ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Pharmacy (PgD Pediatric Pharmacy)

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Advanced Principles of Paediatric Pharmacology

• Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of paediatric pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including the impact of age-related physiological differences on drug action.
• Analyse how growth, development, and maturation influence drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion across different paediatric age groups (neonates, infants, children, and adolescents).
• Evaluate the role of genetic variability, nutrition, co-morbidities, and environmental factors in shaping therapeutic responses in children.
• Apply advanced pharmacological knowledge to optimise medication use and improve outcomes in paediatric patients with complex needs.

Clinical Therapeutics in Paediatric Pharmacy

• Apply evidence-based therapeutic approaches to manage a wide range of acute and chronic paediatric conditions across multiple specialities.
• Critically evaluate the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of prescribed medicines in paediatric patients, ensuring rational and individualised therapy.
• Develop, justify, and communicate comprehensive treatment plans that balance clinical effectiveness with the minimisation of adverse effects.
• Engage with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure integrated care pathways that support paediatric patients and their families.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt treatment decisions to cultural, social, and ethical considerations within diverse healthcare settings.

Medicines Safety, Legislation, and Risk Management

• Critically examine international, national, and local legal frameworks, policies, and ethical principles governing the prescribing, dispensing, and administration of paediatric medicines.
• Identify and analyse common sources of medication errors in paediatrics, including prescribing, dosing, dispensing, and administration challenges.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies that improve medication safety and minimise the incidence of adverse drug events.
• Apply professional judgement and ethical reasoning in responding to clinical scenarios involving potential risks, legal implications, or ethical dilemmas.
• Evaluate real-world case studies to recommend improvements in clinical practice, healthcare policy, and patient safety initiatives.

Research Methods in Clinical and Pharmaceutical Practice

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research design, methodologies, and approaches relevant to paediatric pharmacy and clinical practice.
• Develop the ability to formulate research questions, design protocols, and implement studies that address current challenges in paediatric healthcare.
• Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to collect, analyse, and interpret data with accuracy and reliability.
• Critically appraise published research, assessing its validity, reliability, and applicability to paediatric pharmacy practice.
• Use statistical and analytical tools to evaluate findings and generate evidence-based recommendations for improving pharmaceutical care.
• Present research outcomes effectively in written, oral, and digital formats to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Evidence-Based Practice and Decision-Making in Paediatrics

• Integrate research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to support effective and ethical decision-making in paediatric pharmacy.
• Critically evaluate clinical guidelines and protocols, adapting them to suit the unique needs of individual paediatric patients.
• Demonstrate advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex, uncertain, or high-risk clinical situations.
• Assess the value of collaborative practice and interprofessional teamwork in ensuring safe, effective, and holistic paediatric care.
• Apply critical thinking and reflective practice to continuously improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Leadership and Professional Development in Paediatric Pharmacy

• Demonstrate advanced leadership skills by effectively managing teams, supporting colleagues, and contributing to organisational goals in healthcare and pharmacy.
• Critically reflect on personal and professional practice to identify strengths, areas for development, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
• Promote and engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain expertise and respond to the evolving demands of paediatric pharmacy.
• Lead and contribute to service improvement initiatives that enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of paediatric pharmaceutical care.
• Develop the capacity to influence policy, advocate for patients, and contribute to innovations in paediatric pharmacy at both local and international levels.
• Build resilience, adaptability, and professionalism to meet the challenges of advanced pharmacy practice in dynamic healthcare environments.