Outline

Overview

With reference to one of the central objectives of Australia's National Medicines Policy, the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM), students will focus on developing skills related to selecting management options wisely considering the risk and benefit to the consumer, choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary and using medicines safely and effectively. Students will explore the regulatory framework associated with medication management and focus on clinical pharmacological therapies relevant to their specialist area of practice as an advanced practitioner. Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) is one of the central objectives of Australia's National Medicines Policy and serves as a conceptual and practice framework for this unit of study. Quality Use of Medicines is defined as: considering and selecting the best management options for each individual wisely by considering both non-drug and drug options; choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary so that the best available option is selected by taking into account the individual, the clinical condition, the risks and benefits, dosage and length of treatment required, any coexisting conditions, other therapies the individual may be taking, monitoring considerations, costs for the individual, the community and the health system as a whole, and ensuring medicines are used safely and effectively to get the best possible results by monitoring outcomes, minimising misuse, overuse and underuse and improving people's ability to solve problems related to medication.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	NURS5088
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ludmila Ovchinikova, ludmila.ovchinikova@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Mary Kearns, mary.kearns@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Assessment 1a: Online prescribing modules Online modules and reflections	25%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1b. Online prescribing modules Online modules and reflections	25%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 2: Case study report Clinical case study	50%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical or creative task	Assessment 4: Clinical log 60 hours (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) Clinical log	0%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	60 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Assessment 3: Clinical assessments (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) Clinical assessments	0%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	3 clinical assessments	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1a & 1b - Online Prescribing Modules: Students will complete a total of six assessable online learning activities. These activities include five clinical case studies designed to deconstruct the process of prescribing, to develop skills in seeking information related to use of medicines, and the application of a stepwise approach to medication management; and one Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) case study.
Assessment 2 - Case Study Report: Students will choose a case from their own area of practice, of a patient who requires a pharmacotherapeutic intervention, and evaluate the intervention utilised in relation to best evidence. Students will evaluate the processes untaken to manage the patient’s medication and compare and contrast this against principles of rational prescribing as detailed in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Principles of Good Prescribing. Additionally, students will draft a personal formulary of the medication(s) prescribed in the case.
Assessment 3 - Clinical Assessments: Students are required to complete 3 clinical assessments relating to QUM at an advanced and extended practice level. The clinical assessment should be made by the Primary Clinical Supervisor following a period of partnered supervised clinical practice. It is based on the assessor’s observations of student performance and will include further questioning as required, along with a review of at least three clinical cases which both the supervisor and student have managed together.
Assessment 4 - Clinical Log: Students will need to complete 60 hours supernumerary integrated professional practice (SIPP) verified in writing by their approved Primary Clinical Supervisor. Students will submit a clinical log demonstrating that they have fulfilled the required clinical hours, verified by their Primary Clinical Supervisor.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items, and each submission needs to be of an assessable standard, in order to be eligible to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero marks will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Week 01	Overview and understanding QUM; Practicalities of prescribing; Professional resources; Prescribing framework; Prescription writing; QUM in practice; Online modules.	Block teaching (15 hr)
Week 05	Overview and understanding QUM; Practicalities of prescribing; Professional resources; Prescribing framework; Prescription writing; QUM in practice; Online modules.	Block teaching (7 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:

It is expected that all students participate and fully engage with this unit of study by attending all teaching-related activity (e.g. study days, lectures, tutorials, laboratories, workshops), being prepared for tutorials and laboratories or workshops, contributing to discussions in class and online, and providing and receiving feedback in a respectful and professional manner. Students are required to attend a minimum all Study Days and related in-person or online teaching activity. Students who are absent from study days in a particular unit of study without approval, in any one semester, are at risk of being deemed to have failed that unit of study.

Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

Assignment formatting guidelines: Unless the unit coordinator has indicated otherwise, please make sure your submitted assessments are formatted as follows:

font: use Calibri or Arial in 11 - 12 point
double line spacing
margins: 2.5cm each side
use page numbers
refer to assessment instructions for use of title and headings

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed via Canvas and the The University of Sydney Library (https://www.library.sydney.edu.au/)

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of guidelines and standards for prescription and administration of medications, and the ethical and legal responsibilities as an advanced practice clinician
LO2. Use a rational-prescribing approach to the use of medicines considering risk, benefit and optimisation of dosage regimens, as well as long-term effects of medication use for consumers and society
LO3. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) in its widest context including the impact on the patient’s/client’s family, and awareness of the context of prescribing
LO4. Critically evaluate sources of pharmaceutical information and other resources to guide advanced nursing practice with pharmaceutical therapies.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 3.1. Statement 3.1: Prescribes indicated non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions 3.3. Statement 3.3: Practices in accordance with federal, state and territorial legislation and professional regulation governing nurse practitioner practice
	Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 2.1. Statement 2.1: Translates and integrates evidence into planning care 2.3. Statement 2.3: Considers quality use of medicines and therapeutic interventions in planning care
	Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 2.2. Statement 2.2: Educates and supports others to enable their active participation in care 2.3. Statement 2.3: Considers quality use of medicines and therapeutic interventions in planning care 3.2. Statement 3.2: Maintains relationships with people at the centre of care
	Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 2.1. Statement 2.1: Translates and integrates evidence into planning care 2.4. Statement 2.4: Refers and consults for care decisions to obtain optimal outcomes for the person receiving care 4.1. Statement 4.1: Evaluates the outcomes of own practice

Nurse practitioner standards for practice -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
2.1		Statement 2.1: Translates and integrates evidence into planning care
2.2		Statement 2.2: Educates and supports others to enable their active participation in care
2.3		Statement 2.3: Considers quality use of medicines and therapeutic interventions in planning care
2.4		Statement 2.4: Refers and consults for care decisions to obtain optimal outcomes for the person receiving care
3.1		Statement 3.1: Prescribes indicated non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions
3.2		Statement 3.2: Maintains relationships with people at the centre of care
3.3		Statement 3.3: Practices in accordance with federal, state and territorial legislation and professional regulation governing nurse practitioner practice
4.1		Statement 4.1: Evaluates the outcomes of own practice
4.2		Statement 4.2: Advocates for, participates in, or leads systems that support safe care, partnership and professional growth

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

More time has been allowed between assessments 1a and 1b for students to reflect upon and incorporate feedback.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5077: Quality Use of Medicines in Practice

Semester 2, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links