Fundamentals of Contemporary Emergency Medicine Pharmacy

The e-Learning module in this course may be included as 14 hours of CPD upon successful completion of its integrated assessment activities. 

The 2016 Competency Standards addressed by this activity include:

• 1.1 Uphold professionalism in practice

• 1.2 Observe and promote ethical standards

• 1.5 Apply expertise in professional practice
• 1.6 Contribute to continuous improvement in quality and safety
• 2.2 Collaborate with professional colleagues
• 2.4 Apply interpersonal communication skills to address problems

• 3.1 Develop a patient centred, culturally responsive approach to medication management

• 3.2 Implement the medication management strategy or plan

• 3.3 Monitor and evaluate medication management

• 3.5 Support Quality Use of Medicines

On completion of the online e-Learning modules, participants should be able to: 

1. Describe the key functions, areas and staffing structures of the Emergency Department (ED), as well as common ED equipment and elements of care. 
2. Outline the roles, responsibilities, and impact of Emergency Medicine (EM) pharmacists in contemporary clinical practice. 
3. Describe strategies EM pharmacists can utilise to effectively prioritise their workload, whilst contributing to quality improvement and innovation. 
4. Discuss the types, causes, clinical presentation, and general approach to evaluation and management of shock states in the ED. 
5. Explain the key clinical diagnostic criteria, signs and symptoms, triggers, evaluation, management and monitoring of anaphylaxis and acute adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the ED. 
6. Describe the pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS), and the diagnostic criteria, and initial management of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the ED. 
7. Compare and contrast the initial pharmacological management of acute STEMI and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in the ED. 
8. Discuss the risk factors, signs and symptoms, recognition criteria and initial management of sepsis and septic shock in the ED. 
9. Describe the purpose and essential components of an adult sepsis pathway in the ED, and how this aligns with national and international clinical care standards. 
10. Explain how pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) changes that occur in sepsis can impact medication dosing. 
11. Describe the different types of stroke, including their signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and immediate interventions (including intravenous (IV) thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke) in the ED. 
12. Describe status epilepticus (SE), as well as the initial assessment, support, and management of SE in the ED. 
13. Explain the general approach to the management of a poisoned patient, including supportive care, and common antidotes. 
14. Discuss the assessment and management of a patient presenting to the ED following paracetamol overdose. 

On completion of the Workshops and Experiential Placement, participants should be able to: 

1. In the context of critically ill patients commonly managed in the ED, develop appropriate treatment and monitoring plans based on contemporary literature, clinical guidelines, and patient-specific information. 
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply clinical reasoning to communicate medication management plans that aim to optimise patient outcomes in an ED setting. 

Each online module will be consolidated via a multiple-choice assessment based on real-life cases. 

Learners will be awarded a certificate of completion upon satisfactory completion of the required learning and assessments.