Infections 1

Code School Level Credits Semesters
PHAR2044 Pharmacy 2 N/A Autumn Malaysia
Code
PHAR2044
School
Pharmacy
Level
2
Credits
N/A
Semesters
Autumn Malaysia

Summary

Antibiotics and antifungals are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat infection. Therefore, it is important that pharmacists understand the underlying principles of these classes of drugs. Antibiotics are also however among the drugs most commonly overprescribed by medical professionals with the consequence of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, resulting in a serious threat to global public health. This Teaching block will provide a basic grounding in microbiology, common infectious diseases, mode of action and spectrum of antimicrobial agents, and how these drugs are delivered to and dealt with by the body. The Teaching bloick will also cover antibiotic prescribing and dispensing, and infection control.
Examples of topics within the module include:

The module also uses examples of antibiotics and antifungals to highlight key scientific concepts in the pharmacology, chemistry, ADME and pharmaceuticals of important classes of drugs.

Target Students

Only available for students studying MPharm AND Only available for UNM / Year 2 students

Assessment

Educational Aims

This Teaching block aims to give students an appreciation of microbiology and infectious diseases, a deep understanding of the key classes of antimicrobial drugs, and detailed knowledge regarding antibiotic prescribing from a clinical pharmacy perspective. The student will also understand the scientific principles of the mode of action and formulation of currently used antibiotics and antifungals. On completion of the Teaching block students should have a clear understanding of these key concepts and their role as pharmacists, as part of the healthcare team, in infection control and tackling global infection health issues.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate empathy and keep the person at the centre of their approach to care at all times
  2. Work in partnership with people to support and empower them in shared decision-making about their health and wellbeing
  3. Demonstrate effective communication at all times and adapt their approach and communication style to meet the needs of the person
  4. Understand the variety of settings and adapt their communication accordingly
  5. Proactively support people to make safe and effective use of their medicines and devices
  6. Treat people as equals, with dignity and respect, and meet their own legal responsibilities under equality and human rights
  7. Obtain informed consent before providing care and pharmacy services
  8. Assess and respond to the person’s particular health risks, taking account of individuals’ protected characteristics and background
  9. Take responsibility for ensuring that personal values and beliefs do not compromise person-centred care
  10. Demonstrate effective consultation skills, and in partnership with the person, decide the most appropriate course of action
  11. Take into consideration factors that affect people’s behaviours in relation to health and wellbeing
  12. Recognise the psychological, physiological and physical impact of prescribing decisions on people
  13. Work collaboratively and effectively with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure high-quality, person-centred care, including continuity of care
  14. Demonstrate the values, attitudes and behaviours expected of a pharmacy professional at all times
  15. Apply professional judgement in all circumstances, taking legal and ethical reasoning into account
  16. Recognise and work within the limits of their knowledge and skills, and get support and refer to others when they need to
  17. Take responsibility for all aspects of health and safety and take actions when necessary
  18. Act openly and honestly when things go wrong and raise concerns even when it is not easy to do so
  19. Apply the science behind pharmacy in all activities
  20. Apply pharmaceutical principles to the safe and effective formulation, preparation, packaging and disposal of medicines and products
  21. Consider the quality, safety and risks associated with medicines and products and take appropriate action when producing, supplying and prescribing them
  22. Demonstrate effective diagnostic skills, including physical examination, to decide the most appropriate course of action for the person
  23. Apply the principles of clinical therapeutics, pharmacology and genomics to make effective use of medicines for people, including in their prescribing practice
  24. Appraise the evidence base and apply clinical reasoning and professional judgement to make safe and logical decisions which minimise risk and optimise outcomes for the person
  25. Accurately perform calculations
  26. Effectively promote healthy lifestyles using evidence-based techniques
  27. Apply the principles of effective monitoring and management to improve health outcomes
  28. Apply relevant legislation and ethical decision-making related to prescribing, including remote prescribing
  29. Prescribe effectively within the relevant systems and frameworks for medicines use
  30. Understand clinical governance in relation to prescribing, while also considering that the prescriber may be in a position to supply the prescribed medicines to people
  31. Take responsibility for people’s health records, including the legality, appropriateness, accuracy, security and confidentiality of personal data
  32. Understand and implement relevant safeguarding procedures, including local and national guidance in relation to each person
  33. Effectively make use of local and national health and social care policies to improve health outcomes and public health, and to address health inequalities
  34. Proactively participate in the promotion and protection of public health in their practice
  35. Identify misuse of medicines and implement effective strategies to deal with this
  36. Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, including the provision of first aid
  37. Demonstrate effective leadership and management skills as part of the multi-disciplinary team
  38. Actively take part in the management of risks and consider the impacts on people
  39. Use tools and techniques to avoid medication errors associated with prescribing, supply and administration
  40. Take appropriate actions to respond to complaints, incidents or errors in a timely manner and to prevent them happening again
  41. Recognise when and how their performance or that of others could put people at risk and take appropriate actions
  42. Demonstrate resilience and flexibility, and apply effective strategies to manage multiple priorities, uncertainty, complexity and change
  43. Reflect upon, identify, and proactively address their learning needs
  44. Support the learning and development of others, including through mentoring

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 09/01/2025.