriate diagnostic skills. You will demonstrate a critical, personalised approach to autonomous, safe and effective prescribing of high quality using appropriate problem-solving and in-process controls within individual limits of competence. This practice will show evidence of recognition and application of appropriate national or local therapeutic guidelines.