Pharmacists get up to speed on pain

TerryWhite Chemmart is set to launch a Know Your Pain program next month

To support its pharmacists in administering the program, the banner group has run a series of professional development sessions across the country.

TerryWhite Chemmart Chief Executive Officer Anthony White says the July Masterclass Forums have been important to enhance the knowledge and practice of pharmacists in providing customers with effective pain relief solutions, particularly since changes to patient access for medicines containing codeine were introduced in February this year.

“With 4.8 million people suffering from pain in Australia, pharmacists play an increasingly important role within the community to deliver a holistic approach to patient health care,” Mr White says.

“TerryWhite Chemmart is continuing to support and equip our pharmacists with best-practice pain management solutions through ongoing training and advice.

“Fourteen forums were held in key regional areas and capital cities including Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Tasmania, finishing in Perth on July 25, focusing heavily on expanding pharmacists’ understanding of the TerryWhite Chemmart Know your Pain Program.”

The program was developed in consultation with multi-award-winning pain management pharmacist Joyce McSwan.

The forums introduced the Know your Pain Program, provided workshops on pain solutions, quality use of opioids, and managing substance disorders; and included a face-to-face training session which guided pharmacists through the process of creating a real pain solution destination for their pharmacy.

Sessions involved guidance and insights into how pharmacists can grow their professional networks to gain active referrals from General Practitioners and other allied health practitioners; how to create a safe space for patients who are experiencing chronic pain; and how to train pharmacists within their team.

“The TerryWhite Chemmart Know your Pain Program allows pharmacists to implement short, structured pain consultations with beneficial patient outcomes,” says Ms McSwan.

Online training modules have also been developed to ensure pharmacists are able to provide consistent services throughout the pharmacy network.

The TerryWhite Chemmart Know your Pain Program will be launched to customers from August 30.