INTRODUCTION

FINANCE RELATED FAQs

How much is this service?

Pricing is outlined in the booking slot details and varies depending on the DPP location and the method of delivery.

Will you fund my University fees?

Unfortunately, we cannot fund your University fees. For any funded opportunities and suitable universities, please check the NHSE (HEE) website.

Will I get paid for my 90 hours of learning in practice? What if I deliver QOF reviews?

Completing QOF reviews during the 90 hours is considered part of your learning in practice hours and is not paid.

Will I lose my deposit or slot if the university application doesn’t go through?

Once you reserve your slot by paying the deposit, we cannot book another student for this slot. The slot dates of your shadowing/learning in practice are set. If you are unable to secure a University place, you can request a refund. Unfortunately, there will be an admin fee (£125) deduction from your deposit. We recommend planning ahead, so that you can apply for another university if one is unsuccessful. Occasionally, we might be able to change your slot to another one without any additional fees, but we cannot guarantee this and it will be on a case-by-case basis.

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UNIVERSITY RELATED FAQs

Can you help me with my University Application form?

You are responsible for filling out your University application form correctly; this is not part of our service. However, we are able to provide a letter of support for the need of your Independent Prescribing. Please email your training coordinator after you have successfully completed your online interview with us.

Which University can I apply to?

For a full list of accredited Universities providing IP training, please check the GPhC website here.

If I am using your DPP Finder Service, does it matter which university I apply to?

Some Universities may not be compatible with some of our DPPs due to their preferences. If you have booked a DPP slot and were told the University you are applying to is not compatible, you can request a full refund of your deposit or apply to another University. If you are selecting the remote method, it is your responsibility to ensure suitability with the individual University requirements. Please note that our remote model is not just shadowing your DPP online, it involves conducting clinics with patients remotely in combination with online meetings and reviews through MS Teams.

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DPP RELATED FAQs

DPP Selection Process: How are DPPs selected and vetted for your service? What qualifications and experience do they possess?

All of our DPPs are either experienced GPs, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, or Independent Prescribers with a minimum of three years of actively prescribing in their respected fields and have experience in training Pharmacists.

DPP Selection Process: How are DPPs matched with pharmacists?

All our DPP information and slots are available on our website, including their location, dates, and their specialist areas to allow you to browse and select the most suitable for your needs.

Can I choose my DPP?

Yes, absolutely. All DPP slots are available online for you to review and reserve.

Is my DPP a GP or a Pharmacist?

This will be outlined in the DPP slot details, please check before reserving your slot.

What happens if my DPP pulls out and can no longer support me?

Our DPPs are vetted and known to be reliable. However, emergencies can happen. In case of an emergency, we will endeavour to match you with one of our emergency cover DPPs at no extra cost. In the rare occasion that we are unable to match you with an emergency cover DPP, you will be guaranteed a full refund without any admin fees.

DPP Responsibilities and Roles: What are the specific roles and responsibilities of a DPP?

A DPP’s role is to mentor, support, and guide you to provide safe and efficient patient care while you are completing your 90 hours of shadowing/learning in practice. This is done through shadowing, reviewing your consultations, and providing you with feedback.

How much time can I expect my DPP to dedicate to my training?

Your DPP doesn’t have to observe you conducting clinics at all times but needs to ensure you are working safely. Either the DPP or their delegated healthcare professionals are available at all times during your 90 hours of Learning in Practice for support and to review your work. The exact time will vary and will depend on your level of competency.

Communication Channels: How will communication between myself and the DPP be facilitated?

The training coordinator will provide you with the contact details and the preferred method of communication once you have paid the full amount of the fee. The channel of communication will depend on the method of learning in practice (in person / remote / hybrid) you have selected.

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Issue Resolution: In case of any issues or disagreements with a DPP, what is the resolution process?

As professionals, you should have a discussion with your DPP to try and resolve any issues or conflicts. However, if there is any concern or whistleblowing, please contact your training coordinator who will escalate appropriately. If you have concerns regarding the training coordinator, please contact our management team using our office telephone 0203 935 1226.

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SERVICE RELATED FAQs

Eligibility Criteria: What are the eligibility criteria for pharmacists to use your DPP finder service?

You must be a GPhC Registered Pharmacist.

Do you only provide DPPs in Primary Care?

Yes, we currently only support Pharmacists with DPPs working in Primary Care.

Matching Process: How does the matching process between a pharmacist and a DPP work? Is there a system to ensure compatibility in terms of specialisation, experience, and location?

All our DPP information and slots are available on our website, including their location, dates, and their specialist areas to allow you to browse and select the most suitable for your needs.

Continuing Support: During completion of the programme, is there ongoing support or mentorship available other than my DPP?

Yes, you will join our dedicated clinical and administrative support Telegram group for any clinical, training, admin, and IT-related queries.​

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OTHER RELATED FAQs

​I've heard that some universities are against me paying for my DPP, is that true?

It is understandable that there are concerns regarding the payment for Designated Prescribing Practitioners (DPPs) and the potential impact this could have on their impartiality. The primary concern of universities is the possibility that a DPP's judgment might be influenced if their payment is contingent upon signing off a student as competent. This perceived conflict of interest is what universities often oppose.

However, our approach mitigates this concern effectively. We operate as an independent intermediary between students and DPPs. Our policy ensures that the DPPs are remunerated for their services after the completion of the shadowing or learning period, irrespective of whether they endorse the student's competence. This system is designed to eliminate any conflict of interest, maintaining the integrity of the assessment process.

It is important to recognise that paying for a service in the educational context is not inherently problematic. For example, university lecturers are compensated through student fees, yet their professional judgment remains unbiased, as their remuneration is not dependent on the success or failure of students in examinations. Similarly, our payment structure for DPPs is structured to uphold the same principle of unbiased professional judgment.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of educational integrity and fairness, ensuring that all assessments and sign-offs reflect the true competence of the students.