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Audit of non-medical prescribing activity at Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre

Non-medical prescribers (NMP) have taken on roles that were traditionally undertaken by medical staff. This project aims to audit non-medical prescribing activity across NMP professions in the oncology and haematology directorate in the Oxford Cancer Centre.

Department: Pharmacy

Supervised by: Nilesh Patel

The Placement Project

The incidence of cancer has increased to one in two people being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. With an ageing population and increased number of systemic anticancer treatments (SACT) available, SACT activity and patient numbers have increased in cancer centres and cancer units across the UK. This increase in activity impacts on the capacity of medical staff to review all patients. Therefore, non-medical prescribers (NMP) have taken on roles that were traditionally undertaken by medical staff. At Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUHFT) Cancer Centre, radiographers, nurses and pharmacists work as non-medical prescribers. They work within multidisciplinary clinics undertaking SACT toxicity reviews, and in symptom control clinics. This project aims to audit non-medical prescribing activity across NMP professions in the oncology and haematology directorate in the Oxford Cancer Centre. This would be a 4 week audit and would entail working with a variety of NMPs – radiographers, nurses, pharmacists.

Tasks

The students’ duties will include creating an audit tool, analysing the results of this, and providing a report of the findings.

Skills, knowledge and experience required

The student will not need any prior healthcare experience, although this would be desirable. Good communication and IT skills are essential and the student will be expected to be able to work independently. They must be prepared to work in Oxford and adhere to hospital guidelines regarding hygiene, working safely and respecting patient confidentiality.

Skills which will be developed during the placement

The student will gain knowledge and experience of the hospital environment, multi-disciplinary team working, how patients are managed, the culture of patient safety, research methodology and communication skills.

Place of Work

University of Reading and the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust (liaising with the Cancer Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical teams (contact will be Nicola Stoner)).

Hours of Work

Full time

Approximate Start and End Dates (not fixed)

Monday 15 June 2020 - Friday 24 July 2020

How to Apply

The post will be advertised centrally on the UROP website between 24th February and 3rd April 2020. Any interested student should apply via email (nilesh.patel@reading.ac.uk) attaching a CV with a covering letter detailing why you would want to undertake the project and what makes you the best person to do this work. Successful candidates will then be invited to interview.


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