Summary

This is an in-house bespoke programme designed for pharmacists working in general practice, primary care and other community settings.  There is a large element of physical examination skills training with opportunity to practice examination skills on each other.

Delegates must read through each booklet and review the anatomy videos before attending the classroom teaching. It is not a requirement of this course to submit this document. A case study approach is used to explore differential diagnoses, and pharmacological and non pharmacological interventions including safety netting and worsening care advice. 

On completion of the Minor Illness Course, you will develop your confidence to assess patients with a range of minor illness conditions of the respiratory, abdominal, gastrointestinal, dermatology, ENT, eye conditions, gynae, sexual health, contraception and mental health presentations in urgent care, general practice, walk in centres and community settings. Includes physical examination skills. You are advised to work with a mentor and complete the competency document. This competency document is for your own learning and it is recommended you complete with supervision of a mentor.

Pre Requisites

• Be a registered healthcare professional with a minimum of 2years post qualifying experience.
• Relevant workplace opportunities and organisational support with an identified mentor is encouraged to support completion of skills portfolio in clinical environment and improve competence after attending the minor illness course. *** This minor illness course is suitable for healthcare professionals new in the role with limited experience seeing and treating patients independently.

***Completion of this course does not award competence or the title of Advanced Practitioner. This is obtained with experience, mentorship and completion of relevant educational courses.

Who should attend

• Nurse Practitioners
• Independent prescribers
• Allied health professionals
• Pharmacists
• Paramedics
• Overseas doctors
• Physician Assistants

• Demonstrate knowledge of pathophysiology in management of minor illnesses.
• Critically consider ethical and legal issues that influence decision-making in seeing and treating minor ailments and working in independent roles.
• Reflect on risk management constraints when planning a safe discharge or referral to other agencies and members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Develop skills in ensuring clinical practice is evidence based through engagement with local organisation policy and current health strategy in primary care.
• Recognise importance of multi-professional working for effective and safe management of minor ailments.