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  8. Becoming a DPP for a pharmacist independent prescribing (IP) learner

Becoming a DPP for a pharmacist independent prescribing (IP) learner

Inter-professional supervision

This section is intended for independent prescribers from professions other than pharmacy interested in supervising a pharmacist IP learner and focuses on the differences (and similarities) between the professions.

This section contains some information from the HEE Centre for Advancing Practice, which has been adapted for those supervising IP learners specifically.    

General information on the role and requirements of a DPP can be found on the DPP section. We recommend visiting this section first, before returning here. 

As a registered professional there is a responsibility to work within your scope of practice. It can help to think about supervisor capabilities in the same way that practitioners think about clinical capabilities. Referring to another colleague or service, getting a second clinical opinion or updating and refreshing knowledge and skills, are familiar in clinical practice. The same applies for supervision.

  • You may work as an IP in a multiprofessional service or integrated care setting with pharmacists who are interested in becoming independent prescribers….
  • You may have been asked to act as a DPP by a current or former pharmacy colleague with whom you have worked closely or know well….
  • You may want to improve your prescribing practice by supervising IP learners and like the idea of helping those from other professions as it will broaden your experience and insight….
  • You may be an Advanced Clinical Practitioner from a nursing or Allied Health Professional (AHP) background who studied in a multi-professional cohort….
  • You may understand the needs of the pharmacy workforce with regards to increasing supervisory capacity and want to help….

Inter-professional collaboration is encouraged where possible, but even experienced Independent Prescribers with a wealth of experience supervising in other contexts, may be concerned about providing effective supervision for an IP learner, especially one of a profession different from their own. To help you find out what you need to know to supervise a pharmacist IP learner, if you are not a pharmacist yourself, we have outlined the differences between supervising IP learners from the pharmacy profession and those from your own.

Firstly, what is the difference between NMP and IP?

Non-Medical Prescribing (NMP) is used to describe any prescribing completed by a healthcare professional other than a doctor or dentist. It includes both supplementary and IP. Pharmacists training to prescribe will become Independent Prescribers on qualification, which means they can prescribe, on their own initiative, any medicine within their scope of practice and relevant legislation for any patient.

More information on NMP can be found on the HEE Training for non-medical prescribers web page. 

How does a typical IP course differ for a pharmacist IP learner?

All course providers use the RPS Competency Framework for Designated Prescribing Practitioners and therefore have the same learning outcomes regardless of the learner’s profession. Courses and/or delivery models can vary between providers for a variety of reasons, however, the core competencies remain the same.

How does being a DPP for a pharmacist differ from being a DPP for someone from my own profession?

In general, there should be no difference, but we all bring our own personal experience with us when supervising others. As DPP, you should have an appreciation of the scope and specialty area of the learner, but do not have to be the same profession.

Can a DPP supervise an IP learner who has a different scope of practice?

Please see the 'I’m a Prescriber Interested in Becoming a DPP’ section for more information around scope of practice.

Is there any information to support extending scope of practice?

Yes. CPPE have recently launched an Extending the scope of prescribing e-course. For more information, please visit the CPPE website.

I became an Independent Prescriber as part of my Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) qualification, can I still be a DPP?

Yes. The NMP course as part of an ACP Programme is the same as the stand-alone course. As long as you meet the requirements for a DPP set by the IP course provider, you can be a DPP for any learner.

I am a Practice Supervisor, can I play a part?

Absolutely. Some regions use, or are exploring the use of, a DPP/DPS model (Designated Prescribing Supervisor), which is similar to the Practice assessor/Practice supervisor model used in the nursing profession. This enables those not eligible or confident to act as a DPP to gain experience in the role and is a valuable model for encouraging those new to prescribing to take part in the supervision of an IP learner and develop the skills and confidence needed to act as a DPP. Use the contact details at the end of this section to find out if your area is encouraging this model.

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