Webinars

Tutors

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

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

• Mrs Joanne Crawford
  Pharmacy Adviser, SPPG
• Ms Kathryn Duff
  Prescribing Support Dietitian, NHSCT

Aim

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

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Identify when it is appropriate to prescribe ONS in line with the seven-step approach and the Northern Ireland Formulary
• Review the appropriateness of ONS prescribing for specific patient groups, including palliative care patients and those at risk of harm due to substance use
• Review the appropriateness of the prescribing of vitamin and mineral preparations
• Identify when it is appropriate to use an Amino Acid Formula in the management of Cows’ Milk Allergy (CMA) in infants to include the management of parental expectations at time of initiation
• Understand the importance of regular review and indications for deprescribing.

Tutors

• Ms Kathryn Duff
  Prescribing Support Dietitian, NHSCT
• Mrs Joanne Crawford
  Pharmacy Adviser, SPPG

Aim

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

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Identify when it is appropriate to prescribe ONS in line with the seven-step approach and the Northern Ireland Formulary
• Review the appropriateness of ONS prescribing for specific patient groups, including palliative care patients and those at risk of harm due to substance use
• Review the appropriateness of the prescribing of vitamin and mineral preparations
• Identify when it is appropriate to use an Amino Acid Formula in the management of Cows’ Milk Allergy (CMA) in infants to include the management of parental expectations at time of initiation
• Understand the importance of regular review and indications for deprescribing.

Tutors

• Ms Suzanne Magee
  Community Pharmacist
• Ms Lyn Stevenson
  Healthcare Academy Trainer, Boots

Aim

To enable pharmacists to provide a comprehensive service to patient’s seeking healthcare advice regarding travel abroad.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Consider the needs of special categories of travellers, including children, pregnant females, elderly patients and those with pre-existing medical conditions
• Recommend appropriate anti-malarial regimens and vaccinations for patients travelling abroad
• Find the latest up-to-date information on disease risks in a specific country
• Discuss prevention advice with patients, including insect bites, travellers’ diarrhoea, altitude sickness, deep vein thrombosis and heat stroke

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

• Mr Sean Curley
  Principal Pharmaceutical Officer, Department of Health
• Mrs Maura Corry
  GP Pharmacist, Eastern GP Federation.

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

• Ms Roisin McQuillan
  Pharmacy Advisor, SPPG
• Ms Kathryn Duff
  Prescribing Support Dietitian, NHSCT

Aim

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

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Identify when it is appropriate to prescribe ONS in line with the seven-step approach and the Northern Ireland Formulary
• Review the appropriateness of ONS prescribing for specific patient groups, including palliative care patients and those at risk of harm due to substance use
• Review the appropriateness of the prescribing of vitamin and mineral preparations
• Identify when it is appropriate to use an Amino Acid Formula in the management of Cows’ Milk Allergy (CMA) in infants to include the management of parental expectations at time of initiation
• Understand the importance of regular review and indications for deprescribing.

Tutors

• Ms Kathryn Duff
  Prescribing Support Dietitian, NHSCT
• Ms Roisin McQuillan
  Pharmacy Advisor, SPPG

Aim

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

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Identify when it is appropriate to prescribe ONS in line with the seven-step approach and the Northern Ireland Formulary
• Review the appropriateness of ONS prescribing for specific patient groups, including palliative care patients and those at risk of harm due to substance use
• Review the appropriateness of the prescribing of vitamin and mineral preparations
• Identify when it is appropriate to use an Amino Acid Formula in the management of Cows’ Milk Allergy (CMA) in infants to include the management of parental expectations at time of initiation
• Understand the importance of regular review and indications for deprescribing.

Tutors

• Mrs Clare Murray
  Lecturer (Education), School of Pharmacy
• Mr Michael Ogilby
  Lead General Practice Pharmacist, East Belfast Federation of Family Practices

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of hypertension and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand the signs, symptoms and diagnostic criteria, including digital diagnostics, for hypertension and AF
• Detail the evidence-based strategies for managing hypertension and AF
• Outline the medications used to treat hypertension and AF, and their main contraindications, adverse effects and monitoring requirements
• Recognise the importance of correct anticoagulation and the advantages and disadvantages of common oral anticoagulants
• Support patients to optimise the management of their hypertension and AF to include lifestyle interventions.

Tutors

• Ms Rachel Watts
  Renal Pharmacist, SEHSCT

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Define CKD and understand the range of classifications
• Recognise the causes and symptoms of CKD and how it is diagnosed
• Outline the recommended treatment options to delay the progression of CKD
• Understand the management of renal anaemia, renal bone disease and diabetes in adults with CKD
• Consider drug therapy in CKD, including both prescribed and over-the-counter medication.

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

• Dr Sharon Porter
  Clinical Lead for Sexual Reproductive Healthcare, NHSCT

Aim

To support pharmacists to adopt an evidence-based approach to patients seeking hormonal contraception.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Outline the different types of hormonal contraception available
• Detail the associated benefits and risks of hormonal contraception
• Recognise the significant interactions with contraceptives and other medication
• Aid patients in making person-centred decisions regarding their contraception
• Educate patients who may have misconceptions around the use of hormonal contraception
• Communicate effectively with women seeking advice in relation to hormonal contraception.

Tutors

• Ms Paula McMaster
  Pharmacy adviser, SPPG
• Ms Eimear O'Rourke
  Allergy Act

Aim

To provide a general overview of common allergens, whilst equipping pharmacists with the knowledge to support patients and carers in the management of allergic rhinitis and other allergies.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Recognise the risk factors and clinical features of allergic rhinitis and common food allergies
• Outline the different types and severity of allergic reactions
• Recommend appropriate treatment options including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments
• Provide comprehensive advice and support to patients regarding the management of allergy
• Understand the importance of patient perspective in allergy management.

Tutors

• Dr Sharon Porter
  Clinical Lead for Sexual Reproductive Healthcare, NHSCT

Aim

To support pharmacists to adopt an evidence-based approach to patients seeking hormonal contraception.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Outline the different types of hormonal contraception available
• Detail the associated benefits and risks of hormonal contraception
• Recognise the significant interactions with contraceptives and other medication
• Aid patients in making person-centred decisions regarding their contraception
• Educate patients who may have misconceptions around the use of hormonal contraception
• Communicate effectively with women seeking advice in relation to hormonal contraception.

Tutors

• Ms Emma McCammon
  Pharmacy Adviser, SPPG
• Ms Kathryn Duff
  Prescribing Support Dietitian, NHSCT

Aim

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

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Identify when it is appropriate to prescribe ONS in line with the seven-step approach and the Northern Ireland Formulary
• Review the appropriateness of ONS prescribing for specific patient groups, including palliative care patients and those at risk of harm due to substance use
• Review the appropriateness of the prescribing of vitamin and mineral preparations
• Identify when it is appropriate to use an Amino Acid Formula in the management of Cows’ Milk Allergy (CMA) in infants to include the management of parental expectations at time of initiation
• Understand the importance of regular review and indications for deprescribing.

Tutors

• Ms Kathryn Duff
  Prescribing Support Dietitian, NHSCT
• Ms Emma McCammon
  Pharmacy Adviser, SPPG

Aim

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

Learning outcomes

Having attended this webinar, you will be able to:

• Identify when it is appropriate to prescribe ONS in line with the seven-step approach and the Northern Ireland Formulary
• Review the appropriateness of ONS prescribing for specific patient groups, including palliative care patients and those at risk of harm due to substance use
• Review the appropriateness of the prescribing of vitamin and mineral preparations
• Identify when it is appropriate to use an Amino Acid Formula in the management of Cows’ Milk Allergy (CMA) in infants to include the management of parental expectations at time of initiation
• Understand the importance of regular review and indications for deprescribing.

Tutors

• Ms Rachel Watts
  Renal Pharmacist, SEHSCT

Aim

To provide an overview of the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Learning outcomes

Having completed this webinar, you will be able to:

• Define CKD and understand the range of classifications
• Recognise the causes and symptoms of CKD and how it is diagnosed
• Outline the recommended treatment options to delay the progression of CKD
• Understand the management of renal anaemia, renal bone disease and diabetes in adults with CKD
• Consider drug therapy in CKD, including both prescribed and over-the-counter medication.