•   7.5hrs
  •   Public
  •   Version: 3
  •   Review due: March 2024

This course enables community pharmacists to understand the supply, safe handling, adverse effects, supportive care and potential issues surrounding oral anti-cancer treatments.


About

This education series provides practical learning activities and addresses issues encountered in the community pharmacy setting.

A brief summary of some of the information contained in these learning activities can be found in the summary sheet.


Modules

The aim of this module is to educate the community pharmacist on the principles of treating cancer with an emphasis on oral anti-cancer drugs. Through increased knowledge and awareness of the principles of oral anti-cancer drugs the community pharmacist will be better equipped to engage and assist cancer patients in the management of medication and treatment related queries.

The aim of this module is to educate the community pharmacist on the principles and processes for checking a prescription for oral anti-cancer drugs. Through increased knowledge and awareness of the protocols available for specific cancers and the adherence to a verification process for checking a prescription the community pharmacist will be better equipped to engage and assist cancer patients in the management of oral anti-cancer medication and treatment related queries.

The aim of this module is to educate the community pharmacist on the risks and precautions required when dispensing oral anti-cancer drugs and related waste. The module also aims to educate the community pharmacist on the subsequent advice for patients and carers. Through increased knowledge and awareness of the handling requirements of oral anti-cancer drugs the community pharmacist will be better equipped to prevent occupational exposure and will also be able to engage and assist cancer patients and carers in the management of medication.

The aim of this module is to educate the community pharmacist on the common drug interactions to consider when dispensing oral anti-cancer drugs. Through increased knowledge and awareness of drug interactions with oral anti-cancer drugs the community pharmacist will be better equipped to engage and assist cancer patients in the management of medication and treatment related queries.

The aim of this module is to educate the community pharmacist on the common adverse effects and toxicities associated with oral anti-cancer medicines. Through increased knowledge and awareness of the principles of oral anti-cancer drugs the community pharmacist will be better equipped to engage and assist cancer patients in the management of medication and treatment related queries.

The aim of this module is to educate the community pharmacist on the steps involved in providing education to patients and/or carers taking oral anti-cancer medicines. This module brings together many of the principles of cancer medicines in a practical step by step format with a working example. Through increased knowledge and awareness of the education principles of oral anti-cancer medicines the community pharmacist will be better equipped to engage and assist cancer patients in the management of medication and treatment related queries.


Additional Information


Accreditation number: CX22009a/b - CX22014a/b 
These six activities have been accredited for 7.5 hours of Group 1 CPD suitable for inclusion in an individual pharmacist’s CPD plan, which can be converted to 1.25 hours of Group 1 CPD upon successful completion of relevant assessment activities.

Individual resources that are accredited for 1.25 hours of Group 1 CPD as listed below:

Resource name Accreditation CPD allocation
General principles CX22009a 1 CPD credits (Group 1)
Prescriptions and protocols CX22010a 1 CPD credits (Group 1)
Dispensing oral anti-cancer drugs  CX22011a  1 CPD credits (Group 1)
Safe handling of oral anti-cancer drugs and related waste CX22012a  1 CPD credits (Group 1)
Adverse effects and supportive care CX22013a  1 CPD credits (Group 1)
Patient education  CX22014a  1 CPD credits (Group 1)

 

Please note, if undertaken via a learning management system (LMS) learners may be eligible for 2 CPD credits per module.  The course is currently available through PSA or the Guild.

National competency standards 2016

This online learning module has been developed in collaboration with the following organisations:  

  • Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
  • The Australian College of Pharmacy
  • The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
  • NSW Therapeutic Advisory Group
  • The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia

Download the mobile app (*enter code pharma*) and complete the interactive mini-quiz.

Oral anti-cancer drugs in community pharmacy

What you will achieve

  • Explain the complexities in interpreting anti-cancer drugs prescriptions and treatment protocols
  • Apply knowledge of oral anti-cancer therapy when reviewing a prescription and a treatment protocol
  • Discuss the expanding role of community pharmacists in managing patients receiving oral anti-cancer drugs
  • List common medication errors to reduce the risk of future medication errors occurring
  • Explain the common side effects, interactions and toxicities associated with oral anti-cancer drugs
  • Apply education principles when providing counselling to patients receiving anti-cancer medicines, or their carers, on managing side effects and treatment adherence 
  • List potential hazards associated with the handling of anti-cancer drugs and related waste, including dose administration aids, spills management and patient counselling

Who is this course for?

This course has been designed for community pharmacists.

 

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