Menopause has garnered much media attention over the past 12 months. All women experience the menopause. Some women experience relatively mild symptoms while others experience a range of severe, debilitating symptoms which have a significant impact on quality of life. The average age of the menopause is between 51 and 52 years. Irish women can expect to live for 30 or more years after their menopause making the long-term consequences an important health issue. Pharmacists are a vital source of evidence-based, reliable information for women as they navigate the menopause.
The aim of this course is to provide up-to-date information on the management of the short-term symptoms and long-term consequences of the menopause.
Eczema is a chronic, unpredictable, inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in Ireland. It can have a considerable impact on quality of life, and like all chronic conditions, management involves a range of strategies including trigger avoidance, optimising emollient use and treating flares. Pharmacists are involved in education and promotion of self-management of eczema as part of routine pharmacy practice.
The aim of this course is to provide an update on eczema management, to enable pharmacists to support patients and their carers to manage this chronic skin condition.
Palliative Care is an approach that improves quality of life for patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness. Community pharmacists have a key role in promoting safe and rational use of drugs in palliative and end of life care. Syringe pumps are frequently used to administer drug therapy at this time.
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the practical aspects of syringe pump use, including information on drugs frequently administered via this route.
Statistics involves the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. We encounter statistics every day in our pharmacy practice from estimating dispensary stock requirements based on past usage, to evaluating risk and possible health outcomes associated with drug treatments.
The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to basic statistical concepts and assist pharmacists to review published papers and guidance documents (e.g. guidance for the management of various medical conditions) which will support the delivery of evidence-based healthcare.
Research suggests that up to 90% of pregnant women use either prescribed or over the counter (OTC) medicines. Reasons for medicines use during pregnancy include management of a chronic condition, an acute illness or labour. Some medicines must be avoided during pregnancy, however, poor management of chronic conditions during pregnancy can result in negative outcomes for mother and baby.
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of factors to consider when reviewing drug therapy for women of child-bearing potential and during pregnancy and provide an update of the management of a range of conditions during pregnancy.