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]
Remaining ‘vigilant’ is the key to disrupting the harmful influences of opioid prescribing to people at risk of addiction, US pharmacist-turned opioid misuse detective Dan Schneider told attendees at PSA21 Virtual today.
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Pharmacists share the pressures of operating in COVID-19 hotspots and the extra pressure the 3-day testing rule places on an already skeleton staff.
Pharmacists continue to be integral in helping their communities through COVID-19, but pharmacists themselves need more support, according to an international panel of experts.
With a diverse program of clinical, therapeutic and industry sessions for pharmacists in all practice settings, PSA21 will help grow your medicines expertise.
Meet Bridget Totterman, PSA's 2020 Queensland Pharmacist of the Year.
Australian Pharmacist asked two experienced vaccinators for their tips and tricks to ensure things run smoothly.
Recent research analysing the prescription of opioids to Queensland adults over a 21-year period found dispensing of the medicines increased by 11-fold.
Building autonomy and resilience when pushed by patients, colleagues or personal contacts.
The thousands of community pharmacies assessed as suitable COVID-19 vaccination sites must be activated now.
