Current issue

October-December 2022

Volume 1, Issue 2

First published: 10 October, 2022

Total of 12 Group 2 and 6 Group 3 CPD credits available

CPD is available to College members only. To become a member of the College click here

Original research **FREE ACCESS**

The role of healthcare professionals in the medication management process in public hospitals in Kuwait: An observational study

By Mohammed Saada, Hana Morrissey, Patrick Ball

As pharmacists are aware, everyone makes mistakes. By understanding where they arise, pharmacists can work to limit and avoid mistakes in their own practice. Independent checking is valuable but not a panacea. Reporting, review and feedback are crucial steps in learning from errors. Safe medication practice includes all disciplines involved in the medication process. Read more

Feature **FREE ACCESS**

Probiotics and women's health: Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis

By Alexander Georgiou, AdvDip(Nat), AdvDip(Myo), Scientific Affairs Associate, Life-space Group

Patients may ask pharmacists and pharmacy staff about natural ways to treat bacterial vaginosis and vaginal thrush. It is important for staff to understand how these two conditions develop so that appropriate advice can be provided.. Read more

CPD - Clinical reviews

Gestational diabetes and breastfeeding: A patient perspective

By Gemma Macdonald, BSc (Hons), Diabetes Researcher (Freelance Research Specialist), Clinical Trial Coordinator (Core Research Group – Specialising in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Studies), Breastfeeding Counsellor (October 2014 to April 2022)

2 Group 2 CPD credits

The way pharmacists communicate with women with gestational diabetes can have a huge impact on mothers’ experience with breastfeeding, health outcomes for mother and baby, and reduce the stresses associated with diabetes that are often magnified during pregnancy. Read more

Long COVID Syndrome

By Karalyn Huxhagen B Pharm FPS AACPA MACP

2 Group 2 CPD credits

Ongoing symptoms after the acute stages of COVID-19 may not be considered by the patient to be related to their COVID illness. Pharmacists need to consider the potential for long COVID in patients describing symptoms, refer them for medical assessment when necessary, and advise on strategies to ease them through long COVID. Read more

COVID-19 and children: a summary for pharmacists

By Dr Sonal Patel BPharm, GCPH, PhD, MACP, Professional Development Pharmacist, Australasian College of Pharmacy

4 Group 2 credits or 6 Group 3 credits

The main aim of this article is to provide pharmacists with an overview of COVID-19 in children, including information about the prevalence, impact, risk factors for infection, symptoms in children and circumstances requiring medical attention, as well as the diagnosis, management and prevention strategies for COVID-19 in children. This article will also highlight the important role of vaccination and useful techniques that can be used when administering an injectable medicine to a child. Read more

CPD - Leadership and management reviews

Ready for anything: Preparing and responding to disasters for pharmacists

By Dr. Elizabeth (Libby) McCourt (B.Pharm, GradCertIntPubHlth, PhD)

2 Group 2 CPD credits

With the increase in frequency and severity of disasters globally, pharmacists need to prepare for potential impacts of disasters to enable ongoing medical care for their communities and support of their staff. Read more

Using rewards and incentives to attract, motivate, and retain staff

By Dr Brett MacFarlane, BPharm (Hons), PhD, FACP, Chief Pharmacist, Australasian College of Pharmacy

2 Group 2 CPD credits

Now, more than ever, pharmacy businesses are struggling to attract and retain pharmacists, and keep them motivated to continue delivering high quality service in the face of workforce shortages and increased work demands. This is placing a strain on the workforce and business, and potentially threatening continuity of service delivery. In the current environment, business owners and managers may be considering offering rewards and incentives to attract, motivate, and retain staff. This may sound simple, but if implemented incorrectly can miss the mark. Read more

Pharmacy practice brief

Supporting the journey of a patient diagnosed with vision loss

By Nabill Jacob - DOBA;CHE, BAppSc-orthoptics (USYD), MCommHlth(USYD), MIP(ACHSM)], Clinical Relationship Manager, Vision Australia.

Pharmacists can assist customers with vision loss by asking how they would prefer to receive information regarding their medicines and the preferred format of their medicine labels, helping them to find support services, making minor changes to store layouts to allow them to navigate the pharmacy safely, and using appropriate communication techniques. Read more

Case study

Managing the common adverse effects of oral isotretinoin

By Sofia Cabrera MACP AACPA, Professional Development Pharmacist, Australasian College of Pharmacy 

This case study outlines the pro-active role a pharmacist can take in helping patients manage the common cutaneous and mucocutaneous adverse effects of oral isotretinoin for acne. Read more