Hours of learning: 12

Publication date: 2006

Aim
To help develop your knowledge and skills in relation to pharmaceutical care of substance misusers.

Intended learning outcomes
Having completed this course you should be able to:

• explain the terminology and definitions used in substance misuse and extent of substance misuse
• identify the principal drugs and substances misused, the risks faced by patients, and areas in which the pharmacist can help
• describe the transmission and prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV, identify treatments and outline advice to be given to avoid or minimise transmission
• outline the purpose as well as legal and ethical issues of needle exchange schemes
• explain the role of substitute prescribing and supervised methadone administration schemes
• outline the importance of building good relationships with drug misusers
• discuss new treatments and tests relating to drug misuse.