Recorded webinars

Tutors

• Dr Jeannie Donnelly
  Lead Nurse Tissue Viability, BHSCT and Senior Honorary Lecture, QUB

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of acute wounds.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Discuss the importance of holistic assessment in wound management
• Acknowledge the factors that delay wound healing
• Understand the key principles of acute wound management
• Identify factors to consider when selecting a wound dressing
• Select appropriate NI formulary dressings to optimise the patient outcomes and experience.

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 Fiona O'Neill
  Specialist Palliative Care Pharmacist, BHSCT and NI Cancer Centre
• Mr Peter Armstrong
  Regional Lead Pharmacist for Palliative and End of Life Care

Aim

To enable pharmacists to deprescribe appropriately for palliative care patients.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Acknowledge the challenges of polypharmacy in palliative care patients
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to prioritising deprescribing decisions in palliative care patients, with an emphasis on patient comfort
• Deprescribe, reduce or substitute inappropriate medicines through a structured medication review for patients, involving the patient and their family members/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

• Mr George Potts
  Sexual Health Education Programme Co-ordinator, BHSCT

Aim

To increase your awareness and understanding of HIV.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Enhance your knowledge and personal awareness of HIV
• Understand the methods of HIV transmission and prevention
• Raise awareness of the impact of prejudice and stigma for people living with or affected by HIV
• Share the knowledge gained with colleagues, family, and friends to promote wider awareness
• Ensure that staff are well-informed, supporting the delivery of high-quality care to individuals living with HIV.

Tutors

• Ms Jessica Keen
  Clinical Pharmacy Lead for the NHS North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance

Aim

To highlight the importance of pharmacogenomics in supporting patient-tailored prescribing to improve health outcomes for individual patients.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand the concept of pharmacogenomics and how the study of patient genomes can influence medication decisions
• Recognise the benefits of patient specific genomic information in improving medication outcomes and reducing side effects
• Outline commonly prescribed medication e.g. codeine, clopidogrel, antidepressants and their variable patient response
• Describe current real-world applications of pharmacogenomics, including the use in Cancer, Diabetes, Familial Hypercholesterolaemia and Cystic Fibrosis
• Acknowledge the impact pharmacogenomics will have on future pharmacist services.

Tutors

• Dr Neil Stanley
  Independent Sleep Expert

Aim

To enable pharmacists to be able to recognise the clinical features of different sleep disorders.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand sleep, what happens during sleep and how sleep changes across the lifespan.
• Recognise the factors influencing sleep and the consequences of inadequate sleep.
• Outline the clinical features of sleep disorders including insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and narcolepsy.
• Discuss realistic sleep expectations with patients.

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

• Miss Laura Cox
  Advanced Practice Clinical Pharmacist, Cardiology and Medicine

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of dyslipidaemia, thereby supporting patients to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise the role of lipids in the aetiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the risk factors for developing CVD
• Understand how to interpret a lipid profile and the lipid targets for prevention of CVD
• Acknowledge the benefits of diet and lifestyle measures for prevention of CVD
• Outline appropriate lipid-lowering treatment for primary and secondary prevention of CVD
• Identify and refer patients who need specialist management of their dyslipidaemia

Tutors

• Dr Trudy Thomas
  Epilepsy Specialist Pharmacist and Reader in Pharmacy Practice, Medway School of Pharmacy

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of epilepsy in adults.

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Define epilepsy and recognise the different seizure types
• Understand the causes of epilepsy and how epilepsy is diagnosed
• Outline the principles of pharmacological treatment in the management of epilepsy symptoms and understand how management strategies may differ for special patient groups
• Provide comprehensive advice and support to patients regarding the management of epilepsy.

Tutors

• Mr Steve O'Hara
  GP Pharmacist, North Down GP Federation
• Mrs Maura Corry
  GP Pharmacist, Eastern GP Federation.
• Mr Sean Curley
  Principal Pharmaceutical Officer, Department of Health

Aim

To enable pharmacists to manage the challenges of medication shortages and maintain the supply of appropriate medications to patients.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand why medication shortages can occur and how reported shortages are analysed to understand the potential impact on patient care
• Understand how medication shortages are communicated including the use of SPS Medicines Supply Tool, National Patient Safety Alerts, Medicine Supply Notifications and where to access this information
• Raise concerns over medication supply issues and recognise the mitigations in place to ensure continuity of supply
• Propose an alternative management plan for patients which is evidence-based, clinically appropriate and minimises disruption to patient care
• Communicate medication supply issues and the proposed management plan clearly with patients.

Tutors

• Dr Simon O'Hagan
  GPwSI in Men’s Health

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise the common signs and symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Describe the risk factors associated with BPH and how these can be minimised
• Identify red flag symptoms and refer appropriately
• Recommend appropriate treatment options including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments
• Provide comprehensive advice and support to patients regarding the management of BPH.

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
  Head of Medicines Regulatory Group, Department of Health
• 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

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

Aim

To provide an overview of best practice in assessing dysphagia in adult patients including the implementation of the IDSSI descriptors and how they relate to medication options. This programme will be delivered over two evenings. Part 2 will be held on Wednesday 28th September and Thursday 20th October.

Learning outcomes

Intended learning outcomes:

• Regional update on the work of Dysphagia NI
• Identify eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties
• Assess patients with swallowing difficulties, decide when Speech and Language therapy should be involved, and on whose advice should medications be changed from solid dosage forms
• Outline IDDSI descriptors and how thickeners may be used within different descriptor levels
• Utilise a stepwise approach to medication selection for patients with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, whilst signposting to resources to assist with this.

Tutors

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

Aim

To provide an overview of the DAMES project, as an example of a Quality Improvement project, accompanied by reflection and discussion of learnings from previous Serious Adverse Incidents to reduce the risk of further choking events, through multidisciplinary collaborative working.

Learning outcomes

Intended learning outcomes:

• Provide an overview of Dames, as an example of quality improvement projects supporting medication use for people with eating, drinking, swallowing difficulties
• Utilise learnings from local serious adverse incidents to reduce patient harm
• Multidisciplinary discussion regarding reducing the risk of further choking events through improved communication pathways.

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

• Mrs Aine Liggett
  
• Ms Siobhan Kelly
  Lead Nurse for 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 role of the NI Yellow Card Centre
• Understand the benefits of reporting via the Yellow Card scheme
• List the range of 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.