IP1: Foundations of Safe Prescribing is a 30-credit Level 7 module that provides the foundations required for safe, legal and ethical independent prescribing in optometric practice. You will develop your understanding of the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities associated with independent prescribing, alongside the pharmacological knowledge required for safe ocular therapeutics. Key areas include prescribing legislation and regulation, GOC professional standards, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, ocular drug delivery, drug interactions and polypharmacy.

The module also explores person-centred care, informed consent, shared decision-making and effective communication with patients, including complex and vulnerable patients. Clinical risk management, clinical governance, adverse drug reactions, error prevention and pharmacovigilance are integrated throughout the module.
Reflective practice is embedded across the module, using Gibbs' Reflective Cycle to support critical reflection on prescribing-related scenarios, professional accountability and identification of learning needs.

The module is delivered entirely online and combines scheduled online teaching with independent study. It provides the essential knowledge and professional foundations that underpin the subsequent application of prescribing knowledge and skills within the PG Cert IP.

Assessment is 100% coursework and consists of two elements:

Patchwork text written work – 40%
Final online assessment – 60%

The assessments are designed to enable you to demonstrate your understanding of safe and ethical prescribing, pharmacology, prescribing legislation, professional responsibilities and clinical decision-making.

Both assessment elements must be passed independently, with a minimum grade of 50% required for each element.

This module can contribute to the following programme(s)

HMOIPPGC: PgCert Optometry Independent Prescribing