Rub shoulders with Kerri Barwick MPS (centre) and other members of team PSA at CPC24[/caption]
The use of insulin, considered a high-risk medication with APINCHs classification,5 Ms Barwick notes, provides justification for a Home Medicines Review (HMR). ‘There’s an advantage to going into the home to observe the patient’s diet, consider potential interactions, and educate patients on the best effects and outcomes,’ she says.
Advice around cleaning blood glucose level (BGL) monitors to ensure accuracy can also be provided. ‘Pharmacists can explain how to put test drops through and clean blood spills on the monitor, common in pregnancy due to higher blood volume,’ says Ms Barwick.
With only 50% of women diagnosed with GDM receiving tests for heart disease and type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy,6 HMRs can be beneficial at this stage of the journey, too.
‘Along with conversations around diet choices, exercise regimes and sleep, I also explain how often testing is required over the next 5–10 years, and how to monitor for signs of the development of diabetes,’ Ms Barwick advises.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
The presence of iron in pregnancy multivitamins may exacerbate symptoms of nausea and vomiting in some pregnancies, according to Ms Barwick.
‘Pharmacists can recommend a trial cessation of the iron component of pregnancy vitamins, often unnecessary in pregnancy,’ she says.
In 2020, photographer Bobbi Lockyer created a Birthing on Country project to highlight and create awareness around birthing issues and outcomes in Aboriginal women. For more, see 
Suzanne Nielsen MPS[/caption]
The recipients of PSA’s 2021 Excellence Awards may represent different generations, locations and areas of pharmacy practice, but they have one thing in common: a desire to provide the best possible care to the community.
With Spikevax now readily available in pharmacies across the nation, AP has some advice on adjusting your approach to cater for younger patients.
In the lead up to World Pharmacists Day (WPD) on 25 September, pharmacists share how they rose to the occasion throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining increased recognition along the way.
Spikevax arrived in pharmacies across Australia this week, with some already administering the new vaccine to patients.
The end of the continuing professional development (CPD) reporting period is almost here. After a stressful 12 months, Australian Pharmacist has some tips to help make the process simple.
Quinn On MPS has been in the news multiple times during the latest Sydney lockdown, sharing his tips to conquer queues, translation and vaccine hesitancy.
With state barriers now removed and extra stock on the way, the rollout of the Moderna vaccine is set to start with a bang.
Pharmacists across the country have a new way to connect, collaborate and drive the profession forward, with the launch of PSA’s Communities of Specialty Interest (CSIs).
Save the date and get ready to mark this year’s World Pharmacists Day (WPD 2021) on Saturday 25 September.
How pharmacists can overcome their own unconsciously dismissive bias of women’s health concerns by asking the right questions.
