Online course

Module 1. The SafeScript NSW System – what, when and how? (for prescribers and pharmacists)

This module provides an overview of SafeScript NSW – NSW Health's real-time prescription monitoring system. It provides you with an opportunity to update your knowledge on the increasing harms from high-risk prescription medicines, and to learn how SafeScript provides additional information to assist with clinical decisions when prescribing or dispensing high-risk medicines. The module also outlines ways to manage and maintain patient privacy when using SafeScript, and the key regulatory requirements relating to use of the system.

Read the learning outcomes for module 1 - prescribers

Read the learning outcomes for module 1 - pharmacists

Module 2. Monitored medicines and clinical practice (for prescribers)

This module provides you with an opportunity to reconsider how you manage safety concerns about patients with prescription medicine dependence or those showing signs of high-risk use. It explores planning approaches for the consultation, strategies for collaboration with other health professionals, whole of practice/service approaches to ensure equity and safety for everyone and provides you with an opportunity to review available management and treatment options.

It will also refresh your knowledge of alternative options for management of chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, including non-pharmacological approaches and other lower risk pharmacological treatments.

Read the learning outcomes for module 2 - prescribers

Module 2. Monitored medicines and clinical practice (for pharmacists)

This module provides you with an opportunity to refresh your knowledge on safe and appropriate dispensing of high-risk medicines, particularly those monitored in SafeScript NSW, and reconsider how you manage concerns about patient safety regarding their use of these high-risk medicines.

It will also refresh your knowledge of alternative options for management of chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, including non-pharmacological approaches and other lower risk pharmacological treatments.

Read the learning outcomes for module 2 - pharmacist

Module 3. Communication and care for patients using monitored medicines (for prescribers and pharmacists)

This module provides foundation information to help you and your practice/pharmacy prepare for conversations with patients about the potential risks of dependence with high-risk medicines. It explores the elements of best practice communication and how to apply effective communication strategies when explaining the risks of long-term use before prescribing or dispensing high-risk medicines. The module also outlines how to implement practice policies, set behaviour standards and use de-escalation techniques to reduce safety risks for health professionals and patients in challenging situations.

Read the learning outcomes for module 3 - prescribers

Read the learning outcomes for module 3 - pharmacists

Module 1. The SafeScript NSW System – what, when and how? (for prescribers)

On completion of this module you should be able to:

1. List key rationale behind the introduction of SafeScript NSW to monitor supply of Schedule 8 and selected Schedule 4 high-risk medicines.
2. Describe the benefits of the SafeScript NSW system for clinical practice when prescribing Schedule 8 and selected Schedule 4 high-risk medicines.
3. Describe how to use SafeScript NSW to benefit safety for patients currently taking or commencing treatment with high-risk medicines.
4. Identify approaches to managing and maintaining patient privacy when using SafeScript NSW, and when communicating with patients and other health professionals.
5. Identify the circumstances in which an authority to prescribe a drug of addiction is required in NSW.

Module 1. The SafeScript NSW System – what, when and how? (for pharmacists)

On completion of this module you should be able to:

1. List key rationale behind the introduction of SafeScript NSW to monitor supply of Schedule 8 and selected Schedule 4 high-risk medicines.
2. Describe the benefits of the SafeScript NSW system for clinical practice when dispensing Schedule 8 and selected Schedule 4 high-risk medicines.
3. Describe how to use SafeScript NSW to benefit safety for patients currently taking or commencing treatment with high-risk medicines.
4. Identify approaches to managing and maintaining patient privacy when using SafeScript NSW, and when communicating with patients and prescribers.

Module 2. Monitored medicines and clinical practice (for prescribers)

On completion of this module you should be able to:

1. Describe what is involved in safely and appropriately prescribing the medicines selected for monitoring through SafeScript NSW.
2. Determine the most appropriate management approach when concerns arise about the safety of patients using monitored medicines.
3. Identify effective, evidence-based, non-pharmacological management options for chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety to suggest to patients to help manage their condition.
4. Explain the appropriate place in therapy for monitored medicines in the management of chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety.
5. Implement the key steps involved in engaging a patient with opioid dependence in the NSW Opioid Treatment Program (OTP).

Module 2. Monitored medicines and clinical practice (for pharmacists)

On completion of this module you should be able to:

1. List the steps involved in safe and appropriate dispensing of high-risk medicines selected for monitoring through SafeScript NSW.
2. Determine the most appropriate patient management approach when concerns arise about the safety of patients using monitored medicines.
3. Identify effective, evidence-based non-pharmacological management options for chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety to suggest to patients to help manage their condition.
4. Explain the appropriate place in therapy for monitored medicines in the management of chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety.
5. Outline the key benefits of offering opioid agonist treatment dispensing services for patients with opioid dependence in the community, as part of the NSW Opioid Treatment Program.

Module 3. Communication and care for patients using monitored medicines (for prescribers)

On completion of this module you should be able to:

1. Identify the elements of best practice communication that consider the individual needs of patients when discussing high-risk prescription medicines
2. Apply effective communication strategies and techniques to explain the risks of long-term use and dependence before prescribing high-risk medicines
3. Implement practice policies, set behaviour standards, and use de-escalation techniques to reduce risks for health professionals and patients in challenging situations
4. Determine best practice follow-up protocols for patients who have high-risk use or are dependent on high-risk medicines. These may include specialist referrals.

Module 3. Communication and care for patients using monitored medicines (for pharmacists)

On completion of this module you should be able to:

1. Identify the elements of best practice communication that consider the individual needs of patients when discussing high-risk prescription medicines
2. Apply effective communication strategies and techniques to explain the risks of long-term use and dependence before dispensing high-risk medicines
3. Implement pharmacy policies, set behaviour standards, and use de-escalation techniques to reduce risks for health professionals and patients in challenging situations
4. Develop and enact a follow-up protocol for patients who have high-risk use or are dependent on high-risk medicines.