2 November 2005

An NPS educational self-audit on the Effective use of antidepressants is now available to pharmacists to help them hone their professional skills and provide additional support for consumers using antidepressants.

Consumer studies suggest that patients may be reluctant to take antidepressants, have misconceptions about their effects and that initial adverse effects and delayed therapeutic benefits may also limit compliance.

“People really value the role pharmacists have in advising them about what to expect from treatment, so it is important that pharmacists have resources available to assist them” said Judith Mackson, Education and Quality Assurance Program Manager, NPS.

“Evidence shows that self-reflective educational activities are one of the most effective ways for professionals to improve practice and this thinking is behind the NPS self-audit for pharmacists. Enrolling in the Effective use of antidepressants self audit will assist pharmacists advising patients about what to expect from treatment and offers continuing professional development and practice points” Ms Mackson concluded.

Karalyn Huxhagen, a community pharmacist from Mackay, Queensland adds that “many people need assistance to understand their medicines and we are in the best position to reinforce information received from their doctor. For people using antidepressants, pharmacists can help by encouraging adherence, providing and explaining the information in the Consumer Medicine Information leaflet and advising the patient that it may take time before their medication takes effect.”

Reinforcing key messages about the duration of treatment and managing adverse effects while providing quality care are some of the inherent positive outcomes of undertaking the pharmacy self audit.

Pharmacy self-audits receive 8 CPD & PI points and 9 IQCPP points for participation. More information about enrolling in the NPS Effective use of antidepressants self-audit is available through NPS by phone on 02 8217 8700, fax on 02 9211 7578 or email.

Health Professional information can be accessed on the website at http://www.nps.org.au/healthpro.

ENDS

NPS is an independent, Australian organisation for Quality Use of Medicines, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.