Ateneo - UPO

The in-depth modules on Clinical Pharmacology are an integral part of the course [MS0178] – Clinical Pharmacology; please refer to the section dedicated to this course. The course provides an in-depth look at clinical pharmacology, aiming to consolidate the application of pharmacological knowledge within key areas of nursing practice. The study of major drug classes will be organized by body system and pathology, highlighting the specific characteristics and clinical uses of each class. In particular, the course will analyze therapeutic principles, efficacy and safety profiles, and nursing care considerations regarding medications used for cardiovascular, metabolic, and hematological conditions, as well as in emergency situations. Special emphasis will be placed on the clinical monitoring of pharmacological treatments and 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 "Advanced Clinical Pharmacology" module is part of the Integrated Course on Clinical Nursing in the Medical Area; it carries 1 ECTS credit and consists of 12 hours of classroom instruction. The course aims to explore the clinical aspects of pharmacotherapy in greater depth and to consolidate fundamental knowledge and skills regarding major drug classes. Students are expected to acquire an adequate understanding of the mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics of key drug groups, as well as the balance between desired and undesired effects, and to be able to recognize potential acute and chronic adverse drug effects. By the end of the course, students will have gained the tools necessary to understand the therapeutic rationale behind major pharmacological treatments, evaluate their efficacy and safety profiles, and identify issues related to their clinical management. Attention will be paid to monitoring pharmacological therapies, preventing and recognizing adverse reactions and drug interactions, and managing patients with acute and chronic conditions requiring complex therapeutic interventions. The course integrates basic pharmacological knowledge with elements of applied clinical pharmacology and aims to foster independent judgment, communication skills, and learning capabilities. Furthermore, students must develop an awareness that appropriate pharmacological therapy is subject to constant critical review, driven by both the introduction of new drugs and the emergence of new adverse effects.

The student must possess the essential knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, general pathology, and pathophysiology.

All classes will be held in the classroom, accompanied by PowerPoint presentations; active student participation is encouraged whenever their knowledge allows. Materials used during class will be uploaded to the course's DIR page.

The teacher is available by appointment via email.
Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request specific services and tools by consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-fragilità-disabilità-dsa-bes. Once they have contacted the University staff, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN may contact the course teacher to discuss the specific arrangements for exams and other teaching-related aspects.

Assessment of learning outcomes consists of a written exam comprising three multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each with a single correct answer. These three questions form part of the written exam for the "Clinical Nursing in the Medical Area" course, of which the "Advanced Clinical Pharmacology" course is a component.

The "Advanced Topics in Clinical Pharmacology" module is an integral part of the [MS0178] Clinical Pharmacology course. Open the section dedicated to this course. The Advanced Topics in Clinical Pharmacology curriculum complements and rounds out the Clinical Pharmacology course. Specifically, drugs from each class will be evaluated comparatively, with particular attention paid to their specific pharmacokinetic characteristics, mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and the practical implications of their use in clinical practice.

Upon completion of the "Advanced Clinical Pharmacology" course—and in alignment with the educational objectives of the Nursing Degree Program and 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 fundamentals of general pharmacology and the pharmacological and toxicological characteristics of various drug classes. In particular, they will be able to:
describe key aspects of clinical pharmacology relevant to managing pharmacological therapy in patients;
understand the factors responsible for variability in drug response and the implications for nursing practice;
identify the main therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, and safety issues associated with drugs of major clinical importance.
D2 – Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire the ability to use theoretical knowledge to reason critically regarding the administration of various drugs. In particular, they will be able to:
interpret information regarding pharmacological treatment in relation to a patient's clinical characteristics;
recognize potential issues associated with pharmacological therapy, including adverse reactions and drug interactions;
apply principles for monitoring the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments within the context of nursing care.
D3 – Making judgements
Students will acquire the ability to critically examine the knowledge they have gained and to independently discuss issues arising from its practical application. In particular, they will be able to:
critically evaluate the pharmacological information necessary for patient management;
recognize situations requiring attention, monitoring, or communication to the responsible healthcare personnel.
D4 – Communication skills
Students will acquire the ability to communicate the knowledge they have gained using specific and appropriate terminology, enabling professional interaction. In particular, they will be able to use appropriate pharmacological terminology when communicating with the healthcare team and in care documentation.
D5 – Learning skills
Students will develop learning skills that facilitate continuous and constant professional updating in the field of pharmacology.