Ateneo - UPO

Advanced topics in Clinical Pharmacology are an integral part of the course Clinical Pharmacology; please refer to the section relating to that course. The module provides advanced studies in clinical pharmacology designed to consolidate the application of pharmacological knowledge in the main areas of nursing practice. The main drug classes will be studied by organ system and by disease, highlighting the specific characteristics and the clinical use of each class. In particular, the therapeutic principles, the efficacy and safety profiles and the nursing care aspects related to the drugs used in cardiovascular, metabolic and haematological diseases and in emergency situations will be analyzed. Particular attention will be devoted to the clinical monitoring of pharmacological treatments and to the management of patients undergoing complex therapies.

- Farmacologia generale e speciale per lauree sanitarie (Cella, Di Giulio, Gorio, Scaglione), Piccin.
- Compendio di farmacologia Generale e Speciale (Roxas Amico M., Caputi A.P., Del Tacca M), EDRA.

The Clinical Pharmacology module is part of the Integrated Course of Clinical Nursing in the Medical Area; it is worth 1 CFU, with 12 hours of classroom teaching. The module aims to explore the clinical aspects of pharmacotherapy and to consolidate the basic knowledge and skills relating to the main drug groups. The student must acquire an adequate knowledge of the mechanisms of action and the kinetics of the main drug groups, as well as of the relationship between desired and undesired effects, and must be able to recognize any harmful effects of drugs, both acute and chronic. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the tools needed to understand the therapeutic rationale of the main pharmacological treatments, to evaluate their efficacy and safety profiles and to recognize the issues related to their clinical management. Particular attention will be devoted to the monitoring of pharmacological therapies, to the prevention and recognition of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions, and to the management of the patient in acute and chronic conditions that require complex therapeutic interventions. The module integrates basic pharmacological knowledge with elements of applied clinical pharmacology and aims to develop independent judgement, communication skills and learning ability. The student must also develop the awareness that appropriate pharmacological therapy is subject to constant critical revision, both because of the introduction of new drugs and because of the emergence of new adverse effects.

To achieve the expected learning outcomes, the student must have acquired the essential knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, General Pathology and Pathophysiology.

All lessons will be delivered in the classroom with PowerPoint presentations, and the active participation of students is encouraged where their prior knowledge allows. The materials used during the lessons will be uploaded to the course DIR page.

The teacher receives students by appointment, to be arranged via email.
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The learning assessment consists of a written exam with 3 single-option multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These 3 questions are part of the 10 Pharmacology MCQs that form the final written examination for Clinical Nursing in Medical Care, which encompasses the Advanced Clinical Pharmacology module. A comprehensive description of the assessment methods for the examination of the Integrated Course in Clinical Nursing in the Medical Area is provided in the syllabus of the Integrated Course

The Advanced Clinical Pharmacology syllabus integrates and completes the Clinical Pharmacology course. In detail, drugs within each class will be evaluated comparatively, with a focus on their specific pharmacokinetic properties, mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and the practical implications of their use in clinical practice.

By the end of the Advanced Topics in Clinical Pharmacology module, in line with the educational objectives of the Degree Programme in Nursing and with the Tuning Matrix, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined according to the Dublin Descriptors.

D1 – Knowledge and understanding
Students will know and understand the basic concepts of general pharmacology and the pharmaco-toxicological characteristics of the different drug classes. In particular, they will be able to:
- describe the main aspects of clinical pharmacology useful for managing drug therapy in patients;
- understand the factors responsible for variability in drug response and their implications for nursing practice;
- demonstrate knowledge of the main therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, and safety issues associated with drugs of major clinical interest.

D2 – Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire the ability to use theoretical knowledge to reason critically about the administration of the various drugs. In particular, they will be able to:
- interpret information regarding pharmacological treatment in relation to the patient's clinical characteristics;
- recognize potential issues related to drug therapy, including adverse reactions and drug–drug interactions;
- apply principles of monitoring the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments within the scope of nursing care.

D3 – Making judgements
Students will acquire the ability to critically examine the knowledge acquired and to discuss independently the issues arising from its practical application. In particular, they will be able to:
- develop the capacity for critical evaluation of the pharmacological information necessary for patient management;
- recognize situations that require specific attention, monitoring, or communication to the responsible healthcare team.

D4 – Communication skills
Students will acquire the ability to convey the knowledge acquired using specific and appropriate terminology, so as to engage in a professional manner. In particular, they will be able to use appropriate pharmacological terminology in communication with the healthcare team and in nursing documentation.

D5 – Learning skills
Students will develop learning skills useful for continuous and ongoing updating in the pharmacological field.