CPD Activities
Topical management strategies of mild acne treatment: an update
This article will explore the most recent treatment guidelines of acne, including the down-scheduling of adapalene. Pharmacists have an integral role in recommending effective, appropriate and evidence-based products that reduce …
Maternal iodine and selenium adequacy: still an issue for women of childbearing age
This second article in the Bayer Continuing Medical Education Series explores the role of maternal iodine and selenium adequacy, how deficiencies in these micronutrients may impact the future health of …
Management of constipation: a discussion about over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives and their class-specific mechanisms of action
This podcast consists of two episodes. In episode one, Dr Sonal Patel and Kayla Ferguson chat about constipation—what it is, how it is identified, the complications and red flags that …
Relieving acute cough
The symptom of cough is one of the most common medical complaints presenting to a health professional. A pharmacist is well placed to assess the possible cause of a patient’s …
Re-evaluating over-the-counter options for acute pain management
Misuse of analgesics has become a major concern in recent years, leading to the upscheduling of codeine in 2018, modified-release paracetamol in 2020, and now further potential changes to paracetamol …
The role of complementary medicines in supporting bladder health
Complementary medicines can be beneficial in managing symptoms associated with a medically diagnosed overactive bladder. The herbal ingredients in these products have demonstrated benefits for relieving urinary frequency and can …
Complementary medicine for pain management
Pharmacists are ideally placed to support patient care by advising customers about the evidence, appropriate use and safety of complementary medicines for pain and inflammation. By Liesl Blott BPharm, BHSc …
Influenza in older adults and higher-immunogenicity influenza vaccines
As trusted healthcare professionals, pharmacists are well-placed to provide education and improve health literacy around influenza vaccination, ensuring each patient receives specific and personalised advice and is comfortable with their …
Fertility challenges in men
Males account for, or at least contribute to, around 50% of cases of infertility challenges. Pharmacists should therefore be familiar with the topic of fertility, as holistic healthcare and support …
Novel drug delivery systems: a short overview
Drug delivery science is constantly changing healthcare. In many cases these changes are minor and iterative. Every so often, however, we are faced with a paradigm shift that necessitates a …
Sarcopenia and its management
This article will discuss sarcopenia, its pathophysiology, effects, management strategies, and how pharmacists can support patients. We will explore the causes, risk factors and ways to prevent sarcopenia, and discuss …
Supporting the student journey—what do preceptors need to know?
Imagine you are a preceptor in a busy community pharmacy. It is Friday afternoon, and you are expecting a third-year pharmacy student to arrive on Monday morning for a three-week …
Asthma and sleep
Asthma, sleep and sleep disorders appear to have complex, but significant relationships, particularly among people with severe asthma. By Debbie Rigby, advanced practice pharmacist Learning Objectives After completing this activity, …
Acne: pimples, zits and spots
Acne causes substantial social, emotional and psychological effects in both adolescents and adults. Although current therapies can effectively treat the disease and its related effects, adherence to these treatment regimens …
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis: how to tell the difference
Pharmacists can support patients by identifying atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and counselling on the use of topical corticosteroids, protecting the skin barrier, and the importance of avoiding environmental triggers if …
Medication management for older persons
With more than 50% of all hospital admissions being for people aged 65 and older, understanding age-related functional, cognitive and social factor changes and their impact on medication use is …
Fluoride fundamentals: optimising oral health care
As pharmacists in Australia move towards ‘full scope of practice’, understanding the role of fluoride in dental care is important in promoting oral health and preventing the many conditions that …
Shedding light on vitamin D and calcium adequacy in pregnancy and lactation
Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for skeletal growth and bone health.1 Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium—not having sufficient vitamin D levels can reduce calcium absorption …
Hypercholesterolaemia and its silent precursor
What is the role of nutraceuticals in cardiovascular health, and what are the reasons for using them alongside statin therapy in the management of hypercholesterolaemia? By Chrysa Giannellis, consultant pharmacist …
COPD and the pharmacist’s role
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex, chronic disease state that requires balancing lifestyle changes and multiple medications. Community pharmacists have an important role in counselling on medication adherence …