Online course

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

This module provides an overview of ScriptCheckWA – the Western Australian Government's real-time prescription monitoring system.

It provides you with an opportunity to update your knowledge on the increasing harms from medicines monitored within ScriptCheckWA and to learn how ScriptCheckWA provides additional information to assist with clinical decisions when prescribing or dispensing the medicines monitored within ScriptCheckWA.

The module also outlines ways to manage and maintain patient privacy when using ScriptCheckWA and summarises relevant regulatory requirements for the use of ScriptCheckWA when writing or dispensing a prescription for a monitored medicine.

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 ScriptCheckWA 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 ScriptCheckWA.
2. Describe the benefits of the ScriptCheckWA system for clinical practice.
3. Describe how to use ScriptCheckWA to benefit patient safety.
4. Identify approaches to managing and maintaining patient privacy when using ScriptCheckWA, and when communicating with patients and other health professionals
5. Identify the circumstances in which an authorisation to prescribe a Schedule 8 medicine is required in WA.

Module 1. The ScriptCheckWA 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 ScriptCheckWA.
2. Describe the benefits of the ScriptCheckWA system for clinical practice.
3. Describe how to use ScriptCheckWA to benefit patient safety.
4. Identify approaches to managing and maintaining patient privacy when using ScriptCheckWA, and when communicating with patients and prescribers.
5. Identify the circumstances in which a prescription for a monitored medicine cannot be dispensed.

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 ScriptCheckWA.
2. Determine appropriate management approaches when concerns arise about the safety of patients using monitored medicines.
3. Identify effective, evidence-based, non-pharmacological management options for chronic pain. Suggest these to patients to help manage their condition.
4. Explain the appropriate place in therapy for monitored medicines in the management of chronic pain.

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 the medicines selected for monitoring through ScriptCheckWA (monitored medicines).
2. Determine appropriate patient management approaches when concerns arise about the safety of patients using monitored medicines.
3. Identify effective, evidence-based, non-pharmacological management options for chronic pain, 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.
5. Outline the key benefits of offering OST dispensing services for patients with opioid dependence in the community, as part of the CPOP.

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 monitored prescription medicines.
2. Apply effective communication strategies and techniques to explain the risks of long-term use and dependence before prescribing monitored 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 monitored medicines.

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 monitored prescription medicines.
2. Apply effective communication strategies and techniques to explain the risks of long-term use and dependence before dispensing monitored medicines.
3. Implement pharmacy procedures, 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 monitored medicines.