E-learning modules: medicines
Updated 8 February 2022
© Crown copyright 2022
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/e-learning-modules-medicines-and-medical-devices/e-learning-modules-medicines-and-medical-devices
1. Overview
1.1 Medicines modules
Our educational modules on medicines were written for healthcare professionals responsible for prescribing, supplying or administering medicines.
The modules have not been updated since they were created, and healthcare professionals should use caution and consider content alongside more updated resources and the Summary of Product Characteristics for each medicine. During the period of review, some technical functions may not work.
2. Continuing professional development (CPD)
If you are claiming CPD credits, for audit purposes we recommend that you:
- retain any pages you print
- retain any notes you make
- write a reflective commentary on what you have learned and how this may help in your practice
3. E-learning module on Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)
We have created a free e-learning module for doctors and other healthcare professionals to learn about the importance of reporting suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
The European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), part of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), gave this module the highest order of accreditation. Doctors are awarded 1 EACCME credit (1 hour CPD) on completion of the 45 minute ADR e-learning module.
‘Adverse Drug Reactions: reporting makes medicines safer’
The module was developed as part of the SCOPE Joint Action project to raise awareness levels of ADR reporting. Please complete this short survey upon completion of the free e-learning.
4. Antipsychotics
This e-learning module is under review.
The content in the module has not been updated since it was created, and healthcare professionals should use caution and consider content alongside more updated resources and the Summary of Product Characteristics for each medicine. During the period of review, some technical functions may not work.
Antipsychotics are prescribed very widely, mainly for psychosis, but also for other indications. This module identifies the most important hazards of antipsychotics and informs on actions that health professionals can take in order to anticipate, minimise and manage the risks.
It will take you about 3.5 hours to complete the module. It doesn’t have to be done in one sitting. You will need about 30 minutes to answer the multiple-choice questions and to check your answers against the question feedback we have provided.
Used with summaries of product characteristics and authoritative guidelines on the clinical use of antipsychotics, this module will help to maximise the benefits of antipsychotics
On completion of the module you will be able to:
- recognise any antipsychotic drugs you encounter and how the drugs are classified
- list important risks of antipsychotic drugs in general
- outline factors that contribute to the risks of antipsychotics and how the risks can be reduced
- identify important drug interactions of antipsychotics
- outline the risks of special uses of antipsychotics (eg in the elderly with dementia, use of immediate-acting and prolonged-action parenteral antipsychotics and of clozapine) and how these risks can be minimised
5. Benzodiazepines
This e-learning module is under review.
The content in the module has not been updated since it was created, and healthcare professionals should use caution and consider content alongside more updated resources and the Summary of Product Characteristics for each medicine. During the period of review, some technical functions may not work.
Benzodiazepines are prescribed widely, mainly for the management of anxiety, insomnia and epilepsy. Other indications include:
- management of alcohol withdrawal
- muscle spasm
- sedation in dental and medical procedures
- in surgery
This module identifies the most important hazards of benzodiazepines and informs health professionals how to anticipate, minimise and manage the risks. Used with summaries of product characteristics and authoritative guidelines on the clinical use of benzodiazepines, this module will help to maximise the benefits of benzodiazepines.
On completion of the module you will be able to:
- recognise any benzodiazepine drugs you encounter
- list important risks of benzodiazepines in general
- outline factors that contribute to the risks of benzodiazepines and how the risks can be reduced
- identify important drug interactions of benzodiazepines
It will take you about 2 hours to complete the module. It doesn’t have to be done in one sitting. You will need about 20 minutes to answer the multiple-choice questions and to check your answers against our question feedback.
6. Corticosteroids
The link to access this module has been removed during the period of review.
7. Opioids
This e-learning module is under review.
The content in the module has not been updated since it was created, and healthcare professionals should use caution and consider content alongside more updated resources and the Summary of Product Characteristics for each medicine. During the period of review, some technical functions may not work.
Opioids are prescribed very widely, mainly for managing pain. This module identifies the most important hazards of opioids and shows how you can anticipate, minimise and manage the risks.
Completing the module will take about 2 hours. You will need about 30 minutes to answer the multiple-choice questions and to check your answers against the question feedback.
On completing the module, you will be able to:
- recognise opioid medicines you come across
- list important risks of opioids
- outline factors that contribute to the risk of opioids and how the risks can be managed
- identify important drug interactions of opioids
- list the principles of managing opioid overdose
8. Oral anticoagulants
The link to access this module has been removed during the period of review.
9. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
This e-learning module is under review.
The content in the module has not been updated since it was created, and healthcare professionals should use caution and consider content alongside more updated resources and the Summary of Product Characteristics for each medicine. During the period of review, some technical functions may not work.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) form the most widely prescribed class of antidepressants. This module identifies the most important hazards of SSRIs and informs on actions that health professionals should take in order to minimise and manage the risks.
This training module is for medical, nursing and pharmaceutical professionals. It is suitable for those nearing the end of their formal training or those who have recently completed their training. Also, health professionals will find the module a helpful refresher, for example, at the start of a posting in clinical psychiatry.
Completing the module will take about 2 hours and answering the self-assessment questions will take about 30 minutes. You may need to re-read and review specific areas, particularly when answering the self-assessment questions.
Used in conjunction with authoritative guidelines on disease management, this module will help you maximise the benefits of SSRI treatment.
You will be introduced to common adverse effects as well as rare but serious risks of SSRIs and learn how the risks can be minimised and managed.