This module enables the student to critically examine professional accountability and responsibility governing the role of nurse/midwife prescribing. It provides opportunities to examine legal and ethical factors influencing the performance of the nurse/midwife prescriber within a multi professional team in a collaborative inquiry process. The module facilitates reflection in and on practice, informed by evidence in preparation for the role in a dynamic health care environment.

Professional regulations and guidelines; Accountability and responsibility for prescribing practice; Critical review and self audit; Reflective practice; Risk management in medication management; Public health issues for prescribing; Evidence-based practice and clinical governance in relation to prescribing; Legal and Ethical Aspects; Legislation for nursing/midwifery practice and medication management; Legal liability and clinical indemnity for prescribing and expansion of nursing/midwifery practice; Informed consent of patient/client for treatment; Awareness and reporting of fraud; Substance abuse/dependence; Budgetary considerations (e.g. HSE National Shared Services Primary Care Reimbursement Service/medical card); Licensing of medicinal products; Ethics and prescribing; Documentation requirements of prescribing; Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to foster collaborative relationships with allied health professionals; Management of conflict; clinical audit.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Critically examine legal and professional regulation frameworks and guidelines. Critically discuss the scope of nurse/midwife prescriber practice in preparation for the nurse/midwife prescribing role. Examine practice within a framework of accountability in relation to nurse/midwife prescribing. Critically discuss ethical principles, risk, values, challenges and dilemmas in nurse/midwife prescribing roles. Discuss critically nurse/midwife role in medication incidences and adverse reactions. Apply evidenced based findings to nurse/midwife prescribing role. Reflect critically on self performance and identify strategies for personal and professional nurse/midwife prescribing practice.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate an appreciation of the role of the nurse/midwife in meeting the needs of individuals through professional prescribing practice. Demonstrate interpersonal skills relevant to the prescribing role. Value the importance of communication within the nurse/midwife prescribing role and wider inter-professional team.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: N/A

The module is delivered through a blended delivery format, utilising a virtual learning environment (VLE). Teaching and learning strategies include e.g. lectures, small group teaching, simulation, discussions, recommended reading, reflection, self-directed learning, group work, seminars, peer presentations, posters, case scenarios, workshops, audio-visual resources and VLE resources e.g. wikis, quizzes, discussion boards and chat forums. Adult learning theories with a focus on active engagement and social constructivism underpin the module, enabling students to become knowledgeable responsible, articulate, proactive, creative and collaborative graduates.