LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy
As populations age worldwide, healthcare systems face new challenges in meeting the complex needs of older adults. With advancing age comes an increased reliance on medicines, often involving multiple prescriptions that require careful monitoring to avoid harmful interactions. This is where geriatric pharmacy plays a vital role. It is not simply about dispensing medicines—it is about tailoring pharmaceutical care to the unique physiological, psychological, and social needs of elderly patients.
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (D Geriatric Pharmacy) highlights the importance of this discipline in modern healthcare. Geriatric pharmacy ensures that medication regimens are safe, effective, and aligned with best practices for aging populations. As chronic diseases, polypharmacy, and age‑related vulnerabilities continue to rise, professionals trained in this field are essential for safeguarding patient health and improving quality of life. For learners, engaging with this subject is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to compassionate, evidence‑based care, strengthen healthcare systems, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medicine for older generations.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced knowledge of pharmaceutical care for elderly populations. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as age‑related pharmacology, polypharmacy management, compliance frameworks, patient safety, ethical considerations, and international healthcare standards in geriatric pharmacy.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand geriatric pharmacy, apply evidence‑based approaches, and align with global standards effectively. It highlights the type of learners the program is aimed at, the skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Readers will also discover how this internationally recognized qualification opens opportunities in hospitals, community pharmacies, long‑term care facilities, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in geriatric pharmacy.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201198-1 | Advanced Geriatric Pharmacology | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201198-2 | Medication Management in the Elderly | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201198-3 | Clinical Assessment and Patient-Centered Care | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201198-4 | Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Geriatric Pharmacy | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201198-5 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Geriatric Pharmacy | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201198-6 | Leadership and Quality Assurance in Pharmacy Services | 20 | 80 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (D Geriatric Pharmacy) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in pharmaceutical care for older adults. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as polypharmacy, medication safety, and adherence to international standards. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where geriatric pharmacy is central to healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on elderly care.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in geriatric pharmacy.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of age‑related medication management.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in long‑term care.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in polypharmacy and patient safety.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into geriatric pharmacy roles.
- Career changers interested in elderly healthcare and pharmaceutical practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for geriatric pharmacy careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Advanced Geriatric Pharmacology
Learners will be able to:
- Analyse age-related physiological changes and their impact on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Evaluate the risks and benefits of polypharmacy in elderly patients.
- Identify potential drug-drug and drug-disease interactions in geriatric care.
- Apply principles of safe prescribing and dose adjustment in older adults.
- Critically assess emerging pharmacological research relevant to geriatric populations.
Unit 2: Medication Management in the Elderly
Learners will be able to:
- Develop and implement personalised medication plans for geriatric patients.
- Monitor medication adherence and address barriers to compliance.
- Recognise, prevent, and manage adverse drug reactions in older adults.
- Utilise clinical guidelines to optimise pharmacotherapy in elderly patients.
- Apply strategies to reduce polypharmacy and enhance medication safety.
Unit 3: Clinical Assessment and Patient-Centred Care
Learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of geriatric patients, including physical, cognitive, and functional evaluations.
- Apply patient-centred care principles to improve health outcomes.
- Communicate effectively with older adults and their caregivers.
- Formulate clinical decisions considering comorbidities and individual patient needs.
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches into geriatric care planning.
Unit 4: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Geriatric Pharmacy
Learners will be able to:
- Apply ethical principles to decision-making in geriatric pharmacy practice.
- Demonstrate understanding of legal frameworks governing pharmacy and patient care.
- Maintain professional standards, confidentiality, and informed consent.
- Identify and manage ethical dilemmas in elderly patient care.
- Evaluate organisational policies to ensure compliance with professional regulations.
Unit 5: Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Geriatric Pharmacy
Learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise research literature relevant to geriatric pharmacy.
- Apply evidence-based guidelines to clinical practice.
- Design and conduct basic clinical audits or research projects in pharmacy settings.
- Analyse and interpret data to improve patient outcomes.
- Integrate research findings into professional practice and decision-making.
Unit 6: Leadership and Quality Assurance in Pharmacy Services
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills within pharmacy teams.
- Implement quality assurance and audit practices in pharmacy services.
- Develop strategies to enhance patient safety and service delivery.
- Evaluate organisational performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Promote a culture of continuous professional development and best practice.
