Pharmacists launch opioid education program

The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have teamed up to bring 21,000 pharmacist members up to speed on recent opioid regulatory changes to encourage safer medicines use.

Supported by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Talking pain: Opioid options and alternatives is accessible via the SHPA and PSA websites. The program comprises four online learning modules, with tailored advice to help pharmacists increase their awareness and understanding of appropriate opioid use and alternative treatments for pain, and how to effectively communicate with patients and consumers experiencing pain.

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said the challenges posed by the inappropriate use of opioid medicines are clear.

“We are all aware of the compelling evidence surrounding the harm associated with inappropriate use of opioids, which make up an important component of the 250,000 Australians admitted to hospital each year because of their medicines, as outlined in PSA’s Medicine Safety: Take Care report,” he said.

“Acute and chronic pain can be challenging to effectively manage, often requiring an individualised approach, which is why pharmacists have a crucial role in guiding safer use of medicines to manage pain, across both the community and hospital settings.”

SHPA President Peter Fowler said the emphasis on clear conversations and behaviour change is important in this complex area.

“Recent regulatory changes in Australia reflect recommendations made in our landmark 2018 Reducing Opioid-related Harm report, and SHPA is vocal in support of educating doctors and non-medical prescribers regarding appropriate opioid prescribing for patients pre-operatively, during admission and at discharge.

“Through this program, we believe pharmacists and prescribers’ attitudes and behaviours will soon align with the changes being made to opioid products, encouraging more transparent conversations and ensuring safer medicines use for all Australians experiencing pain.”

Over the two years of the program, Talking pain will also see the distribution of new opioid Cautionary and Advisory Labels (CAL) and supporting information to every community pharmacy, as well as every public and private hospital in the country.

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