Aim

To provide an overview of the management of chronic heart failure, thus equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to provide a comprehensive medicines management service to patients with this condition.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this section you should be able to:

• identify the risk factors for developing chronic heart failure
• classify heart failure according to disease severity
• recognise the symptoms of disease progression
• describe best practice guidance in relation to both the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of the condition
• provide advice to patients with heart failure on lifestyle changes that may alleviate symptoms
• list the palliative care needs of patients with end-stage heart failure
• identify your role in the management of this patient group.

Aim

To outline the responsible pharmacist regulations, highlighting the impact of the regulations on professional practice.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to;

• describe the role of the responsible pharmacist
• explain the law in relation to the responsibilities of the responsible pharmacist
• understand the requirements of the professional standards and regulatory guidance for responsible pharmacists
• access further information and resources to support the implementation of the responsible pharmacist regulations.

Aim

To equip learners to deliver an effective service to patients with dementia, and to their families and carers.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• define dementia and its subtypes
• identify any risk factors for dementia and describe what action can be taken to help prevent or slow progression of the disease
• describe the early symptoms of dementia and its differential diagnoses
• outline the screening and diagnostic process for confirmation of dementia
• discuss the pharmacology, side-effects, contra-indications, cautions, drug interactions and monitoring requirements for drugs use in the treatment of dementia
• understand the progression of dementia and the most common behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and the use of psychoactive medication to treat this
• appreciate the importance of interacting with the person in a person-centred way

Aim

To equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to provide pharmaceutical services to care homes.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to:

• detail the different types of care home and resident groups within homes
• describe the legislation and bodies governing care home services
• explain the role of the pharmacist in care homes
• offer advice on the use and control of medicines, including medicines management, record keeping, medicines storage and administration
• identify and address the training, advice and information needs of care home staff.