Published by Computachem Services

P.O Box 297.
Alstonville. 2477
NSW Australia

Phone:
61 2 66285138

One of the most difficult components of our tremendous profession is that information seems to go out of date so quickly and easily. New theories are developed and tested as to what best models of practice are, and as to what first line therapy should become. For each feature article in each pharmacy journal, one hour should be dedicated to its reading and revision. One could work a forty hour week just sifting through the major Australian Pharmacy/Health journals, and for those of us who have sparse attention spans, nothing seems to sink in beyond paragraph three.

So what to do? How can we liven up the learning process and diversify our knowledge and understanding?

In July, the PSA and Monash University launched the "Advanced Webskills for Pharmacists" program, aimed at developing pharmacists ability to find quality information on the internet.
A twelve hour program over four weeks which allowed the pharmacist to work through concepts such as Boolean searches, and rating websites as reputable sources.
It worked through bulletin boards and special interest groups.
I understand that the program was so overwhelmingly popular that spaces ran out, and that it shall be launched again in November of this year.
Very, very worthwhile.

Late last month, the PSA held a satellite broadcast on Reflux.
While resentment and backlash has been directed at the sponsors of the evening in question on pharmacy bulletin boards, I believe the PSA did a good job.
I don't recall one of the keynote speakers being influenced by the new Proton Pump Inhibitor on the market, and the "advertorial" was left to the end of the presentation (and lets face it, someone has to pay for these things).
I was also very happy to hear that a whole new series of satellite broadcasts has been planned.
This gives rural pharmacists in particular a hassle free opportunity to take part in CPE, and receive information in a different medium than simply reading.

Also late last month, I headed Sydney-wards to partake in the Pharmacy Graduate Training Course Weekend seminar.
A variety of information was presented, from illicit drug manufacturing (how to recognize, not how to do!), to a speech from a HIC representative, and a wide variety of information on marketing and business strategy.
Some questioned the validity of the marketing and business series of lectures, I think it was tremendous foresight of the PSA and PGTC organizing committee to give an indication to graduates about how a pharmacy business works, something that was only touched on sparsely at University.
Furthermore, tremendous insight meant that Sunday's program was somewhat lighter, allowing for those who had taken advantage of seven dollar Long Island Ice Teas at the Clock Hotel on the previous night.

Probably one of the highlights of the many good CPE opportunities out there are the specialist pharmacy packages put together by Pharmacy Self Care.
Having opted to try the Diabetes specialist package, I received a variety of patient oriented resources and information sources, including the newest Endocrinology guidelines.
Progressing through the course broadens the reader's horizon, as it takes one through the disease state, involving other healthcare professionals, and business strategies of using the new specialty program.
The program requires somewhere between thirty and fifty hours for completion, but one can take up to six months to complete it.
So impressed with the quality of the package, I am eager to begin the smoking cessation and asthma programs as soon as time and finances permit.

Through each of the above methods, I have been able to use information from continuing education to better counsel patients.
While there are the obvious time and financial constraints, one should really have a real dig at continuing education.
Raising the bar and increasing professionalism through training should ensure pharmacy's future as a reputable source of information.