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time the APF became more than a formulary and the 'handbook' section
grew and developed with each new edition. As a student my APF was
a compulsory text and we were encouraged and stimulated to make
use of its diverse information.
As I started
to work in community and hospital pharmacy and then developed
my skills to become an accredited pharmacist I was always on the
search for new texts or sources of information that would assist
me in my diverse area of the practice of pharmacy.
My APF started to become a neglected text as all of the new and
great 'clinical handbook's" and websites became available
and finally I was able to afford to purchase some of these.
Over the past
few years I have 'rediscovered' my APF and the valuable information
that it contains.
This 'discovery' was caused by a complete rewrite of the training
package for the pre-registration students and pharmacy assistants
that we employ and also when I was writing a lot of the background
material for our QCPP policies.
The APF has evolved into a very concise and easy to use handbook
and reference for all pharmacists. The current version is also
available in a CD format and has a multi user licence available.
When speaking
with my colleagues I have found many of us were in the same situation-we
all had it on our shelves, it arrives, you give it a quick peruse
and then it sits on the shelf waiting to be used.
When you take the time to really read the chapters you are stunned
to find information that you had searched for many a time.
I am often asked as to the value of a particular text and this
is one that is a 'must have' for all pharmacists.
The new look
APF 19 is an even more comprehensive guide than previous editions
and all pharmacists should make an effort to actually read through
their edition when it arrives. A brief outline of the contents
are:
Section A:
Dispensing advice which include extemporaneous dispensing, formulary
including children and paediatric formulary, methadone and buprenorphine
dispensing, cautionary and advisory labels.
Section B: Clinical notes which include counseling and medication
review points, special considerations for special conditions e.g.
pregnancy, dosage and optimal concentration ranges
Section C: Clinical and therapeutic information which includes
areas like dosing in renal impairment, modifications of oral formulations,
drugs and breastfeeding, wound management and much more
Section D: Complementary medicines including evidence-based medicine,
information on uses, contraindications and interactions
Section E: Health resources including internet resources, exclusion
periods for infectious diseases, travel health, poisons, drugs
in sport, food additives, TGA regulation and much more
Section F: Standards and guidelines which contains the professional
practice and S2 and S3 standards, privacy legislation, DMMR framework
and much more.
This is only
a brief precise of the depth of material in this valuable reference
book.
The price of this book is not indicative of the depth of material
that it contains and in my opinion it is very affordable for both
students and practicing pharmacists.
Like all good reference books if we do not use it and stimulate
our young pharmacists to use this tool then the financial viability
of this text will be in jeopardy.
We need to 'use it or we will lose it."
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