 |
| Pharmacists during a session on how to access drug information online |
The session entitled “Case 3: Asthma” focused on optimal medication management for asthma patients. It was anchored by Dr Michael Fahey (of Hamad Medical Corporation), Dr Azza Abulrish (of Qatar Petroleum), and Dr Nadir Kheir, CPPD co-ordinator.
CPH dean Dr Peter Jewesson noted that asthma is considered a priority health condition under the new national health strategy. “The strategy recommends the implementation of disease management programmes to improve the quality of life of asthmatics and those with other chronic disorders. Pharmacists play an important role in these interdisciplinary programmes as the patients have multifaceted needs including counselling to ensure they understand how best to use their medications to obtain the maximum benefit with the fewest complications,” he said.
The session also addressed the new competencies for pharmacists that were adopted and adapted by the college with approval from the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), a Canada-based voluntary association of provincial and territorial pharmacy regulatory bodies. The competencies are supported by CPH affiliates, and were endorsed by the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) in 2011. “These new standards will help ensure that pharmacists are prepared to contribute to the goals that have been set under the national health strategy,” Dr Jewesson said.
In his presentation, Dr Fahey discussed the burden and impact of asthma in Qatar. Dr Kheir’s introduction of four asthma cases included various skills such as assessing asthma severity and controls, recommending pharmacological treatment, providing patient-specific counselling, and developing an asthma action plan.
Pharmacists were introduced to the use of iPads to access CPH-approved online drug information to support evidence-based decision-making. Similar activities are undertaken by CPH BSc (Pharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy students in the course of their studies.
In her presentation on asthma management at QP’s Asthma Clinic, Dr Abulrish emphasised the different types of care provided, and presented data related to the work carried out at the clinic. The session included a discussion with Hind al-Dahir, QP Medical Services, on a patient case that demonstrated the important role of the pharmacist in the care of asthma patients.
During the session, eight pharmacists were randomly selected to participate in a pre/post-learning assessment to determine immediate knowledge gains resulting from the interactive sessions.
The college plans to make this a routine component of future professional development sessions, Dr Jewesson said, adding that participants will receive the SCH points for the continuing education seminars under a recently-signed MoU between SCH and the college.
Participation in approved continuing education activities will soon be required for a pharmacist to maintain licensure in Qatar.
Another CPH continuing education event is scheduled for March 1, and will discuss “Clinical Pharmacy: Achieving health outcomes, counselling patients with respiratory disorders and counselling patients and families on cancer treatment”. It will be broadcast live from Egypt in co-ordination with the University of South Carolina’s College of Pharmacy (SCCP) and Misr University in Egypt. CPH has formed a partnership with SCCP and guest speakers from this institution will include dean Joseph T DiPiro and professors Dr Cecily V DiPiro and Dr Rowena Schwartz.