Pharmacists in Australia will be upskilled to provide advice to families on some of the biggest child health topics under a new training program.
Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) has partnered with Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA), Pharma Programs and Prax Hub to launch their first online accredited pharmacy training program in Australia focused on children's health.
The program, currently available to pharmacists who are IPA network members, will deliver accessible MCRI research-based advice to families and carers. From late March, the training will be available to the broader network of community pharmacists.
The pilot currently offers training on childhood sleep, aiming to help parents tackle sleep problems, which affect one in three children. If successful, the program will expand to other key health concerns, such as allergy and asthma, informed by MCRI experts.
MCRI's Professor Harriet Hiscock, who developed the sleep program, said pharmacists were highly trained, trusted and accessible and were well placed to triage, treat or refer patients to other professionals as required.
Image: Professor Harriet Hiscock
"We know that many families go to their community pharmacist for trusted health advice, but pharmacists don't always have much training in paediatric care," she said. We need to work together as doctors, pharmacists, nurses and allied health professionals to provide even better services to the community.
"This partnership will provide more opportunities for families to access trusted health advice about their children when they need it most."
Professor Hiscock said after completing the sleep program pharmacists would be able to identify sleep cues and signs of obstructive sleep apnoea and discuss management options for behavioural sleep problems.
"Over time, children's sleep duration has steadily declined," she said. Sleep problems can range from not getting enough sleep or waking up repeatedly overnight. Good sleep habits are essential to the health, wellbeing, development and learning of infants and children.
"Babies, children and teenagers need different amounts of sleep as they age and most adolescents do not get the recommended amount of sleep, which can contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
"Sleep restores children physically, boosts immunity and helps protect them from sickness. Children also produce growth hormones while asleep, so it's crucial for them to get enough sleep for their age."
For pharmacies to learn more about the program and to sign up contact [email protected].
