Manchester School of Medical Sciences joins Better Meds Edu Programme

Manchester’s School of Medical Sciences, the largest in the UK, and part of the University of Manchester, has joined the Better Meds Edu Programme, bolstering the digital readiness of its students and equipping them for the demands of contemporary clinical practice.

The move aims to equip Manchester University’s students with the knowledge and skills needed for electronic medicine prescribing and administration.

Following in the footsteps of other institutions such as Liverpool John Moores University, Hull York Medical School, Newcastle University School of Pharmacy, University College London, and the University of Plymouth, Manchester University’s commitment to Better Meds underscores its dedication to preparing future healthcare professionals for the digital transformation of medicine management.

Better Meds Edu Programme is designed to provide students with an immersive and comprehensive educational experience in electronic medication management, preparing them for the evolving landscape of clinical practice.

This initiative introduces students to the principles of prescribing, reviewing, and administering medications electronically while emphasising the critical aspect of patient safety in this modern healthcare technology.

Hiten Mitha, senior lecturer and academic lead for MBChB Prescribing and medicines safety at the University of Manchester said: “This will build on the current systems in place to ensure electronic prescribing and medicines management is fully embedded into the programme.

“Undergraduate medical students will have hands-on experience of using this system where they can learn and prepare for clinical practice. This is vital to graduating clinicians, ensuring confident and competent consideration of patient safety in the current and future digital healthcare environment.”

In the UK, there are 45 medical schools, 30 pharmacy schools, and 90 nursing schools, collectively producing over 30,000 healthcare graduates annually. As traditional paper-based prescriptions become increasingly obsolete, the Better Meds Edu Programme empowers students to be active participants in the digital transformation of healthcare.

Students participating in the Meds Edu Programme are exposed to simulations of electronic medication management, clinical scenarios, and workflows that enable them to practise and enhance their decision-making skills in clinical practice.

Dr Mark Murphy, senior lecturer in clinical simulation at Liverpool John Moores University, highlighted the broader scope of the programme, adding: “Better Meds is not only about medicine prescribing and administration but also patient safety, decision-making, and the development of clinical skills.”

Professor David Hepburn, honorary professor at Hull York Medical School, said initiatives such as Better’s Meds Edu programme are vital for the future of the NHS. “The introduction of the Better Meds ePMA significantly enhanced our prescribing course, providing up-to-date skills acquisition in utilising electronic medication management and prescribing systems.

“The opportunity to acquire essential skills in prescribing, reviewing, and administering medicines using electronic tools is invaluable in their preparation for clinical practice.”

Manchester University’s decision to adopt Better’s Meds Edu Programme aligns with the global movement towards electronic healthcare management and underlines the institution’s commitment to providing its students with cutting-edge, industry-relevant education.

Digital in healthcare is very much front of thinking in the region of Manchester. In November, the Greater Manchester Health and Care Digital Transformation Strategy was launched, detailing how digital, data and technology will combine to transform care in the region and improve patient outcomes.