A Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) kit on pain management for use by accredited and community pharmacists has been developed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
As one of the central objectives of Australia`s National Medicines Policy, QUM improves
health outcomes for all Australians through services that promote safe and effective use of appropriately chosen medicines.
The new QUM kit provides tools for accredited pharmacists to educate and guide staff at residential aged care facilities on pain management to improve the quality of life of residents. There are also resources for pharmacists to inform consumers in the wider community and enhance their role in providing quality healthcare for patients experiencing pain.
The kit covers best practice in identifying and treating pain, with particular focus on common analgesics and the risks and benefits of their use. As well as discussing overthe- counter, prescription and complementary medicines used to treat pain, the material investigates various non-pharmacological treatments as part of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.
Inside the kit are two ready-made sets of slides based on the Essential CPE: Persistent pain module. Pharmacists can use these to prepare and deliver presentations to nursing staff or to community groups. The presentation for nursing staff includes case studies which allow participants to practically discuss and examine the issues involved in pain management. Comprehensive facilitator guides are included, as well as handouts for participants. The kit also contains invaluable resources such as relevant Self Care leaflets, a copy of
Essential CPE: Persistent Pain and a sample pain management diary.
Pharmacists can earn up to 22 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points with this QUM kit. The presentations have also been endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) and participating nurses who return completed evaluation forms after the presentations are eligible for 4 Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) points.
The QUM kit - pain management is free for all PSA members (plus freight and handling fee of $12.00, limit of one free kit per member.) The price for non-members is $67 (incl. GST).
The QUM kit on pain management can be ordered now from the PSA bookshop.
Source:
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
