7 July 2006

We are all aware analgesics are widely used in the community and are available on prescription and over the counter (OTC).

Pharmacists and pharmacy staff play an important role in advising patients on the appropriate choice and use of analgesics. To support you to provide the best practice advice and to keep you up to date with the latest information, NPS has developed a new audit for your pharmacy.

Participation in the NPS pharmacy audit Use of analgesics provides an opportunity to:

• optimise the safe and effective use of OTC analgesics by recommending a step-wise approach to self management of pain
• identify patients who have a contraindication to, or the potential for drug interactions with an analgesic
• ensure internal systems for referral are functioning appropriately
• demonstrate your provision of quality of care
• assist with staff education.

To download an enrolment form this month go to http://www.nps.org.au/healthpro and fax it to 02 9211 7580 or phone 02 8217 8700 to order your kit. Orders must be in before 27 October 2006 and completed forms must be received at NPS by 17 November 2006.

This program is recognised by the PSA CPD & PI Program for 8 credit points (or state equivalent, recognition No. R1-7/05), and for 1 PGA QCPP/CQI point under 1st edition. For members of SHPA, this activity can be recorded as a Type 2 activity (maximum of 4 hours per audit) on the SHPA Division of Education Continuing Professional Development 2006 Record sheet.

Ten patients should to be reviewed to qualify for point allocation. You may complete reviews of a smaller number of patients and you will receive your feedback report with results from your peers and expert commentary from senior practitioners however you will not receive point allocations.

The previous Quality Use of inhaled medicines in COPD audit closed on 28th July with over 1500 pharmacist enrolments. COPD audit completion certificates with feedback reports will be provided in November.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines. We provide accurate, balanced, evidence-based information and services to help people choose if, when and how to use medicines to improve their health and wellbeing. We are member-based and work in partnership with health professionals, government, pharmaceutical industry and consumers. NPS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.