Open learning

Aim

To increase awareness of EDI principles, as well as anti-discrimination and human rights legislation relevant to Northern Ireland, to help pharmacists, pharmacy trainees and pharmacy technicians consider how to provide culturally inclusive and patient-centred care.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course, you should be able to:

• define equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and its significance
• outline the anti-discrimination legislation specific to Northern Ireland
• discuss the roles and responsibilities of organisations and healthcare professionals in Northern Ireland in promoting equality of opportunity and good relations
• identify what constitutes discrimination, understand implicit vs explicit bias and recognise the importance of avoiding stereotypes
• appreciate the significance of human rights legislation in healthcare delivery
• understand disability equality in Northern Ireland, including relevant legislation and the duty to make reasonable adjustments.

Aim

To increase awareness about effectively engaging and communicating with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course, you should be able to:

• describe the term cultural competence and its significance the provision of healthcare, working with colleagues and supervising trainees
• understand what a microaggression is and how to effectively respond to and challenge when you witness a microaggression
• outline the steps to effectively support someone who has experienced a microaggression
• appreciate the importance of using inclusive language when communicating with others
• describe how to respond if you have inadvertently made a mistake with language.

Aim

To raise awareness and improve understanding of neurodivergence among pharmacists, technicians, trainees and educational supervisors and to enable them to create inclusive and supportive environments, reduce stigma and promote acceptance of neurodivergence within pharmacy healthcare, workplaces and training settings.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course, you should be able to:

• understand the term neurodivergence and neurodiversity and recognise key characteristics of dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and autism
• discuss the impact of neurodivergent conditions in the workplace and training environments
• describe a range of common adjustments to accommodate neurodivergent employees and trainees
• use inclusive and respectful language and avoid neurodivergent microaggressions
• explain common strategies for creating an inclusive workplace and training cultures that value neurodivergence
• discuss common approaches to reduce stigma around neurodivergent conditions, such as autism.

Aim

To enhance awareness and understanding of gender identity and LGBTQIA+ issues among pharmacists, supervisors, trainees, and technicians, empowering them to foster inclusive and supportive environments, reduce stigma and encourage acceptance within workplace and training settings.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course, you should be able to:

• recognise the impact of discrimination on LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse people
• understand the terminology associated with LGBTQIA+ and gender identity
• identify practices that help create LGBTQIA+ friendly environments and acceptance of different gender identities in healthcare, workplace and training environments
• apply inclusive language to create a welcoming workplace and training environment.

Aim

To provide an overview of common biochemical, liver and renal function tests used in practice

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• identify normal serum electrolyte levels
• explain the function of different electrolytes in the body
• outline possible consequences of abnormal electrolyte levels
• describe common liver function tests (LFTs)
• understand commonly used renal function tests.

Aim

To review the implications of the Fourth Report of the Shipman Inquiry, focusing specifically on the prescribing, dispensing, safe custody and disposal of controlled drugs.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course you should be able to:

• comply with legislation underpinning controlled drugs
• state changes in the legislative framework for controlled drugs arising from the Fourth Shipman Report
• review the role and responsibilities of the Accountable Officer in relation to controlled drugs
• list the non-medical professions who may now prescribe
• describe best practice with respect to writing of prescriptions, keeping of records and maintaining prescription security for controlled drugs in all areas of practice
• define procedures for the disposal of returned controlled drugs.

Aim

To understand and apply the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and associated relevant legislation/guidance on data protection

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to:

• outline the Caldicott principles
• explain the common terms used in data protection
• state the principles of the UK GDPR
• detail the rights individuals have over how their personal data is used
• describe what is meant by a data breach
• identify potential areas of security breaches
• list the actions that should be undertaken in the event of a data breach.

Aim

To outline the responsible pharmacist regulations, highlighting the impact of the regulations on professional practice.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to;

• describe the role of the responsible pharmacist
• explain the law in relation to the responsibilities of the responsible pharmacist
• understand the requirements of the professional standards and regulatory guidance for responsible pharmacists
• access further information and resources to support the implementation of the responsible pharmacist regulations.

Aim

To promote the safer use of oral anticoagulants in clinical practice.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• list the causes of medication incidents involving oral anticoagulants
• describe the possible clinical consequences associated with oral anticoagulants
• implement strategies to reduce the risks with oral anticoagulants
• safeguard patients by providing them with appropriate information about oral anticoagulants
• promote staff education and safe systems of practice as effective means of reducing medication errors associated with oral anticoagulants

Aim

To increase confidence in accurately performing different types of medicines-related calculations commonly encountered in the clinical setting.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you should be able to:

• undertake the conversion of units of mass and volume from smaller or larger units and vice versa
• express the concentration of a solution in terms of quantity per volume, percentage concentrations and parts
• dilute a stock solution to the particular strength needed for patient use
• calculate the dose of a drug accurately for intravenous infusion, intravenous bolus dosing and oral administration.

Aim

To promote the safer use of medicines in clinical practice through a better understanding of why medication incidents happen.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you should be able to:

• define what is meant by a medication incident
• describe medication-related errors and their impact on the health service
• promote the reporting and investigating of medication incidents as a means to improving patient safety
• identify the causes of errors and medication incidents in practice
• list the role and functions of the organisations established to reduce risk
• promote staff education and safe systems of practice as effective means of reducing medication errors.

Aim

The course aims to outline how pharmacists can get the maximum value from their PMR system and so enable them to enhance their care for patients.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course you should be able to:

• Describe how PMRs contribute to the improvement of patient care
• Identify situations where PMRs can help you to work with other health professionals
• Explain medication review and how this is a key component of future roles for pharmacists
• Produce a Standard Operating Procedure for using a PMR system
• Plan a staff training programme on PMRs and medication review.