Profession: Pharmacist

Most seasoned pharmacists have stories of situations that have escalated into violent situations in the pharmacy. In many cases, how the staff reacts to the situation can become the difference between an unfortunate outcome and a catastrophic one. This session seeks to identify the current trends in pharmacy robberies and examine the appropriateness of various responses from a law enforcement perspective. In addition, the session examines preemptive measures that pharmacies may take to discourage robberies and other violent behaviors. Some focused forethought and planning by the pharmacy staff can be critical in assisting law enforcement later in the investigation. Commander John Burke employs his extensive experience in law enforcement to host a candid discussion with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians regarding the inherent dangers of the work environment that we all share.

Provisions for workplace safety can easily be taken for granted after decades of continual integration of OSHA best practices in the workplace. And, professionally, we have made huge strides in ensuring worker safety in today’s pharmacies. Still, common problematic areas periodically surface as potential violations for pharmacy employers. Whether it be through the Hazard Communications Standards or through the Bloodborne Pathogen Standards or simply through more general OSHA expectations, every pharmacy employer must provide very specific safety provisions to its employees. This session seeks to examine some of the more common OSHA standards applicable to the contemporary practice of pharmacy.

For decades, observations have been made between cancer rates in health care workers with exposure to certain antineoplastics. Published in 2016, USP chapter <800> was introduced to help mitigate risks for patients, the environment, and healthcare personnel. As the years have passed, our understanding of these risks has broadened. With that enhanced knowledge comes new processes and recommendations. This session seeks to examine the progression of USP <800> since its introduction and outline appropriate procedures, education, and monitoring for hazardous drugs included in this chapter.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Medication errors affect every pharmacy practice site and occur at all steps in the medication use process. This program will discuss root cause analysis and failure mode and effects analysis as tools to help affect practice change. The pharmacist’s role in transitions of care and medication reconciliation will also be discussed in detail. In addition, tips, techniques, error traps and other medication error prevention tools will be discussed. Finally, the program will provide case examples and practical information that any pharmacist can quickly implement to reduce medication errors at their practice site.

This course has been approved to meet the 2.0 hour requirement for medication error prevention training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

It was Winston Churchill who famously declared, “those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” In the profession of pharmacy, our history is marked by both incredible achievements and horrific tragedy. In this session, we respectfully look back on some of our greatest tragedies, searching for the answers of what went wrong … and, more importantly, what has changed since each incident occurred. Moreover, as technologies advance, we find that opportunities for error do not necessarily decrease, but instead present new sources for error. In this session, past tragedies and errors are examined and explored as critical “lessons learned”. Additionally, new technologies are discussed, with a conversation around fundamental processes that must be in place for every pharmacy to be vigilant and proactive in reducing patient harm.

It has been over 40 years since “HIV” and “AIDS” became commonplace words for both the healthcare profession and the general population. Fortunately, in the 1990s, drugs with different mechanisms of action were developed to take HIV from a “death sentence” to a manageable disease. Today, the focus for affected individuals has shifted to medication adherence for these robust therapies, as well as disease prevention. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a priority now that we have preventative agents that are more patient-friendly, to help bring an end to the spread of this disease. Join Professor Pete for a comprehensive discussion of the history, treatment, and preventative strategies for HIV and AIDS as patient care moves into a new era.

This course meets the FL requirement of 1.0 board-approved contact hour on the topic of HIV/AIDS.

Medication errors affect every pharmacy practice site and occur at all steps in the medication use process. This program will discuss root cause analysis and failure mode and effects analysis as tools to help affect practice change. The pharmacist’s role in transitions of care and medication reconciliation will also be discussed in detail. In addition, tips, techniques, error traps and other medication error prevention tools will be discussed. Finally, the program will provide case examples and practical information that any pharmacist can quickly implement to reduce medication errors at their practice site.

This course has been approved to meet the 2.0 hour requirement for medication error prevention training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

This program will identify and describe current red flags and trends in prescription drug diversion and/or abuse by patients and prescribers, including how they have changed over time. It will include Florida pharmacy practice laws regarding the role of the pharmacist in determining if a prescription is for a legitimate medical purpose and proper assessment of controlled substance prescriptions. It will also include how to assess if a prescription is for a legitimate medical purpose and what steps a pharmacist can take if it is not. Finally, the program will discuss how state and federal laws impact the role of pharmacist in validating and dispensing controlled substance prescriptions.

This course has been approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy to meet the 2.0 credit-hour requirement for education on validation of controlled substance prescriptions for pharmacists.

This presentation on influenza vaccination will emphasize the critical role of vaccines in preventing seasonal flu outbreaks and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. We will explore the various types of influenza vaccines available, their safety, effectiveness, and recommendations according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Additionally, the presentation will address common misconceptions about flu vaccination and discuss strategies to enhance vaccine uptake in our communities.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Cough, cold, and allergy medications can be confusing even to a patient/customer who speaks the language in which the labels are printed. The challenge to speakers of Spanish when presented with the rainbow of OTC options adds another layer of difficulty. This course will teach the names, directions for use, and side effects of common OTC cough, cold, and allergy medications. Participants will learn how to inquire about symptoms, medications currently taking, and medical conditions. They will also learn how to direct patients to the correct medication. Finally, in the event that flu or COVID is suspected, they will learn a few basic phrases for directly patients to COVID at-home test kits, and phrases directing patients to their doctor or a clinic for testing.

In this course, participants will deepen their understanding of the physiological changes during pregnancy and their impact on medication safety. They will learn to identify teratogenic risks, navigate medication safety categories, and collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize maternal and fetal health outcomes, as well as identify appropriate treatments for conditions unique to pregnancy. By gaining expertise in evidence-based guidelines and counseling techniques, attendees will enhance their ability to provide tailored medication management support to pregnant patients while ensuring optimal safety and efficacy.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Module 1 is the first of 6 modules in the A Practical Approach to Diabetes Management specialty certificate. This module discusses the current gap in patient diabetes education and the unique role that pharmacists play in patient education. This presentation explores the benefits of diabetes-related medication therapy management in the pharmacy and the cost savings to the healthcare industry that a consultation in the pharmacy can potentially bring. In addition, risk for diabetes and symptoms of hyper- and hypoglycemia together with factors that can contribute to fluctuation in blood glucose levels are reviewed. Furthermore, module 1 introduces the A Practical Approach to Diabetes Management program through a review of the highlights of each module. Highlights will also include the pearls in of each module that will enhance both pharmacist and pharmacy technician knowledge and skills to provide effective, evidence-based, hands-on patient education.

This session is part of the Opioid series, which explores the safe and effective utilization of prescription opioids within diverse pain management treatment plans during the opioid crisis. This session seeks to explore general considerations regarding safe and effective prescription opioid utilization in pain management, including aspects such as renal dosing, hepatic dosing, gradual opioid tapering, opioid rotation, and the calculation of morphine milligram equivalent (MME) daily dosages. This session also reviews the various manners of classifying prescription opioids based on structural class, mechanism of action, origin, and polarity, and controlled substance class.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

It has been over 40 years since “HIV” and “AIDS” became commonplace words for both the healthcare profession and the general population. Fortunately, in the 1990s, drugs with different mechanisms of action were developed to take HIV from a “death sentence” to a manageable disease. Today, the focus for affected individuals has shifted to medication adherence for these robust therapies, as well as disease prevention. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a priority now that we have preventative agents that are more patient-friendly, to help bring an end to the spread of this disease. Join Professor Pete for a comprehensive discussion of the history, treatment, and preventative strategies for HIV and AIDS as patient care moves into a new era.

This course meets the FL requirement of 1.0 board-approved contact hour on the topic of HIV/AIDS.

Spelling matters. Just Say No? Perhaps, Just Say KNOW! Substances will change controlled substances classes in the future, just as ethyl alcohol had in the past, but their respective pharmacology remain the same. Because of this, we, as healthcare professionals, need to provide impactful patient care with expanded knowledge of substances of abuse. In this program, we will review a multitude of substances of abuse, broken down into therapeutic classes and subclasses, with particular attention to structural nuances, clinical pearls, mechanisms of action, dosages, and interactions. This dynamic discussion will provide a broader depth of knowledge than the average clinician is ever armed with for patient care, while serving as the introduction for the much more comprehensive Substances of Abuse Specialty Pharmacist Certificate. Just Say NOW.

It was Winston Churchill who famously declared, “those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” In the profession of pharmacy, our history is marked by both incredible achievements and horrific tragedy. In this session, we respectfully look back on some of our greatest tragedies, searching for the answers of what went wrong … and, more importantly, what has changed since each incident occurred. Moreover, as technologies advance, we find that opportunities for error do not necessarily decrease, but instead present new sources for error. In this session, past tragedies and errors are examined and explored as critical “lessons learned”. Additionally, new technologies are discussed, with a conversation around fundamental processes that must be in place for every pharmacy to be vigilant and proactive in reducing patient harm.

This session is part of the Non-Opioid Certificate, which explores diverse pain management treatment plans involving treatments other than prescription opioids during the opioid crisis. This session examines non-pharmacological options that may be employed for the management of pain, by classifying as either passive or active based on the patient point of view. The session includes a discussion of active non-pharmacological treatment options including psychotherapy, mind-body therapy, various distinct types of exercise, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The session includes a discussion of passive non-pharmacological treatment options including nutrition, heat/cold, TENs/EMS devices, hyperbaric oxygen, spinal manipulation, massage, ultrasound, paraffin wax, infrared light, spinal traction, and acupuncture.

This program will identify and describe current red flags and trends in prescription drug diversion and/or abuse by patients and prescribers, including how they have changed over time. It will include Florida pharmacy practice laws regarding the role of the pharmacist in determining if a prescription is for a legitimate medical purpose and proper assessment of controlled substance prescriptions. It will also include how to assess if a prescription is for a legitimate medical purpose and what steps a pharmacist can take if it is not. Finally, the program will discuss how state and federal laws impact the role of pharmacist in validating and dispensing controlled substance prescriptions.

This course has been approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy to meet the 2.0 credit-hour requirement for education on validation of controlled substance prescriptions for pharmacists.

ADHD has become increasingly recognized and diagnosed following the COVID-19 pandemic. While traditionally, younger individuals were associated with the diagnoses. There has been an enhanced recognition and emphasis on individuals diagnosed later in life in their mid-30s to 40s. This diagnosis is further complicated by the presence of several types and the common perception that it is primarily displayed as physical hyperactive behavior and with its interlinkages with other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Depending upon the patient’s preferences and needs for their journey in life and age, different approaches may be necessary, and frequent evaluation and titration of approaches must occur. Patients experience many barriers to care, including shaming, challenges with consistent access and adherence to medications, impacts of co-morbid conditions, and psychosocial dynamic challenges. An effective medication approach requires patience, careful monitoring, titration, open communication, and trust. Approaches needed may include counseling, social/emotional support, health coaching, supplement use and dietary modification, meditation, occupational therapy, myofascial release, educational intervention, advocacy, and medications. Medications can be considered as a means of addressing initial cumbersome symptoms while building supportive coping structures to help throughout life.

Cough, cold, and allergy medications can be confusing even to a patient/customer who speaks the language in which the labels are printed. The challenge to speakers of Spanish when presented with the rainbow of OTC options adds another layer of difficulty. This course will teach the names, directions for use, and side effects of common OTC cough, cold, and allergy medications. Participants will learn how to inquire about symptoms, medications currently taking, and medical conditions. They will also learn how to direct patients to the correct medication. Finally, in the event that flu or COVID is suspected, they will learn a few basic phrases for directly patients to COVID at-home test kits, and phrases directing patients to their doctor or a clinic for testing.

USP 797 sterile compounding guidelines have been revised, becoming official in 2023!  For the pharmacist or technician working in a sterile compounding environment, a keen understanding of the revisions is paramount.  Pharmacy leadership teams need to intimately understand the changes and what preparatory efforts need to be happening now.  This presentation will review the revised USP <797> standards and best practices that support safe sterile compounding.  Facility design, personnel training and monitoring, environmental monitoring, and work practices will be discussed.

Module 1 is the first of 6 modules in the A Practical Approach to Diabetes Management specialty certificate. This module discusses the current gap in patient diabetes education and the unique role that pharmacists play in patient education. This presentation explores the benefits of diabetes-related medication therapy management in the pharmacy and the cost savings to the healthcare industry that a consultation in the pharmacy can potentially bring. In addition, risk for diabetes and symptoms of hyper- and hypoglycemia together with factors that can contribute to fluctuation in blood glucose levels are reviewed. Furthermore, module 1 introduces the A Practical Approach to Diabetes Management program through a review of the highlights of each module. Highlights will also include the pearls in of each module that will enhance both pharmacist and pharmacy technician knowledge and skills to provide effective, evidence-based, hands-on patient education.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Medication errors affect every pharmacy practice site and occur at all steps in the medication use process. This program will discuss root cause analysis and failure mode and effects analysis as tools to help affect practice change. The pharmacist’s role in transitions of care and medication reconciliation will also be discussed in detail. In addition, tips, techniques, error traps and other medication error prevention tools will be discussed. Finally, the program will provide case examples and practical information that any pharmacist can quickly implement to reduce medication errors at their practice site.

This course has been approved to meet the 2.0 hour requirement for medication error prevention training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

For patients with diabetes, episodes of hypoglycemia can be a frightening and frustrating piece of managing adequate glucose control. As many as 25% of patients with diabetes have reported having frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. Many factors are involved in minimizing the number of hypoglycemic episodes, including diet and proper management of medications. In this session, the leading causes of hypoglycemia are examined and analyzed from a patient management perspective.  This session seeks to provide the healthcare provider with tools necessary to properly coach patients who experience this preventable phenomenon.

In many ways, the conversation around nicotine cessation has changed. In other ways, the conversation of today directly parallels the conversations from previous generations. Nicotine, as a drug, has not changed. The delivery mechanisms and social perceptions, however, have significantly shifted. This program seeks to understand how the approach to nicotine cessation has shifted from one generation to the next. Moreover, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological supportive options are examined for those seeking to discontinue the use of nicotine, whether that be grandad or the young student in the guidance office at the local high school.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Medication safety remains a top concern for pharmacies and regulators alike. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians find themselves daily in situations whose outcome teeters between success and tragedy. Understanding the framework for medication safety, then, is paramount.  In this session, multiple medication safety models are examined within the context of the community pharmacy and beyond. Avenues for error reporting are explored, along with industry best practices.

This course has been approved to meet the 2.0 hour requirement for medication error prevention training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

This presentation on influenza vaccination will emphasize the critical role of vaccines in preventing seasonal flu outbreaks and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. We will explore the various types of influenza vaccines available, their safety, effectiveness, and recommendations according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Additionally, the presentation will address common misconceptions about flu vaccination and discuss strategies to enhance vaccine uptake in our communities.