Asthma reportedly affects one in nine people in Australia and in 2019, statistics show that 421 deaths were caused by asthma – deaths that are largely preventable. 
It’s said that up to 90% of people are not using their inhalers in the correct way and this an area where pharmacists can play a big part in supporting their patients to better manage their asthma.
However, in order to support patients to control their asthma, it’s vital that pharmacists are up-to-date with the latest prescribing and asthma care information.
In light of this, pharmacists are invited to join the Australasian College of Pharmacy and the National Asthma Council Australia for their latest webinar update, ‘Rethinking Asthma Management in Pharmacy’.
The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday 6 April at 7pm AEST and 5pm AWST.
Attendees will learn about prescribing appropriate medicines, as well as correct inhaler device technique and adherence to therapy.
The webinar is complimentary to Australasian College of Pharmacy members and $49 for non-members.
Pharmacists in both Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to visit acp.edu.au to register today.
The webinar’s key speaker is Debbie Rigby, an Advanced Practice Pharmacist with postgraduate qualifications in clinical pharmacy, geriatrics and respiratory medicine.
Debbie is a member of the Lung Foundation Australia COPD Advisory Committee and Primary Care Committee, and the International Primary Care Respiratory Group.
Debbie is leading the National Asthma Council implementation of Asthma Right Care in Australia.
The Australasian College of Pharmacy’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dimitri Kopanakis says that it is an exciting time for the College and its members.
“We recently introduced the College’s new engaging, contemporary and inclusive brand – the qualities we believe a professional education provider should comprise and the qualities the College has upheld for over 40 years,” says Dr Kopanakis.
“We look forward to keeping you up to date with many new education initiatives being rolled out for College members.
“We look forward to seeing you online next Tuesday, 6 April for the latest asthma update. Register at acp.edu.au.”
References
1. Statistics provided by The National Asthma Council, 2021
2. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, 2021, Asthma Management, FindAPharmacy, viewed on 30 March 2021 at findapharmacy.com.au/our-services/asthma
