General provisions

The course is theoretical and is included in the Specialist nursing programme with focus on district nurse.

Entry requirements

Admitted to the Specialist nursing programme, with focus on district nurse 75 credits.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student will be able to

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate advanced knowledge of general pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of certain special pharmacology related to the field of competence
• demonstrate general advanced knowledge of drug dosage, drug interactions and side-effects related to age and specific conditions
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of drug dosage, drug interactions and side- effects specific for the drugs that are included in the prescription jurisdiction for the district nurse
• demonstrate knowledge of consumables to patients with specific diseases
• describe laws and statutes regarding prescription of drugs and consumables in diabetes - incontinence and ostomy care
• demonstrate knowledge of strategies for quality development in the field of knowledge

Skills and ability

• analyse, assess independently and handle complex issues and situations based on evidence-based knowledge of various diseases and pharmacological treatment
• independently and under medical safely prescribe certain drugs that are listed in separate list (SOSFS 2009:5).
• independently and under medical safely prescribe consumables to patients with specific diseases
• apply knowledge about laws, statutes and ordinances that regulate the activities in the field of knowledge
• compile, evaluate and apply new knowledge and research results in pharmacology drug prescriptions and drug administration
• be able to initiate and plan quality - and development work in the field of competence

Judgement and approach

• analyse and reflect on the importance of protecting the patient's autonomy and integrity
• reflect on how genders, ethnicity and socio-economic conditions influence the prescription of drugs
• reflect on the socio-economic and environmental aspects of the use of drugs
• apply ethical and research-ethical principles in the field of knowledge

Content

General pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, administration and dosage forms, side-effects and registration of side-effects, drug addiction, drug interaction, compliance to drug treatment, pharmaco-epidemiology

Clinical pathology with special pharmacology

Assessment of symptoms, signs and pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment, children and drugs, older people and drugs, natural remedies

Legislation and prescription jurisdiction

Statutes and laws in the field

Prescription and prescription jurisdiction according to The National Board of Health and Welfare's ordinance SOSFS 2001:16, revised SOSFS 2009:5. Prescription of consumables in diabetes - incontinence and ostomy care.

Medical records management, documentation, economical aspects of drug prescription

Also included

Strategies for quality development, ethical and research-ethical principles

Instruction

Cohort group exercises

Lectures

Literature studies

Seminars

Web-based teaching

COMPULSORY PARTS

Introduction to course, scheduled cohort group meetings, seminars, proficiency training, clinical placement, study assignments with written and oral presentation.

Assessment

Examination of the objectives of the course is continuous throughout the course in the form of oral and written assignments - examinations individually and in groups. At examination in groups the student shall participate actively with knowledge and reflection. On completion of the course with passed results, course certificate according to Higher Education Ordinance chapter 7 section 16 is awarded and registration of prescription jurisdiction is awarded after application of The National Board of Health and Welfare according to SOSFS 2001:16.

Other directives

Regulations for retake

Student who has failed examination may retake the examinations four times (= total five examinations). After five failed examinations, the student may lose his guaranteed place in the education. The undergraduate education committee however may, if special circumstances apply, admit the right to additional examination. Every time the student participates in an examination counts. Submission of so called "blank" exam is counted as examination. In accordance with chapter 6, sections 21-22 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) the student has the right on request to change examiner after two failed examinations.