Gaining Global Experience at University of Teesside Elective Placement

This year, five IMU Pharmacy students had the opportunity to conduct their Elective placement at the University of Teesside, UK from 22 April to 3 May 2024.

Their clinical placement was conducted at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, a tertiary referral hospital and regional major trauma centre. There are over 200 members of staff in the Pharmacy Department which covers different areas in the hospital such as aseptic manufacturing, acute care, cardiology and so on.

Aims of the Placement

The placement lasted two weeks, during which they were assigned to various departments to gain a well-rounded understanding of a clinical pharmacist’s work routine. The primary purpose of this placement was to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of pharmacy, observe the interdisciplinary collaboration within the hospital, and enhance their clinical skills and knowledge.

Through the placement, the students aimed to identify the role and responsibilities of hospital pharmacists, gaining an in-depth understanding of the various functions and duties they perform within the hospital setting. This included observing medication dispensing, patient counselling, and clinical decision-making processes.

Secondly, they sought to learn about common medications used in the hospital and the typical interventions made by pharmacists. This involved understanding the rationale behind medication choices and how pharmacists ensure patient safety and effective treatment through their interventions.

Thirdly, students learn to appreciate the importance of effective communication, both among healthcare professionals and with patients. Recognizing that clear and precise communication is crucial for successful patient outcomes, they focused on how pharmacists collaborate with other healthcare team members and interact with patients to provide comprehensive care.

They were assigned to the Pharmacy Department at James Cook University Hospital. The team consisted of pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and pharmacy technicians, each with clearly defined roles. Pharmacists were responsible for clinical decision-making, medication dispensing, and patient consultations. Pharmacy assistants supported pharmacists in their daily tasks, while pharmacy technicians handled technical aspects of medication preparation and distribution.

The students accompanied the pharmacist on their rounds to the hospital wards.

Initially, their role was primarily observational, watching and learning as the pharmacist performed the various tasks. They observed how the pharmacist conducted medication reconciliations, ensuring that the medications patients were taking matched their medical records and were appropriate for their current treatment plans. They observed how pharmacists communicate with patients, providing them with essential information about their medications, potential side effects, answering their questions, and addressing any concerns. This interaction helps to improve patient adherence to treatment plans and ensures that patients are well-informed about their care.

Additionally, they observed the process of taking patients’ medication history, where the pharmacist gathered comprehensive information about patients’ medication use, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and any known allergies.

As they became more familiar with these processes, they were given the opportunity to participate hands-on in these activities supervised by a pharmacist. They performed medication reconciliations, ensuring the accuracy of patients’ medication lists and identifying any discrepancies. They also conducted patient counseling sessions, where they communicated directly with patients about their medications, providing them with important information and addressing their concerns. Taking patient medication history was another critical task they undertook, which involved gathering detailed medication information to inform treatment plans.

Furthermore, they had the opportunity to work closely with a multidisciplinary team, which included doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. This collaborative environment allowed them to see how different team members contributed to patient care and how pharmacists played a crucial role in this process.

One particularly valuable experience was when Jia Wen and Shi Cheng managed to speak with a specialist nurse and a practitioner about a patient’s medication. This interaction highlighted the importance of effective communication and teamwork in ensuring optimal patient outcomes. By discussing the patient’s medication regimen with the specialist nurse, they gained insights into the specific considerations and adjustments needed for the patient’s treatment plan.

One of the most valuable aspects of their learning experience was gaining in-depth knowledge about the common medications used in the hospital. Through comprehensive study, they delved into a wide range of drugs, encompassing their therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications. This knowledge not only equipped them with a deeper understanding of pharmacotherapy but also provided them with the tools to apply this information in real-world situations. Recognizing the significance of this practical application, they realized how crucial this is for managing and adjusting medication regimens tailored to different patient populations.

What The Students Learnt?

This placement provided them with profound insights into the daily operations of a hospital pharmacy, expanding their understanding of the pharmacist’s pivotal role in patient care and medication management. Throughout their placement at James Cook University Hospital, they observed firsthand how pharmacists are integral to the healthcare system, ensuring that medications are used safely and effectively to optimize patient outcomes.

Additionally, they witnessed firsthand the critical interventions pharmacists make to ensure patient safety, such as identifying potential drug interactions, contraindications, and ensuring appropriate dosing. These interventions are pivotal for preventing adverse drug events and ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatment.

The placement also allowed them to develop practical skills in using pharmacy management systems. They became proficient in entering and retrieving patient information, managing medication orders, and utilizing electronic health records.

These systems are vital for maintaining accurate and up-to-date information, which is crucial for patient safety. Through these tasks, they understood the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in pharmacy practice. Any errors in medication management can have serious consequences, so it is essential to double-check information and ensure that all records are precise and complete.

In general, their placement highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare, which the students came to appreciate. This collaboration is fundamental to providing comprehensive patient care. They observed how pharmacists contribute their expertise to the team, offering valuable insights into medication management and patient safety.

For example, during ward rounds and team meetings, pharmacists provided recommendations on drug therapy, monitored patient progress, and collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop and adjust treatment plans. This teamwork ensures that all aspects of patient care are considered and addressed.

In addition to these clinical skills, they also learned about the broader aspects of pharmacy practice, such as the importance of ethical considerations and professional behavior, including the ethical dilemmas that pharmacists may face, for example balancing the need for patient confidentiality with the necessity of sharing information with the healthcare team. Observing how experienced pharmacists navigate these challenges was incredibly instructive.

Looking back, they felt that their placement at the hospital was truly eye-opening. It taught them so much about what pharmacists do in a hospital and made them even more excited about pursuing a career in pharmacy. The skills and knowledge they gained would be helpful as they continue their career path in this profession. They are really grateful for the experience and can’t wait to use what they learned to help people in the future.