Webinars

Tutors

• Dr Joanne McManus
  Consultant Gynaecologist, BHSCT

Aim

To provide an overview of the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the management of menopause.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Describe the different routes of administration and indications for HRT and identify the cautions and contraindications associated with HRT
• Select an appropriate hormone type and regimen based on individual patient needs and clinical considerations
• Recognise potential adverse effects of HRT, including managing unscheduled bleeding and monitor patients accordingly
• Support patients with the administration and supply of HRT, including identifying suitable alternatives during supply shortages
• Acknowledge the prescribing considerations of HRT in complex medical conditions, including women with a history of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, premature ovarian insufficiency, hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and endometriosis.

Tutors

• Ms Fionnuala McCullagh
  Frailty Pharmacist, WHSCT

Aim

To provide pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to optimise medicines for older patients with multiple long-term conditions, using a structured approach to medication review.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand the implications of polypharmacy and the impact on patient safety, treatment effectiveness, and quality of life
• Outline the 7-steps to appropriate polypharmacy framework as a structured approach to medication review
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to prioritising deprescribing decisions, using appropriate resources and tools
• Deprescribe, reduce or substitute inappropriate medicines through a structured medication review, involving the patient and their family members/carers.

Tutors

• Ms Fionnuala McCullagh
  Frailty Pharmacist, WHSCT

Aim

To provide pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to optimise medicines for older patients with multiple long-term conditions, using a structured approach to medication review.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand the implications of polypharmacy and the impact on patient safety, treatment effectiveness, and quality of life
• Outline the 7-steps to appropriate polypharmacy framework as a structured approach to medication review
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to prioritising deprescribing decisions, using appropriate resources and tools
• Deprescribe, reduce or substitute inappropriate medicines through a structured medication review, involving the patient and their family members/carers.

Tutors

• Ms Cairine Gormley
  Consultant pharmacist, Respiratory, WHSCT

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of pneumonia.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise the clinical features and diagnostic indicators of pneumonia
• Use assessment tools for community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia to support severity assessment and decisions on place of care
• Select and optimise antimicrobial therapy, including choice, dosage, and duration, to ensure safe and effective management
• Implement principles of antimicrobial stewardship to promote appropriate use of antibiotics and minimise resistance
• Provide patient-centred advice and support on pneumonia treatment, recovery and prevention.

Tutors

• Prof Alexander Miras
  Clinical Professor of Medicine, Ulster University

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of obesity.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Explain the pathophysiology of obesity and describe the health risks of being overweight or obese
• Measure and categorise a patient’s degree of overweight or obesity using appropriate equipment and techniques
• Provide advice to patients on the role of a healthy diet and physical activity in preventing and managing weight gain
• Outline the main pharmacological treatments used in the management of obesity, including the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and key safety considerations

Tutors

• Ms Clare Lenaghan
  Lead Mental Health Pharmacist, BHSCT

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of anxiety.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Differentiate between the various types of anxiety disorders
• Recognise the signs and symptoms associated with each anxiety disorder
• Outline the non-pharmacological options for the management of anxiety
• Review the pharmacological treatments used in the management of anxiety
• Provide advice and support to patients with anxiety disorders.

Tutors

• Mr Joe Henson
  Cancer Champions Manager, Rainbow Project

Aim

To equip pharmacy teams with the knowledge and skills required to support transgender and non-binary patients.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Describe the health and wellbeing needs of the transgender and non-binary population and identify key barriers faced
• Use appropriate language and terminology when supporting transgender and non-binary service users
• Outline the medical transition pathway in Northern Ireland
• Recognise considerations for cancer screening, medical coding, and cancer support for transgender and non-binary populations
• Signpost to relevant LGBTQIA+ sector and community supports available.

Tutors

• Mrs Kerry Finlay
  Lead Practice-based Pharmacist, Ards.
• Ms Niamh McGarry
  Lead Clinical Education Pharmacist, BHSCT

Aim

To enable pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to interpret laboratory tests results in patients and make informed therapeutic recommendations based on these results, as well as from a holistic review of the patient.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Interpret biochemical laboratory tests, including renal and liver function and full blood count, as part of the overall patient’s presentation
• Recognise abnormal results and their clinical significance within the broader context of patient assessment
• Use these results to support clinical decision-making, including supporting or refining a diagnosis
• Recommend appropriate treatment changes, monitoring strategies, and follow-up plans based on laboratory findings.

Tutors

• Mr Chris Black
  Specialist Palliative Care Pharmacist
• Mr David Marshall
  Community Pharmacist, Palliative Care Network, Holywood

Aim

To support healthcare professionals in primary care to deliver safe and effective palliative care.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise the multidisciplinary role in delivering palliative care in the primary care
• Manage the complexity of palliative prescribing, including syringe pump prescriptions and commonly used medicines in the last days of life
• Anticipate and resolve common issues associated with palliative prescriptions in primary care
• Identify and implement appropriate deprescribing strategies in palliative care
• Signpost patients and carers to relevant services, including support for bereaved carers.

Tutors

• Mrs Joanne Sutton
  Medicines Management Senior Technician, BHSCT.

Aim

This induction is designed to enable educational supervisors to effectively support all candidates undertaking any of the modules of the Northern Ireland Medicines Management Accredited Programme (MMAP)

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this training you will be able to:

• Describe the MMAP framework
• Define the role of the educational supervisor (ES)
• Discuss the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the medicines management roles undertaken by pharmacy technicians working in clinical environments
• Define the process of work based assessments, accreditation assessment and the reaccreditation process
• Use all of the MMAP paperwork appropriately

Tutors

• Ms Harpreet Chana
  Pharmacist & CEO of The Mental Wealth Academy

Aim

To help participants understand their personal stress patterns and equip them with practical strategies to manage stress.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will:

• Learn how pharmacy can actually predispose you to stress and what you can do about that
• Work on the perfectionism that may be holding you back
• Understand the external/internal causes of your own stress
• Understand your own stress reaction and stress triggers
• Learn how to implement Harpreet’s tried and tested ‘7 Simple strategies to help you switch off effectively’ at night

Tutors

• Dr Helen Toal
  Consultant Psychiatrist, BHSCT
• Mr Clifford McElhinney
  Community Pharmacist
• Mr Michael McCabe
  Pharmacy Advisor, SPPG

Aim

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

Learning outcomes

Having attended 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 associate 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

• Mr Mike Caulfield
  Consultant Nurse and Multi-Professional Approved Clinician & Clinical Lead for Suicide Prevention

Aim

To enable pharmacy professionals to develop their confidence in recognising and responding appropriately to individuals presenting with suicidal thoughts.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise risk factors and early warning signs associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Initiate a conversation with someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Understand the role of pharmacy professionals in supporting someone with suicidal thoughts
• Identify appropriate signposting and referral pathways to ensure individuals receive timely support.

Tutors

• Ms Claire Young
  Lead General Practice Pharmacist, Mid Ulster GP Federation

Aim

To support pharmacists to confidently manage uncertainty in asthma care by applying clinical reasoning skills to case-based scenarios, enabling safe and effective decision making.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Apply clinical reasoning skills in the assessment and management of patients with asthma
• Use evidence-based resources and multidisciplinary support to manage clinical uncertainty and ensure safe and effective decision making
• Evaluate legal, professional, and ethical factors influencing clinical decision making
• Communicate clinical uncertainty clearly with patients to support shared decision making.

Tutors

• Ms Harpreet Chana
  Pharmacist & CEO of The Mental Wealth Academy

Aim

To equip participants with the confidence and skills to turn challenging interactions into constructive conversations.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will:

• Understand and overcome your own procrastination and reluctance in dealing with difficult situations and people
• Learn the importance of non-verbal communication and the power of focusing on intention
• Develop the CLASS process to handle difficult situations with confidence
• Improve your ability to give effective feedback to team members and colleagues
• Build your confidence in handling confrontation and improving your communication skills

Tutors

• Mrs Breege Brogan
  Pharmacy advisor, SPPG
• Dr Neil Black
  Consultant Endocrinologist, WHSCT.

Aim

To provide an update on the evidence-based management of type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Outline the new updated NICE guidance (February 2026) on the management of type 2 diabetes in adults
• Apply evidence-based management strategies to support the initiation and optimisation of therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes, including those with comorbidities
• Provide patient education to support patients to manage their type 2 diabetes
• Identify potential areas for improvement in your current practice.

Tutors

• Mrs Breege Brogan
  Pharmacy advisor, SPPG
• Dr Neil Black
  Consultant Endocrinologist, WHSCT.

Aim

To provide an update on the evidence-based management of type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Outline the new updated NICE guidance (February 2026) on the management of type 2 diabetes in adults
• Apply evidence-based management strategies to support the initiation and optimisation of therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes, including those with comorbidities
• Provide patient education to support patients to manage their type 2 diabetes
• Identify potential areas for improvement in your current practice.

Tutors

• Ms Grace Kelly
  Pharmacy advisor, SPPG
• Dr Neil Black
  Consultant Endocrinologist, WHSCT.

Aim

To provide an update on the evidence-based management of type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Outline the new updated NICE guidance (February 2026) on the management of type 2 diabetes in adults
• Apply evidence-based management strategies to support the initiation and optimisation of therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes, including those with comorbidities
• Provide patient education to support patients to manage their type 2 diabetes
• Identify potential areas for improvement in your current practice.

Tutors

• Ms Grace Kelly
  Pharmacy advisor, SPPG
• Dr Neil Black
  Consultant Endocrinologist, WHSCT.

Aim

To provide an update on the evidence-based management of type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Outline the new updated NICE guidance (February 2026) on the management of type 2 diabetes in adults
• Apply evidence-based management strategies to support the initiation and optimisation of therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes, including those with comorbidities
• Provide patient education to support patients to manage their type 2 diabetes
• Identify potential areas for improvement in your current practice.