Postgraduate Diploma: Pharmacological Principles of Drug Therapy

Purpose

This qualification aims to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, skills and insight into pharmacological and ethical principles in order to exercise responsible selection of drugs to treat patients and to deliver a comprehensive service to the community. This will assist health care professionals, such as medical practitioners and pharmacists to practice more effectively in community medicine.

The specific role of these graduates will be to enhance the effective implementation of optimal individualised drug selection in treatment strategies for patients.

On completion of this Postgraduate Diploma, learners will be equipped to

• Practice more effective pharmacotherapy within health care services by applying therapeutic strategies based on pharmacological and ethical principles.
• Think laterally and critically in the application of pharmacological principles of drug therapy.
• Apply enhanced understanding in the pharmacotherapy area of community medicine.
• Apply commercially and community-directed expertise to the benefit of the region, the country, the rest of sub-Sahara Africa and ultimately, the rest of the world.

This qualification aims at assisting the health care professionals in South Africa (medical practitioners, pharmacists etc.) in practicing more effective pharmacotherapy in community medicine. This programme also provides a platform for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for medical practitioners and other health care professionals and is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for this purpose.

Rationale

This qualification focuses on combining theoretical and applied elements of pharmacological principles in community medicine. The qualification is of national relevance and will therefore not only improve public services, but will also widen the employment prospects of successful graduates.

This qualification will produce graduates who will serve the needs of South Africa and the rest of the continent. The programme will develop, educate and empower graduates who will be able to make a contribution to Drug therapy and in doing so, enhance the health of our communities. The qualification also strives to reach high ethical standards and good stewardship.

The specific role of these graduates will be to enhance the effective implementation of optimal individualised drug selection in treatment strategies for patients.

The applicant is assumed to have

• Cognitive ability and knowledge at NQF Level 7.
• Communicative skills at NQF Level 7 in the language in which the qualification is presented.
• Basic knowledge of pharmacological principles.
• Competency in the use of a computer.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who have completed individual modules as certificate courses who then wish to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma may apply for recognition of the completed modules, taking into account the RPL policy of the NW University.

Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

Access to the Qualification

Admission is conditional on the applicant being in possession of one of the following Degrees

• Bachelor of Science: Pharmacy.
• Bachelor of Pharmacy.
• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).
• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD).
• A qualification regarded as equivalent to any of the above-mentioned degrees.

The modules are coursework only and include no workplace learning.

Learners may also enrol for individual modules as certificate courses for purposes of CPD.

The full qualification comprises nine compulsory and two elective modules, totalling 136 Credits. All modules are at NQF Level 8.

Compulsory Modules

• Principles of Pharmacokinetics, 8 Credits.
• Principles of Pharmacodynamics,16 Credits.
• Drugs and the Peripheral Nervous System, 8 Credits.
• Drugs and the Central Nervous System, 16 Credits.
• Drugs and the Renal and Cardiovascular Systems, 16 Credits.
• Drugs for Pain, Inflammation, Fever and Airways Disease, 16 Credits.
• Chemotherapy of Infections and Infestations, 16 Credits.
• Hormones, Hormonoids and Hormone Antagonists, 16 Credits.
• Integrated Pharmacology, 8 Credits.

Subtotal: 120 Credits.

Electives Modules - Select two

• Drugs for Gastro-Intestinal Tract and Skin Disorders, 8 Credits.
• Vitamins, Haematopoetics and Immunopharmacology, 8 Credits.
• Advanced Pharmacological Principles, 8 Credits.

Subtotal: 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a sound ethical approach in all actions relating to the selection of drugs to ensure the best interest of the patient.
2. Discuss the pharmacological principles underlying drug therapy for a comprehensive range of drug groups.

3 .Evaluate existing drug prescriptions and advise the patients with regard to drug treatment.

1. Combine individualised pharmacological treatment approaches for a wide range of disease states.
2. Evaluate published clinical trials on drug therapy and keep abreast of the latest information on drug treatment.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated in the ability to manage drug therapy for multiple medical conditions. In addition, peer collaboration for problem solving is stimulated.
• Team work is demonstrated in the interactions with fellow health workers and the various patients treated.
• Organising self is demonstrated in the successful practice of clinical pharmacotherapy. A great deal of self-driven and independent study is required.
• Collating information is indicated in the successful retrieving, analysing and reporting on information gathered from various reliable sources.
• Effective communicating is demonstrated through the ability to successfully treat a patient.
• Utilising science and technology is clearly indicated in the application of pharmacological principles when applying drug therapy.
• Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the participation in discussions with peers, the patients and relevant senior professionals in the application of drug therapy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 Make responsible decisions regarding drug selection that are based on sound ethical principles and in the best interests of the patient.

1.2 Demonstrate a patient-directed approach to drug therapy by informing the patient of the actions and effects of the drugs and how they should best be used.

1.3 Identify obvious cases of misuse of drugs.

1.4 Demonstrate in depth knowledge of gene therapy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the pharmacodynamic principles of the selected drugs.

2.2 Use clinical pharmacokinetic principles to predict an appropriate dosing schedule.

2.4 Apply knowledge and skills to identify drug mechanism related problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 Demonstrate a patient-directed approach and an ability to advise patients regarding effective anti-infective drug use in view of the global increase in microbial drug resistance.

3.2 Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the principles of chronopharmacology.

3.3 Analyse and evaluate treatment scenarios and propose rational (responsible) alternatives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

4.1 Advise patients regarding effective anti-infective drug use in view of the global increase in microbial drug resistance.

4.2 Demonstrate understanding of the different drug interactions and their clinical significance.

4.3 Identify, analyse and discuss drug-related problems and debate solutions based on pharmacotherapeutic approaches.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

5.1 Retrieve and analyse the latest information on drugs from various reliable sources for treating various disorders/conditions.

5.2 Demonstrate understanding of the need to remain informed about infection control and treatment in an ever changing microbiological environment.

Integrated Assessment

This is carried out according to Institutional and Faculty policy.

The evaluation of the different modules individually and for completion of the Post Graduate Diploma will be conducted via:

• Written assignments which are submitted through the e-learning platform of the institution.
• Evaluation of contributions to electronic group discussions.
• Electronic examinations, which meet all the criteria and requirements of a summative assessment (i.e. multiple choice, short and long questions).

For final summative assessment of each learner an oral examination is compulsory. This may be conducted on site or by tele- or video-conferencing. The duration of such an oral evaluation is approximately 30 - 45 minutes. Two internal examiners and one external examiner will be present. The evaluation will focus on the learner's ability to integrate the broad spectrum of pharmacological knowledge and his/her ability to show a general insight into pharmacological principles of drug treatment in the clinical situation.