The Collaborative Practitioners Prescribing Programme
About This Course
The specific objectives are to equip the nurses and pharmacists with skills and knowledge to
• Assess patients and perform the diagnostic phase of care, and
• Prescribe pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment and perform the therapeutic phase of care independently
in the context of team-based care that promotes care accessibility and affordability, and under the governance of institution-based Collaborative Practice Agreements.
The instructional methods in The Collaborative Practitioners Prescribing Programme (CP3) are predicated on adult learning theories to ensure an appropriate balance of cognitive knowledge and hands-on clinical skills practice that are relevant to the APNs and pharmacists. The programme of learning uses a hybrid of delivery methods:
• Lectures and case discussions via teleconferencing that enhance convenience and efficiency without compromising quality of learning,
• Medical interview and communication skills practice with standardised patients (aka role-players) via teleconferencing and face-to-face in classroom with immediate feedback under the guidance of experienced facilitators, and
• Physical examination practice with standardised patients and real patients face-to-face in classroom with immediate feedback under the guidance of experienced facilitators.
The lecturers and facilitators are doctors, senior pharmacists, and APNs, who are knowledgeable and nurturing in the way they guide the trainees.
What You'll Learn
“35. Pharmacists can also be more empowered to play important complementary roles, such as providing trusted information on drugs, prescribing certain drugs, and educating patients on proper use of medication to reduce re-admission to hospitals.
36. The frontline empowerment extends to our nurses too. Equipped with enhanced clinical skills and evidence-based practice, they are increasingly doing frontline work in the community. Advanced Practice Nurses trained in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions can order tests and prescribe medicines, helping patients save time and cost.”
The Collaborative Practitioners Prescribing Programme (CP3) prepares pharmacists and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to undertake the work that the Minister for Health has described. The overarching goal is to empower pharmacists and APNs to practise at the top of their licence and add value to the patients under their care.
Reference
[1] MOH. Work Plan Seminar 2021 Opening Address by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, 25 May 2021, available at https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/ministry-of-health-work-plan-seminar-2021-opening-address-by-mr-ong-ye-kung-minister-for-health-25-may-2021-(part-1-of-2)
Entry Requirements
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs):
must be working in an area with existing or potential need for Collaborative Prescribing service, and
must have identified a clinical supervisor who, together with his/her team, will provide supervision to the candidate during the clinical practicum.
Pharmacists (PHAs):
must be at least 3-year post-pharmacist registration with experience in direct patient care setting and working in multidisciplinary / team-based practice for at least 1 year,
must be working in an area with existing potential need for Collaborative Prescribing service, and
must have identified a clinical supervisor who, together with his/her team, will provide supervision to the candidate during the clinical practicum.