CPPE preparing to train as an independent prescriber is the course that I wish I had done before IP.

This is also the course that I want my pharmacist friends and colleagues who will undertake IP to know about.

I am excited to be leading a cohort with an initial workshop on 9th of July with Meera Joshi . This article tells you more about the course and my experiences of preparing to train as an independent prescriber last year.

Independent prescribing opens access to care and allows you to use your skill set, however the course has a reputation for being intense. I thought I was reasonably well prepared. My superintendent pharmacist had bought me a stethoscope and ensure that I was able to do manual blood pressure. I’d written a journal article.

However, everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, that’s why the CPPE preparing to train as an independent prescriber course includes a self-assessment framework. For me reflections on practice were my nemesis. For someone else it might be that they have not done academic writing for some time or maybe they do not examine many people in their role.

This is a fully funded programme that helps pharmacists develop the skills and confidence needed to best prepare for independent prescriber training. The programme is made up of four main components:

- a self-directed e-course and self-assessment framework

- a mandatory online workshop to support your self-assessment of competencies and develop a personal development plan.

- an optional online workshop to support your readiness for academic writing and reflective practice.

- optional peer support sessions, providing an opportunity for you to develop your professional network and establish communities of practice.

As well as the professional aspects, you are going to be busy whilst undertaking this course. There is a work life-balance to be considered. Last year I had the joy of recording video conversations with other recently qualified IPs, DPPs and HEI (university) course leads to share practical hints and tips. These range from motivating yourself to working with your DPP and looking after yourself well whilst on the course. We cover everything from keeping on track of assignments, to feeding yourself… I can’t believe I didn’t think of fresh meal boxes myself during the course, I missed a trick there!

People often ask me if I would do IP again, yes, yes, and yes! There is no question, I would do it again in an instant. My journey into prescribing was triggered by a need to do more for the people to support them to access care and prescribing has transformed my community pharmacy practice.

Do I wish I had been better prepared? Yes! I hope that this course helps you to feel prepared to undertake your independent prescribing course. ?

To find out more and to book your place go to: https://www.cppe.ac.uk/career/Preparing%20to%20train%20as%20an%20independent%20prescriber

Other workshops are hosted by Sue Mills and Brian Conn and Zara Mehra and Clare Daly and Michelle Staples and Sarah Gough.

The course was developed by Hayley Berry and Joanne Lane . Other contributors include: Navdeep Dhaliwal Dianne Bell Anya Palistina, James Williams Louise Organista Pranal Gohil Pharmacist Shilpa Patel ???? Chris Grahame James Nicholas Andrew Irwin Theresa (Terri) Turner Jo Fleming Uwais Mansoor Katie Roberts Michelle Styles Irfan Saleji Ana Popovic Sandra Wiles