How to Become a DPP

Becoming a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) can seem daunting, yet sharing your expertise with aspiring professionals is immensely rewarding. This short article guides you through the streamlined process we have designed to make it more straightforward and less intimidating.

Here are the key steps:

Step 1: Training

If you lack experience in training others, begin with NHSE-funded online training to become a DPP. This equips you with the necessary skills to mentor effectively.

Step 2: Student Selection

We interview and select students who are responsible and eager to learn, and we address many of their questions before they meet you.

Step 3: Pre-Training Deployment

We provide over £1,000 worth of training, including:

1. Clinical Pharmacist Accelerator Programme (£345)

2. SystmOne + EMIS Web

3. Clinical Decision Making in Primary Care

4. Live drop-in OSCE-style assessment sessions

5. What Good Looks Like (£50)

6. Setting up Repeat Dispensing in Primary Care

7. Clinical Medication Review [20 conditions] (£345)

8. A module relevant to their specialty, such as A-Z of Asthma/Hypertension (£245)

Step 4: University Application Assistance

We ensure students adequately complete their university applications before reaching you.

Step 5: Ongoing Support

We provide on-demand clinical support and have a dedicated coordinator to facilitate smooth training.

Step 6: Mentorship Focus

You focus on mentoring rather than teaching basics. We ensure your schedule is filled with well-prepared students.

Step 7: Financial Management

As an independent third party, we manage finances and compensate you irrespective of the student’s assessment outcome. This guarantees ethical standards and recognises your hard work.

Step 8 - Deciding on the set up

You need to consider the following:

A. There are three main elements to the 90 hours of learning in practice: 

1. Shadowing DPP

2. Shadowing others

3. Conducting clinics

   1. Under full supervision

   2. With regular debriefs

   3. Independently

B. Method of learning in practice

1. In-person

2. Remote

3. Hybrid

C. Training schedule

1. In blocks of 12 consecutive days with 7.5 hours per day

2. Twelve 7.5 hour days the same day each week spread out over 12 weeks. (recommended)
   

D. The number of students per at any one time

We recommend one student per day, but you can have multiple students throughout the week.

We can advise you on the set up, just reach out!

Step 9 - Engagement with Your Management Team

Discuss making your workplace a training site. Present the following benefits to your management team:

1. Additional Income Stream: Introduce a new revenue channel through training fees.

2. Access to Future Talent: Training is an effective method to evaluate potential future hires.

3. Efficiency in Task Handling: Trainees can help manage routine tasks, freeing up experienced clinicians for more complex care.

4. Increased Patient Access: More hands on deck means more patient appointments, enhancing service availability.

5. Support for QOF Workload: Utilise trainees to manage Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) tasks, easing the rush before deadlines.

6. Focus on Acute Care: Freeing up GPs to concentrate on critical care areas by delegating routine care to trainees.

7. Professional Development: Enhance your team's skills in leadership and training, adding value to their professional growth.

Extra key points for Success

1. Effective Organisation and Clear Communication: These are crucial for success. It's important to confirm details in writing and maintain a clear email trail of conversations with your team. This ensures that everyone is aligned and understands the expectations.
   

2. Financial Arrangements: While the practice benefits from additional work done, discuss how the income from training should be managed. Agreeing on the utilisation of these funds ensures transparency and mutual understanding within the team.
   

We work with a diverse range of DPPs nationwide and understand the unique challenges and opportunities this role offers. We look forward to supporting you in this rewarding journey!

Ready to advance your career?

To begin your journey as a Designated Prescribing Practitioner click here.

Have questions or need guidance?

Schedule a consultation with our team and explore how we can support your success here.