Short Learning Programme on Pharmacotherapy 2

To address the need for trained pharmacists who are able to perform primary health care services in the public or private healthcare sector.

Purpose of the course

Successful completion of this short learning programme should provide participants with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the concept, trends and application of pharmacotherapy.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements
None
Learning assumed to be in place
BPharm degree (or equivalent)

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Course outcomes and the associated assessment criteria

Study Unit

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

  After completion of this course, participants will: Participant will be assessed on the following criteria:
The participant will have integrated knowledge, critical understanding and skills to manage acute ailments as well as insight into the care of patients with chronic diseases.  The participant will be able to apply the principles of pharmacotherapy in a holistic pharmaceutical plan

Define common terms used in pharmacotherapy.  Success depends heavily on knowledge of the “medical language”.

Provide rational treatment where applicable.

Supply sufficient client information regarding the use of medications.

Implement the principles of pharmacotherapy into a holistic pharmaceutical care plan
The participant will have the integrated knowledge and skills on treatment rational and on the referral of patients to a secondary care level.

Distinguish between serious and less serious conditions on the basis of certain symptoms and signs.

Rationally refer a patient to secondary level.

Supply sufficient client information regarding the use of medications
The participant will have an understanding of and be able to recognize common symptoms encountered in the pharmacy and its significance in the assessment of patients

Discuss the implications of pain, fever, weight loss and fatigue as common symptoms.

Describe the management of these symptoms.

Define selected terminology
The participant will have an integrated knowledge and critical understanding of the ethology, symptoms and signs, and treatment of a range of disorders including: Neurological disorders, ophthalmologic disorders, the oral cavity, ear nose and throat disorders, upper and lower respiratory tract disorders, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, musculo-skeletal disorders, skin infections, urine tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases

Recognise and assess the aforementioned conditions.

Describe the aetiology of the various disorders.

Identify the symptoms and signs of the various disorders.

Describe the clinical presentation of the disorders.

Indicate the management of these conditions.

Identify complications associated with the various conditions.

Discuss the desired outcome of treatment from a pharmaceutical care perspective.

Exclude differential diagnoses related to the various disorders.

State the guidelines for the referral of the disorders.

Describe the relevant pharmaceutical care.

Define selected terminology

 

Assessment
Assessment will be performed by means of compulsory work assignments and written examination.
Method of assessment
Participants will be assessed by means of compulsory work assignments and a written exam paper

Additional information

Programme number
F06 100 1
Mode of delivery
Distance
Target group
Practising pharmacists in the public and private healthcare sector

Contact us

Contact person name
Mr Andy de Koker
Contact person e-mail
andy.dekoker@nwu.ac.za
Contact person telephone number