eLearning

Aim

To provide an overview of the evidence-based management of heart failure and hypertension in primary care

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes you should be able to:

• advise patients on key lifestyle interventions
• manage patients with heart failure according to NICE guidance
• describe the threshold blood pressure values to initiate antihypertensive treatment and the blood pressure targets to be achieved and maintained
• manage patients with hypertension (and associated comorbidities) with the most appropriate antihypertensive agents in line with clinical guidelines
• work with other healthcare professionals to change current practice in respect of new evidence

Aim

To familiarise healthcare professionals with the antibacterial agents commonly encountered in clinical practice.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to:

• describe the differences between human (eukaryotic) cells and bacterial (prokaryotic) cells that can be exploited by antibacterial agents
• list the main bacterial cell sites on which antibacterial agents exert their bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects
• define minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bacterial concentration – the measures of antibacterial susceptibility
• summarise the main issues for each class of commonly encountered antibacterial agent.

Aim

To enable healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage common infections.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• detail the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in different patient groups
• explain the antibiotic prescribing strategy for respiratory tract infections
• detail the management of acute bronchitis in different patient groups
• describe the management of community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia
• discuss the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, sore throats, sinusitis and bronchiecstasis
• recognise common skin and soft tissue infections and know the first- and second-line antibiotics to treat these
• list the risk factors and symptoms associated with sepsis and appreciate the severity of the condition
• detail the recommendations for preventing infections in asplenic patients

Aim

To know the range of factors that must be considered when selecting an antimicrobial agent

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to:

• list the indicators of an infection
• consider whether a patient with an infection requires treatment with an antimicrobial agent
• recognise when empirical or targeted antimicrobial therapy should be chosen
• describe the impact that the site of infection has on choosing antimicrobials
• discuss the patient factors that should be considered when choosing an appropriate antimicrobial agent
• explain the issues associated with topical, parenteral and oral administration of antimicrobials

Aim

To familiarise healthcare professionals with the actions and use of commonly encountered antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal agents.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• describe the actions of antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal agents
• differentiate between the main classes of antifungal agents, indicating how each should be used appropriately
• list the commonly used antiviral agents, their dosage form and indications for use
• detail common antiprotozoal drugs and the protozoa they are active against.

Aim

To enable healthcare professionals to understand the impact of antimicrobial resistance and to assist with halting the spread of resistance and Clostriodes difficile.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this workshop you should be able to:

• define antimicrobial resistance
• discuss Clostriodes difficile (C. diff) and the associated problems
• explain Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) risk factors, diagnosis and treatment
• describe what MRSA screening and decolonisation entails
• detail the problems with extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and resistant enterococci
• list strategies to halt the spread of C. diff and antimicrobial resistance.

Aim

To enable pharmacists to adhere to the principles of antimicrobial stewardship and to successfully promote it.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this workshop you should be able to:

• define antimicrobial stewardship
• discuss the UK’s five-year national action plan (Tackling antimicrobial resistance 2019-2024)
• explain the components of an antimicrobial stewardship programme
• describe antimicrobial stewardship toolkits that are available for use in primary and secondary care
• appreciate the role of the patient in antimicrobial stewardship
• detail successful antimicrobial stewardship interventions to date.

Aim

To enable you to provide evidence-based information to patients in primary care who have a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to:

• define AF, discuss its prevalence and describe the symptoms and complications of AF
• outline the management objectives of AF
• discuss drugs used in rate and rhythm control strategies
• detail the treatment of permanent, persistent and paroxysmal AF
• outline the choice of antithrombotic therapy in AF, including special considerations when prescribing.

Aim

To review the implications of the Fourth Report of the Shipman Inquiry, focusing specifically on the prescribing, dispensing, safe custody and disposal of controlled drugs.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course you should be able to:

• comply with legislation underpinning controlled drugs
• state changes in the legislative framework for controlled drugs arising from the Fourth Shipman Report
• review the role and responsibilities of the Accountable Officer in relation to controlled drugs
• list the non-medical professions who may now prescribe
• describe best practice with respect to writing of prescriptions, keeping of records and maintaining prescription security for controlled drugs in all areas of practice
• define procedures for the disposal of returned controlled drugs.

Aim

To equip healthcare professionals to deal with CNS issues such as teething, musculoskeletal pain, headache, sleep disturbances and travel sickness.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• list possible causes of pain that respond to non-prescription medication
• recommend appropriate analgesics for teething, musculoskeletal pain and headache using an appropriate evidence-based approach
• consider differential diagnosis
• identify danger symptoms, referring when appropriate
• advise patients on the prevention and management of these condition
• recommend non-prescription medication and lifestyle measures for insomnia and travel sickness.

Aim

To equip healthcare professionals to deal with conditions related to the eyes, ears and oral health.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• recognise and manage common eye conditions such as dry eyes and conjunctivitis
• differentiate minor eye conditions from more serious eye conditions that will require referral
• provide advice to patients on the management of ear wax and ear infections
• recognise and manage common conditions of the mouth such as ulcers, dry mouth, oropharyngeal candidiasis and axial cheilitis
• consider the differential diagnosis of these oral conditions
• describe treatment options for sore throat and consider differential diagnosis
• travel sickness.

Aim

To equip healthcare professionals to deal with the non-prescription management of GI conditions.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• recognise the upper GI symptoms of dyspepsia, GORD and colic
• recognise the lower GI symptoms of constipation, diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease and haemorrhoids
• consider the differential diagnosis
• identify danger symptoms, referring when appropriate
• manage these conditions using non-prescription medication
• advise patients on prevention and management of these conditions

Aim

To provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge to effectively diagnose and manage infections and infestations.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• recognise and manage common infestations such as threadworm, head lice and scabies
• identify and treat common viral, fungal and bacterial infections of the skin and nails
• consider differential diagnosis
• recognise danger symptoms, referring when appropriate
• identify symptoms of common childhood infections, providing advice and supportive therapy as required.

Aim

To enable healthcare professionals to manage minor respiratory ailments and to recognise when referral is appropriate.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• list the symptoms associated with coughs, colds and allergic rhinitis
• recognise when symptoms are indicative of a serious aetiology
• provide supportive therapy to alleviate the symptoms
• advise patients and/or carers on the management and prevention of coughs, colds and allergic rhinitis in infants, children and adults
• detail the guidance provided by the MHRA on the use of over-the-counter cough and cold medication in children.

Aim

To provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge to diagnose and manage common skin conditions.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to:

• recognise the inflammatory skin conditions of eczema, contact dermatitis (including nappy rash), psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis
• consider the differential diagnosis and management of these conditions
• describe the treatment options and prevention of warts and verrucas
• state the treatment options for acne and indications for referral
• detail first-aid advice for burns and scalds
• provide advice on the treatment and prevention of bites, stings, urticaria and sunburn.

Aim

To provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge to diagnose and manage common urogenital conditions.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to:

• recognise the symptoms of cystitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, vaginal thrush, primary dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia
• consider the differential diagnosis
• identify danger symptoms, referring when appropriate
• manage these conditions using non-prescription medication
• advise patients on lifestyle measures to help manage these conditions.

Aim

To promote the safer use of high-risk medicines in clinical practice.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you should be able to:

• identify the high-risk medicines commonly used in practice
• describe the possible clinical consequences associated with each high-risk medicine
• list the causes of medication incidents involving this group
• implement strategies to reduce the risks with each medicine of medicines
• safeguard patients by providing them with appropriate information about their medicines
• promote staff education and safe systems of practice as effective means of reducing medication errors.

Aim

To increase confidence in accurately performing different types of medicines-related calculations commonly encountered in the clinical setting.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you should be able to:

• undertake the conversion of units of mass and volume from smaller or larger units and vice versa
• express the concentration of a solution in terms of quantity per volume, percentage concentrations and parts
• dilute a stock solution to the particular strength needed for patient use
• calculate the dose of a drug accurately for intravenous infusion, intravenous bolus dosing and oral administration.

Aim

To promote the safer use of medicines in clinical practice through a better understanding of why medication incidents happen.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you should be able to:

• define what is meant by a medication incident
• describe medication-related errors and their impact on the health service
• promote the reporting and investigating of medication incidents as a means to improving patient safety
• identify the causes of errors and medication incidents in practice
• list the role and functions of the organisations established to reduce risk
• promote staff education and safe systems of practice as effective means of reducing medication errors.

Aim

To familiarise all clinical staff with the Northern Ireland medicine prescription and administration record for adults.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you should be able to:

• record patient information, including allergy status, risk factors, additional charts used and medicines management issues
• undertake the venous thromboembolism risk assessment for hospitalised adults
• document the prescribing and discontinuation of injectable, non-injectable and as required medicines
• adopt a consistent approach to documenting medicines that are to be administered less than once per day
• record the administration of medicines accurately
• document doses that have been omitted and the reason for omission
• prescribe oxygen in accordance with the NPSA recommendations and BTS guidelines.

Aim

To support all members of the pharmacy team in understanding the professional responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course you should be able to:

• explain your role in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and be aware of your legal, ethical and professional responsibilities
• Describe the different types of abuse that children and vulnerable adults may be subjected to and know how to recognise the potential signs of abuse
• Know who to contact for advice if you have concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult
• Take appropriate action if you suspect a case of abuse or neglect, including appropriately reporting and recording your concerns and sharing information
• Be able to identify and refer on an individual suspected of being a victim of trafficking, sexual exploitation and female genital mutilation or a risk of radicalisation.

Aim

To enable pharmacist prescribers to effectively manage benzodiazepine reduction and withdrawal in primary care.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this workshop you should be able to:

• describe the mechanism of action of the bezodiazepines
• state the extent of benzodiazepine prescribing in Northern Ireland
• explain the implications of long-term benzodiazepine use for patients
• highlight the range of evidence-based models available for benzodiazepine reduction
• list the challenges specific to undertaking this role within primary care.

Aim

To equip Health and Wellbeing advisers with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective brief interventions in practice.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• apply the model of behaviour change to your practice
• outline the principles of effective communication
• raise the subjects of smoking, alcohol consumption or physical inactivity with patients in routine practice
• advise on the risks to health posed by smoking, alcohol and physical inactivity
• assist patients/clients by signposting and providing additional information sources.

Aim

To equip healthcare professionals (HCPs) with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver an effective brief interventions in practice.

Learning outcomes

Following completion of this course you should be able to:

• define what is meant by a brief intervention
• apply the model of behaviour change to your practice
• outline the principles of effective communication
• raise the subjects of smoking, alcohol consumption or physical inactivity with patients in routine practice and record intervention in patient notes
• assess patient/clients for risk and their motivation to change
• advise on the risks to health posed by smoking, alcohol and physical inactivity
• assist patients/clients by signposting and providing additional information sources.

Aim

To support health professionals training to undertake spirometry testing.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this course, you should be able to:

• list the key performance indicators for spirometry in the NI respiratory service framework
• describe the risk factors, underlying pathophysiology and treatment goals of the respiratory diseases covered by the service framework
• identify the key steps in performing spirometry
• calibrate a spirometer
• define the lung volumes measured by spirometry
• interpret the results of spirometry to assess patients with respiratory disease
• use best practice for infection control.