PSA, SHPA talk pain

THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) have launched a new four-part online opioid education program.

Talking pain: Opioid options and alternatives is now accessible through both the PSA and SHPA websites, and has been designed to educate pharmacists about the recent opioid regulatory changes to encourage safe medicines use.

PSA National Presidnet, Dr Chris Freeman, said the challenges caused by inappropriate opioid use were 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 was 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 nonmedical prescribers regarding appropriate opioid prescribing for patients pre-operatively, during admission and at discharge,” he said.