Mental Health Training Modules
Pharmacists in Queensland, Western Australia or Northern Rivers New South Wales have an opportunity to gain CPD points (and some financial reimbursement) by completing on-line education modules in mental health. The modules, due to become available in August this year, will focus on the role of community pharmacy staff in the treatment of consumers with mild to moderate mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

To enrol, pharmacy staff agree to:

• recruit (through their pharmacy) 1-2 consumers and/or carers for a brief exit interview
• complete a brief (15 min) pre-training questionnaire on-line.

To take part, or for further information, (free) call on 1800 600 687, email: mentalhealth@griffith.edu.au or visit: http://www.mentalhealthproject.com.au.

The project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing as part of the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement Research and Development Program managed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Ethics approval has been obtained from the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (PHM/13/11/HREC).

If you are a member of AJP (Australian Journal of Pharmacy) or have access to the articles, online assessment is now available on mycpd.org.au (Guild). It is free to sign up!

Two articles are available for Group 2 credits.

• Vol. 93 (1102) March 2012-Disease State Management
• Vol. 93 (1102) March 2012-Current Drug Information

Complete assessment with 75% or greater to receive credits. Alternatively, you can self record Group 1 CPD credits allocated at 1.0 credit per hour of learning if you choose not to attempt the assessment.

New Pharmacist CPD modules have just been published in Retail Pharmacy (March edition 2012) thanks to the Guild (Pharmacy Academy). The first CPD Module is titled ‘Bank’s important role during cautious climate’ located on page 49. This article is written by Neil Featherstone a Director of Pinn Deavin (leading accounting management and consulting firm). The second CPD module is titled ‘What makes a good Loyalty retailer?’ located on page 51 written by Andrew Pattinson (General Manager of Instigo).

Each article has been accredited for 0.5 Group 2 CPD upon successful completion of assessment. Pharmacists’ can self record details or alternatively can submit their answers at mycpd.org.au

Just a reminder to Pharmacists’, if you still have the February edition of Pharmacy News, there are two free Pharmacist CPD quizes to be completed. The first module is on “Prevention and vigilance’ located on page 21 by Dr Angela Dean a research pharmacist based at UQ and the Mater Children’s Hospital. The second module is titled More than a blush (‘Rosacea is a chronic but manageable inflammatory condition’) located on page 29 which is also well written by the same author.

Reckitt Benckiser has just released a Group 3 Pharmacist CPD Training. Pharmacists will be required to educate a small group of their Pharmacy assistants in-store, based upon an article on OTC Analgesics written by Dr Hetzel and Professor Bjarnason.

Phamacists will need to self-report their facilitation to this activity in order to claim 2 CPD (Group 3).

If you have not heard from your local Nurofen Rep, please login to your dashboard for contact details.

iTherapeutics has just released a NEW Pharmacist accredited CPD Module. By completing the module Pharmacists will be able to recommend this powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to patients suffering from arthritis and joint pain.

Ethical Nutrients has just released two more Pharmacist CPD (continuing education) modules. Ethical Nutrients continues to play a vital role in Pharmacist education by keeping you up to date with the latest natural medicine research, and providing information on products to help you get the best health outcomes for your customers!

Urogenital Health – Pharmacist CPD Module (2 CPD, Group 2)

• “This CPD Module looks at what causes yeast overgrowth and vaginal itch and the role of specific probiotics in helphing relieve vaginal itch and irritation.”

Urinary Tract Infections - Pharmacist CPD Module (2 CPD, Group 2)

How to complete Pharmacist CPD Modules provided by Ethical Nutrients

1.  Log onto  Ethical Nutrients
2. Register your details
3. Choose the module you would like to complete
4. Watch the short video
5. Read the technical data
6. Complete the multiple choice quiz.

Participation in the Veteran’s MATES topic will entitle Pharmacists to 1 accredited CPD credit (Self Record).

Pfizer has teamed up with e-pharmlearning to bring Pharmacists 2 smoking cessation case studies (4 modules).

Case Study 1

Module 1: Setting the Stage

Focuses on health care professionals playing a crucial role in smoking cessation amongst their patients and their community.

Module 2: Getting Started 

Educating patients on the benefits of quitting, how to get them started, and strategies to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Case Study 2

Module 3: Pharmacotherapy and Treatment of Nictine Addiction

Learn about the main forms of pharmacotherapy available to your patients – nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion and varenicline.

Module 4: Meeting the Challenges

Identifying barriers associated with smoking cessation such as co-morbid mental illness and/or drug or alcohol addiction. Collaborating with other health professionals through a shared care approach.

Each module is worth 1.5 CPD – Group 2!

Osteoporosis Australia – Bone Health Pharmacist CPD Module

Osteoporosis Australia has teamed up with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to promote an awareness campaign on bone health. The online activity is accredited for Group 2 activity for 0.5 CPD credits. This campaign emphasises how important Pharmacists’ role is in the prevention of osteoporosis, by simply ensuring optimal calcium and vitamin D intake in Australia.

Learning Objectives

• “Optimal calcium & vitamin D levels are important in maintenance of skeletal health”
• “Average dietary intake of calcium in Australia is below recommended levels”
• “Low Vitamin D levels and vitamin D deficiency can be easily addressed”
• “Specific exercises can assist bone health”
• “Compliance with osteoporosis medications is vital to reduce risk of fracture in patients with diagnosed osteoporosis”