Clinical Examination Skills Training for Community Pharmacists
A fully funded, free to access clinical examination skills training resource from the NHS, designed specifically for community pharmacists.
Our skills training will support pharmacists through a period of exciting workforce transformation to deliver the clinical services that community pharmacy will provide.
Programme Information
Who is this programme for?
This training is available to all community pharmacists. You may be a locum, you might work for a multiple chain, or even be an independent community pharmacy owner. If you are a pharmacist who works in community pharmacy, the training is available for you.
It could be you need a reminder, or need to gain confidence, or might need a first step before considering a prescribing qualification. If you are already a prescriber, you may wish to extend your clinical skills.
Do I have to pay to access the programme?
No. The training is fully funded by the NHS and freely available to all community pharmacists and locums.
What modules are available?
There are six e-learning modules in total. The Gateway module is available now, with the remaining five topic-focused modules released on the 1st August on a rolling basis. You must complete the Gateway module to advance in the programme.
The five topic-focused modules will cover Dermatology (2 modules – Skin Presentations and Wound Care), Cardiology, ENT and Paediatrics.
What do the modules cover?
- Gateway module – structured history-taking including systems review, and identification of serious conditions/red flags.
- Dermatology to be completed in two sessions, focusing on:
- Skin Presentations – rashes and new presentations, moles and suspected skin cancer.
- Wound Care– types of wound, identifying infection, and management.
- Cardiology – common cardiovascular conditions, basic cardiovascular assessment, managing acute chest pain, cardiovascular medicines management.
- Ear, Nose and Throat – define common conditions, common and serious conditions, ENT examinations, smoking cessation.
- Paediatrics – common acute presentations, signs of serious illness, chronic conditions, basic examinations.
How many modules can I study?
In order to receive a Certificate of Completion you must complete the Gateway module and one of the topic focussed modules (2 in the case of Dermatology). You are welcome to complete other topic focussed modules as well, for which you will receive additional certificates.
How long do the modules take to complete?
Each e-learning module takes approximately 1 hour to complete. Upon completion you will get a certificate as evidence of the learning for your continuing professional development.
What are the modules comprised of?
Each module is a combination of formative e-learning, video materials, pre/post assessment questions, as well as a Learning Needs Assessment and Skills Passport for your own reference. Each topic focussed module is also supported by optional face-to-face training. Please see below for further details.
What is the Learning Needs Assessment?
The Learning Needs Assessment (LNA) is a personal tool that allows you to judge your confidence levels at the start and end of the module. The LNA is for your own use only and is neither marked nor assessed.
What is the Skills Passport?
The Skills Passport is a self-assessed checklist that maps the various skills you will cover in the modules according to the following domains:
- Observed skill (elearning) – you have completed the e-learning and viewed the videos relevant to this skill.
- Observed skill (simulation) – you have attended either a face-to-face session and/or an online community of practice session and have seen this skill demonstrated by a clinical educator.
- Completed (patient facing) – you have used this skill in practice with a patient and are confident in your ability.
As with the LNA, the Skills Passport is for your own use only and is neither marked nor assessed.
How will I be assessed?
For each module there is both a pre-test and post-test. The pre-test is designed to assess your baseline knowledge and as such is not marked, but you must complete it in order to progress the module.
Each module also has a post-test. You will have three attempts to pass the Gateway assessment. The pass mark is 80% (8/10 questions). Revision of the Gateway module content is recommended, as passing the assessment is a mandatory element of the training programme to enable access to the other modules.
For the topic focussed modules, two attempts will be allowed to pass the assessment. The pass mark is 80% (8/10 questions). Revision of the module content is recommended.
What happens if I fail the assessment?
Should this happen we will contact you to discuss next steps.
Do I get a certificate?
A certificate is awarded for each module that is successfully completed. The certificate will always be available on your profile page to download.
Face-to-face training
In addition to the e-learning modules, you will also be able to book onto face-to-face training sessions. These will commence later in August. Please note that you will only have the option to book onto a face-to-face training session once you have successfully completed the corresponding topic focused module (Dermatology (2 modules), Cardiology, Ear, nose & Throat or Paediatrics). Face-to-face sessions will be delivered as both online sessions and classroom-based sessions in the following locations:
- Birmingham: East Midlands and West Midlands
- Bristol: South-West
- Slough: London and South-East
- Manchester: North
All trainings sessions will be conducted in the evenings during the weekday as well as on weekends.
As training sessions become available, they will automatically appear on your profile for you to book on to.