Prescribing medication is a critical skill that every medical student must learn. With stricter prescribing standards introduced by the GMC (General Medical Council), it has become even more important for medical students to become proficient in safe prescribing practices. To help students meet these requirements, Helen Bradbury and Barry Strickland Hodge have written a comprehensive guide titled “Learning to Prescribe: Understanding and Applying Principles of Safe Practice.”

This book is specifically tailored to the needs of medical students and covers all aspects of prescribing as mandated by the GMC. It provides a thorough understanding of the principles of prescribing law and ethics, professional responsibilities, patient communication, prescribing for at-risk groups, avoiding common errors, and what to do in case of mistakes.

One of the key features of this book is its direct link to the prescribing competencies outlined in the GMC’s “Tomorrows Doctors” and “Good Practice in Prescribing Medicines” documents. This ensures that students are learning the essential skills required for their practice. To make the learning process more engaging and practical, the authors have included real-life prescribing case studies and scenarios that relate the principles to actual practice situations and clinical placements.

The book also includes activities at the end of each chapter to test the student’s prescribing knowledge and skills. These activities provide an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned and reinforce their understanding of the material. Additionally, there are test questions for the new Prescribing Skills Assessment, helping students prepare for this important assessment.

Product Details

• Publisher: Learning Matters; 1st edition (December 20, 2013)
• Language: English
• eBook Digital: 184 pages
• ISBN-10: 1446256405
• ISBN-13: 978-1446256404

Book Review

“Learning to Prescribe” is an invaluable resource for medical students embarking on their prescribing journey. The book covers everything students need to know about safe and effective prescribing, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future medical practice.

The authors, Helen Bradbury and Barry Strickland Hodge, have done an excellent job of presenting the material in a clear and concise manner. The real-life prescribing case studies and scenarios bring the concepts to life and help students understand how to apply them in practical situations. This approach not only enhances learning but also promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

One of the standout features of this book is its alignment with the GMC’s prescribing competencies. This ensures that students are learning the necessary skills and knowledge required by the regulatory body. The inclusion of activities and test questions further helps students consolidate their learning and confidently prepare for assessments.

Overall, “Learning to Prescribe” is a highly recommended resource for medical students. It provides comprehensive coverage of safe prescribing practices, supports the development of essential skills, and ensures compliance with GMC guidelines. With its practical approach and engaging case studies, this book is an indispensable tool for any aspiring doctor.

If you are a medical student or a healthcare professional looking to enhance your prescribing skills, ordering “Learning to Prescribe: Understanding and Applying Principles of Safe Practice” is a wise investment. Not only will it serve as an excellent reference during your training, but it will also equip you with the necessary knowledge and abilities to prescribe medication safely and effectively for your future patients.

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