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]
Case Scenario
Mrs Burns, aged 50 years, comes into the pharmacy with a radiation burn that was left open for a week. Hydrocortisone 0.5% with lidocaine 5% ointment and a low-adherent pad was recommended at the time; however, her wound is now quite sore (6/10). Her general practitioner has referred her to see the Wound Care Pharmacist for further advice.
Wound size: 4 x 7 cm
Medical history: Recent radiation therapy for cancer (in remission). No allergies or medicines.
Introduction
Wound infection is a challenging part of wound care management, and systemic antibiotics are commonly prescribed as a treatment of choice for infection.1 However, inappropriate and widespread use of systemic and topical antibiotics are resulting in increased prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).1 Chronic wounds affect 2–5% of the population worldwide.2 Accurately identifying the signs and symptoms of wound infection and prompt treatment using evidence-based practice are critical to effective wound infection management,3 and prevention of wound complications and chronic wounds.
Learning objectivesAfter reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:
|
THIS IS A CPD ARTICLE. YOU NEED TO BE A PSA MEMBER AND LOGGED IN TO READ MORE.
