Recorded webinars

Tutors

• Mr Greg Miller
  Pharmacy adviser, SPPG
• Ms Claire Young
  Lead General Practice Pharmacist, Mid Ulster GP Federation

Aim

To provide an update of the current evidence base relating to the therapeutic management of asthma in primary care.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Outline the new joint BTS/NICE/SIGN guideline, covering diagnosis, monitoring, and chronic asthma management
• Explore the implementation in practice of MART (Maintenance and Reliever Therapy) and AIR (Anti-Inflammatory Reliever) combination regimens
• Acknowledge diagnostic advancements, including insights from local FeNO pilot studies
• Discuss low carbon inhaler prescribing and greener disposal via community pharmacy
• Identify potential areas for improvement in your current practice.

Tutors

• Dr Ian Menown
  Consultant Cardiologist and Director of Interventional Cardiology, SHSCT.
• Ms Patricia Campbell
  Consultant Cardiologist

Aim

To provide an overview of the evidence-based management of heart failure in primary care.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Identify the risk factors for developing chronic heart failure
• Classify heart failure according to disease severity and recognise the symptoms of disease progression
• Advise patients on key lifestyle interventions
• Manage patients with heart failure according to updated NICE guidance
• Identify areas where changes to your current practice may be required

Tutors

• Ms Elena Brewer
  Training Officer, ASCERT

Aim

To enable the pharmacy team to identify and support individuals who drink in excess of the recommended guidelines.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Highlight the health risks and social consequences of drinking alcohol
• Understand the alcohol unit system and apply it to individual consumption
• Use and interpret an appropriate alcohol screening tool
• Recognise the risks of mixing alcohol with prescription or over-the-counter medication
• Communicate brief advice effectively and confidently to patients about their alcohol consumption
• Signpost individuals to local advisory and support services.

Tutors

• Ms Elena Brewer
  Training Officer, ASCERT

Aim

To enable the pharmacy team to identify and support individuals who drink in excess of the recommended guidelines.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Highlight the health risks and social consequences of drinking alcohol
• Understand the alcohol unit system and apply it to individual consumption
• Use and interpret an appropriate alcohol screening tool
• Recognise the risks of mixing alcohol with prescription or over-the-counter medication
• Communicate brief advice effectively and confidently to patients about their alcohol consumption
• Signpost individuals to local advisory and support services.

Tutors

• Ms Patricia Clarke
  Development and Training Manager, Carers Scotland

Aim

To enhance the knowledge and confidence of pharmacy professionals in recognising, supporting, and signposting carers to appropriate services.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise the role of unpaid carers and the challenges they may face
• Identify individuals who may be acting as carers
• Provide appropriate support and signposting to services, including statutory, third sector, health and wellbeing, and financial or practical support
• Explain key rights of carers

Aim

To promote the safe, effective and appropriate prescribing of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in primary care.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar you will be able to:

• Appreciate the range of underlying causes of malnutrition
• Provide advice to support the food first approach
• Identify when it is appropriate to use oral nutritional supplements in line with the seven step approach and the Northern Ireland Formulary
• Review the ongoing appropriateness of oral nutritional supplements and discontinue when no longer indicated
• Refer to guidance to support prescribing decisions on the use of oral nutritional supplements in palliative care and substance misuse

Tutors

• Dr Heather Bell
  Associate Postgraduate Pharmacy Dean
• Mrs Wendy Evans
  FTY Lead, NICPLD

Aim

To provide an overview of the 2025/26 Foundation Training Year (FTY).

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Describe the key changes to the FTY 2025/26 programme and the three training pathways available for trainee pharmacists
• Explain the requirements of the FTY framework, including the prescribing practice period (PPP) requirements
• Outline the curriculum and assessment strategy for the FTY 2025/26
• Discuss the role and responsibilities of educational supervisors (ES), designated prescribing
practitioners (DPP), and other practice supervisors in supporting trainee pharmacists
• Participate in an Q&A session to discuss any queries about the 2025/26 FTY.

Tutors

• Miss Jennifer McCormack
  Diabetes Specialist Nurse, SHSCT
• Mrs Laura O'Hanlon
  Lead Pharmacist for Diabetes and Endocrine, SHSCT

Aim

To equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills required to support patients using insulin delivery devices.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Describe the key differences between the main types of insulin
• Explain the range of insulin delivery devices available and how they work
• Provide practical advice and support to patients using insulin delivery devices
• Counsel patients effectively when switching between insulin delivery devices
• Identify potential challenges and safety concerns associated with switching insulin delivery devices.

Tutors

• Ms Nicola Burchmore
  Community Infant Feeding Lead, WHSCT
• Ms Claire Guy
  Specialist Paediatric Dietitian, WHSCT
• Ms Emma McCammon
  Pharmacy Adviser, SPPG
• Ms Maria Somers
  Health Visitor, WHSCT
• Ms Emma Willox
  Health Visitor, WHSCT

Aim

To provide an update on the best practice for the management of Cows Milk Allergy (CMA).

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise normal newborn behaviour and identify the signs and symptoms of CMA
• Recommend appropriate treatment options based on current evidence based guidance
• Understand the importance of ongoing review with a view to deprescribing where appropriate
• Provide comprehensive advice, support and reassurance to parents and carers regarding the management of children with CMA
• Refer appropriately and seek advice from dietetics when managing children with CMA.

Tutors

• Mr Timothy McClure
  Senior Clinical Practice Pharmacist

Aim

To equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to identify and manage patients at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise the main modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes
• Identify those patients at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Provide patient education and lifestyle advice to patients at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Appreciate the importance of managing lipids and blood pressure to minimise cardiovascular risk

Tutors

• Ms Tiffany Ki
  OPAT / Microbiology Pharmacist

Aim

To provide an overview of a range of common antimicrobial infections and how these can be effectively managed in practice.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise the clinical features of a range of common antimicrobial infections
• Describe the management strategies for a range of common antimicrobial infections
• Provide comprehensive advice and support to patients regarding the management of common antimicrobial infections
• Identify red flag symptoms and refer appropriately

Tutors

• Mr Scott Gill
  Lead Pharmacist, Ards Federation
• Ms Davina Carr
  Clinical Teaching Fellow and GP

Aim

To provide an overview of the pharmacological management of chronic pain.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand the latest NICE guidance for treating chronic pain, encompassing primary and secondary chronic pain
• Outline the pharmacological management of chronic pain, including nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain
• Communicate the risks associated with dependence-forming medicines with patients
• Undertake a medication review in consultation with the patient and deprescribe or reduce inappropriate medicines through a shared decision-making process.

Tutors

• Mrs Carmel Darcy
  Consultant Pharmacist Older People, WHSCT.
• Ms Rachel Orr
  Lead Pharmacist for Adult Community Mental Health Team, NHSCT

Aim

To equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills required to support the safe and effective optimisation of medicines for older people living with dementia.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Describe the different subtypes of dementia and how they differ in presentation
• Identify the risk factors for dementia and explain strategies to help prevent or slow disease progression
• Outline the pharmacological treatment options for dementia and understand the progression of the disease
• Recognise and manage the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) using non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies
• Optimise medication use and deprescribe when appropriate throughout the course of the disease, using an evidence-based and person-centred approach.

Tutors

• Ms Jayne Agnew
  Consultant Pharmacist (Older People), SHSCT

Aim

To equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills required to support the safe and effective management of osteoporosis in older patients.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand the pathophysiology of osteoporosis
• Recognise the risk factors for osteoporosis and identify high risk patients
• Assess a patient’s risk of osteoporosis using appropriate assessment tool and support patient’s in managing their risk
• Describe the management strategies for osteoporosis including pharmacological and non-pharmacological options and monitoring requirements
• Provide comprehensive advice and support to patients regarding the management of osteoporosis

Tutors

• Ms Mary McBride
  Pharmacy Advisor, SPPG
• Ms Clare Stevenson
  Speech and Language Therapist and Dysphagia Coordinator SEHSCT

Aim

To provide an overview of the best practice in recognising and responding to dysphagia in adult patients and how dysphagia relates to medication options.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Identify of eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties in adult patients
• Recognise the needs of patients with swallowing difficulties and when Speech and Language therapy should be involved
• Outline IDDSI descriptors and how thickeners may be used within different IDDSI levels
• Understand the stepwise approach to medication selection for patients with dysphagia
• Signpost to resources to assist with medication selection
• Utilise learning from local serious adverse incidents to reduce patient harm

Tutors

• Ms Lisa Gracey (Rafferty)
  Coach | Facilitator | Mindfulness Teacher

Aim

To develop the competence and confidence of mentors in dealing with mentees presenting with mental health and/or mental wellbeing issues.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Use effective communication skills to acquire an understanding of the mentee’s mental health and mental wellbeing status
• Identify a range of appropriate questions to ask the mentee
• Undertake an open and supportive conversation with a mentee reporting to have mental health and/or mental wellbeing issues
• Outline a range of strategies, including self-supporting strategies to support positive mental health and wellbeing
• Identify organisations to which mentees can be signposted for further advice and support.

Tutors

• Ms Lisa Gracey (Rafferty)
  Coach | Facilitator | Mindfulness Teacher

Aim

To empower mentors with increased confidence, knowledge and skills to support the effective workplace performance of mentees.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar you will be able to:

• Recognise the skills required of an effective workplace mentor
• Understand how to encourage and motivate your mentee within the workplace setting
• Learn how to collaboratively identify individual learning and development needs
• Apply the skills to support different levels of performance in the workplace.

Tutors

• Dr Louise Taylor
  Neurodivergent Therapist and Consultant

Aim

To equip mentors with the knowledge and skills to optimise the contribution of trainees with neurodiverse conditions to the pharmacy workplace

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar you will be able to:

• Recognise and understand the different neurodivergent conditions that may be seen within the workplace including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
• Acknowledge the strengths that mentees with a neurodiverse condition bring to the workplace setting.
• Appreciate the challenges that mentees with a neurodiverse condition may experience in the workplace.
• Identify the best practices to ensure inclusivity in the workplace, including communication strategies and reasonable accommodations.
• Support mentees with neurodiverse conditions to perform optimally within your workplace.

Tutors

• Ms Lisa Gracey (Rafferty)
  Coach | Facilitator | Mindfulness Teacher

Aim

To empower mentors with increased confidence, knowledge and the skills to have challenging conversations in the workplace.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar you will be able to:

• Identify key concerns about holding a challenging conversation
• Identify the barriers and understand the professional skills required for effective communication during challenging conversations
• Use evidence based techniques to effectively prepare for and participate in challenging conversations
• Recognise how to prevent challenging conversations from escalating
• Engage in challenging conversations, when necessary, within the workplace setting.

Tutors

• Ms Lisa Rafferty Gracey
  Professional Coach

Aim

To empower mentors with increased confidence, knowledge and the skills to give and receive constructive feedback in the workplace.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar you will be able to:

• Understand the purpose and value of constructive feedback
• Recognise the different evidence-based models available to deliver constructive feedback
• Identify which evidence-based model to use in different situations to deliver constructive feedback
• Deliver appropriate, timely and constructive feedback, to mentees, in formal and informal settings within the workplace.

Tutors

• Mr Canice Ward
  Chief Executive Officer, PSNI
• Ms Lisa Byers
  
• Dr Carolyn Adgey
  Consultant Gastroenterologist, BHSCT
• Dr Joy Watson
  Addictions Consultant, BHSCT

Aim

To provide a discussion forum to explore the potential misuse of OTC opioid products. Specifically, to recognise the signs and symptoms of their misuse, discuss and explore strategies to manage the supply of these medicines in the community pharmacy setting and provide support to patients who have developed problems with these products.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Define the terms misuse and dependence
• Recognise signs of opioid misuse and dependence
• Consider strategies to help prevent/reduce the abuse of opioid products in a community pharmacy setting
• Discuss the risks of potential misuse/dependence with patients
• Share your knowledge with your pharmacy team to ensure safe and effective supply of OTC opioid products.

Tutors

• Dr Helen Toal
  Consultant Psychiatrist, BHSCT
• Mr Clifford McElhinney
  Community Pharmacist
• Miss Katie Blair
  

Aim

To enable pharmacists to effectively contribute to the shared care team delivering opioid substitution therapy (OST) services in NI.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar you will be able to:

• Discuss the NI guidelines on substitution treatments for opioid dependence
• Describe the pharmacological properties of methadone and buprenorphine
• Understand the rationale and risks associated with initiating treatment and thereafter the stabilisation of treatment
• Supervise the consumption in individuals appropriately and manage challenging situations including missed doses and intoxication
• Understand other harm reduction services available from community pharmacy
• Appreciate the role of all professionals involved in the shared care of service users

Tutors

• Neil Dawson
  Specialist Paediatric Pharmacist (ID), RBHSC

Aim

To provide an overview of a range of infections commonly experienced by children and how these should be effectively managed in practice.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar you will be able to:

• Recognise the clinical features of common childhood infections
• Recommend appropriate treatment options using medications available within the pharmacy
• Provide comprehensive advice and support to parents and carers regarding the management of common childhood infections
• Identify red flag symptoms in children and refer appropriately.

Tutors

• Dr Mary Larkin
  Lead Safeguarding GP Northern Ireland

Aim

To provide an overview of the range of safeguarding scenarios pharmacists may observe, and the advice, actions and assistance available to respond & care for patients effectively.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will have:

• Knowledge of the various forms of abuse, definitions, prevalence and healthcare professional training competencies
• Increased awareness of domestic abuse, its presentations and relevant legal frameworks
• Tools to advise domestic abuse victims appropriately, including the ‘ASK for ANI’ campaign
• Knowledge of safeguarding issues in adults at risk of harm, with case study discussion involving suspected medication misuse
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies specific to children & young people, illustrated by case study discussion
• Utilisation of the ‘Fraser Guidelines’ to assess patient capacity to understand
• Raised awareness of other emerging safeguarding themes
• Advice for pharmacists on making appropriate confidential records around safeguarding concerns.

Tutors

• Mr Scott Gill
  Lead Pharmacist, Ards Federation
• Ms Michelle McGeown
  Physiotherapy Clinical Lead in Pain Management
• Ms Natasha Moore
  Better Days Pain Support Programme Co-ordinator

Aim

To provide an overview of self-management strategies for people living with chronic pain.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand the different pain classification systems and their significance
• Explain the ""Biopsychosocial model of pain"" and its importance in delivering patient-centred care
• Recommend effective self-management strategies to people living with chronic pain
• Encourage patients to participate in structured self-management programmes and signpost to self-help resources
• Acknowledge the impact of pain from a patient's perspective and how it affects their quality of life.

Tutors

• Ms Nadia Malik
  Pracatice Pharmacist

Aim

To equip pharmacists with the knowledge and confidence to safely prescribe and advise patients on the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and dual GLP-1/ glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Explain the mechanism of action of GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists and describe the clinical benefits of therapies
• Compare the different GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists available and outline when they can be prescribed
• Identify key safety considerations, including common side effects, contraindications, drug interactions and monitoring requirements
• Provide comprehensive advice and support to patients on the use of GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP analogues

Tutors

• Mrs Aine Liggett
  Medicines Advice Pharmacist and Lead Pharmacist Yellow Card centre Northern Ireland

Aim

To promote the importance of healthcare professionals reporting adverse events to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme to improve patient safety.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Describe the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme
• List the range of healthcare products for which safety issues should be reported
• Define the information to be reported within a Yellow Card report
• Report relevant adverse events within your professional practice
• Advise patients and the public about the Yellow Card Scheme