Non-medical prescribing is undertaken by healthcare professionals that aren’t doctors. Medicines administered are in regard to health conditions that fall inside a healthcare professional’s specific area of expertise.
Non-medical prescribing aims to be more convenient for patients, also offering improved clinical outcomes. However, it’s essential the qualification remains up to date.
How is non-medical prescribing different from medical prescribing?
Non-medical prescribing is all about improving patient care and wellbeing. It’s concerned with helping patients understand the medication they’re taking, what effect it will have and how it must be taken. This allows the patient to feel more empowered and comfortable to proceed.
Non-medical prescribers also make sure that their patient get the most up-to-date advice around their condition, so they can understand clinical decision-making around their treatment. The point of NMP is to see the patient’s illness from their own point of view so that tailored care can be offered.
Who can become an NMP?
The Department of Health is very specific about which registered professionals can become non-medical prescribers. This is the list at present:
Independent and supplementary prescribers: Nurses, midwives, paramedics, physiotherapists, pharmacists, optometrists, therapeutic radiographers and podiatrists
Supplementary prescribers only: Dieticians, diagnostic radiographers
Community Practitioner Prescribers: District nurses and health visitors
What is the NMP V300 course and who is it suitable for?
Healthcare professionals listed above who prescribe medication. Such professionals will already be skilled in their field, having undertaken ongoing appropriate training. They will also be competent to prescribe.
Course attendees are additionally required to demonstrate that they can take a thorough physical examination and patient history. They must also be competent in assessment and diagnostic skills in the specialist area they’re prescribing in.
All non-medical prescribers must complete a yearly refresher once they have completed the initial NMP V300 course to qualify as a non-medical prescriber.
What happens after completing the NMP course?
Newly qualified non-medical prescribers must:
- Register with the regulator pertaining to their field i.e. NMC, GPhC, HCPC
- Ensure they have appropriate support to undertake their prescribing role
- Provide their employers with confirmation of their successful annotation
- Complete any other local/employer requirements, for example scope of practice/formulary
- Maintain competence and undertake annual CPD and revalidation as set out by their regulator
- Make sure appropriate indemnity arrangements are in place
Sign up today
The one-day PDUK Annual NMP V300 update course is worth 8 hours of CPD and there are three dates available. We’re pleased to administer it online or face to face, COVID permitting.
The dates we’re currently offering are:
- 10th March 2021
- 7th May 2021
- 30th June 2021
The face to face location and course leader this year will be confirmed nearer the time. All course material, evaluations, certificate and refreshments are provided. Spaces are limited so sign up today and secure your spot!