Becoming a designated prescribing practitioner: a pilot educational course

With the need for an increase in non-medical prescribers (NMPs) in the NHS, there is a lack of designated prescribing practitioners (DPPs) in place to supervise trainee NMPs. An educational five-session course was developed using the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's (RPS) competency framework to support allied healthcare professional groups (HCPs) in fulfilling the role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and confidence of learners after their attendance, on the competencies required to become a DPP. Pre and post training questionnaires were used after sessions, identifying pre-existing knowledge and confidence in the competency framework, alongside changes after the sessions, using Likert 1-10 scales, along with job details and previous DPP experience. This study was ethically approved. Responses (n = 80) represented all HCPs including pharmacists, nurses and paramedics. The average knowledge levels increased 4.08 after the session, from 5.09 for all HCPs to 9.17 (p< 0.0001). The average confidence levels increased 3.71 from 5.49 to 9.20 for all HCP's (p< 0.0001). Over half (64%, n = 52) stated they were very likely to become DPPs following this course. Almost all (90%, n = 72) stated that they did not require any other additional training. Additional roll outs of this educational course could help increase the number of NMPs in the NHS, aligning well with the aims and objectives of the NHS Long-term and access recovery plan. A notable increase was felt by the HCPs in their knowledge and confidence from the sessions, therefore this study shows the benefit of running such a programme.