Paediatric Pharmacy

Introduction

This programme will equip overseas pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to deliver safe and effective paediatric pharmaceutical care. It is delivered as a structured clinical internship that embraces the concept of workplace-based learning and assessment.  The module is facilitated by senior pharmacists within the Evelina London Children’s Hospital (ELCH) in partnership with colleagues at King’s College Hospital (KCH) and Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital (RBH). The programme is accredited by King’s Health Partners (KHP), an academic health science centre located in London, United Kingdom. It comprises King’s College London, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Overview of programme

The programme will cover aspects of the following areas:

• Pregnancy and the first month of life
• Childhood issues
• Drug Handling and Pharmacokinetics
• Nutrition
• Gastroenterology
• Cardiology
• Respiratory
• Nephrology
• Surgery
• Neurology
• Endocrinology
• Infectious diseases
• Intensive care
• Neurosurgery
• Liver Disease
• Haematology and Oncology
• Palliative Care

Format

Interns will be embedded within the hospital pharmacy teams at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, King’s College Hospital, and Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital.  They will work alongside, and learn from, experienced paediatric clinical pharmacists and other members of the multidisciplinary team within a variety of specialist clinical areas.  They will receive one-to-one tuition and supervision and will take part in case discussions and ward-based tutorials. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to patient care and interact with patients, their carers and healthcare professionals. A unique focus of this programme is the opportunity for interns to be totally integrated in the delivery of ward-based paediatric pharmacy services at the hospital.  Interns will also join the pharmacy team’s weekly teaching and training activities. To complement and support the clinical experience gained within the hospital environment, interns are also expected to complete a programme of self-study and workplace-based assessments which are accredited by King’s Health Partners.

Educational aim

The internship aims to equip pharmacists with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to deliver comprehensive pharmaceutical care to paediatric patients.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the evidence-based use of medicines in the management of commonly-encountered paediatric clinical conditions.
• Demonstrate how pharmacokinetic principles affect drug handling in neonates and children in practice.
• Advise on the selection of appropriate drug formulations for neonates and children.
• Discuss how medication errors may occur in the paediatric population and how risk can be minimised. 
• Discuss how the pharmaceutical licensing system impacts the use of medicines for children.
• Respond to medication-related queries using appropriate and reputable local, national and international paediatric resources. 
• Demonstrate clear and effective communication and consultation skills with patients, their families and other healthcare professionals.

Individual weekly timetables will be created depending on each visiting professional’s requirements.

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to visitors upon the end of their programme.

Assessment

Competency assessments will test underpinning knowledge, patient-centred decision making and application of theory to practice.  A summary of the assessment requirements is as follows:

Participants who successfully complete all assessment elements will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. 

Who can apply

This internship is for non-UK pharmacists with an interest in paediatric pharmaceutical care. Experience in paediatric pharmaceutical care is not essential but would be an advantage for those attending. Interns are expected to have worked in a hospital setting.

Programme duration

The internship is designed to run over twelve weeks, although applications for shorter periods will be considered. We are currently accepting applications for internships and the dates for starting the programme are flexible

Paediatric Pharmacy service

The programme will cover the following areas: 

• Pregnancy and the first month of life 
• Drug handling and pharmacokinetics 
• Gastrointestinal disorders 
• Respiratory disease (including asthma, croup, cough, hay fever, cystic fibrosis) Renal disease (including transplantation) 
• Endocrine disorders 
• Neurological and metabolic disorders 
• Childhood infections (including respiratory, otitis media and externa, sore throat, community acquired pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, bacterial meningitis, fungal infections, eye infections, urinary tract infections). 
• Dermatology 
• Neurosurgery 
• Liver disease 
• Paediatric and neonatal intensive care 
• Parenteral nutrition

Fees

A course fee per week will be applied; this fee will cover the accreditation from KCL but excludes accommodation and travelling expenses. To find out the fee amount please email vpp@gstt.nhs.uk.

Please note

Clinicians are able to offer bursaries or discounted placements on an individual basis. This is at the discretion of the Directorates of GSTT and does not affect the terms and conditions of the Visiting Professional Programme agreements.