REPRESENTATION PHARMACIST’S DIARY a


s community pharmacists, we often work in isolation from our peers. Very often we may not see another pharmacist from one week


to the next.


I know myself that dragging myself out in the evening to a training event - after standing all day - is very often the last thing I want to do.


for a while now, we have been trying to find a solution that means we can provide an opportunity to both learn and network without having to leave the comfort of our own sofa – the ideal scenario!


Project Echo provides us with this very opportunity. Echo is an easy-to-use, tele- mentoring tool – or, if you like, a fancy facetime, in simpler terms!


currently in northern Ireland there are three Echo communities in which community pharmacists are involved - palliative care, dementia and those involved with the Primary care and community together ImPact agewell project and I’d like to tell you a bit more about it.


Within ImPact agewell, we have six pharmacists across the area, representing the network of community pharmacies.


they attend monthly multidisciplinary meetings, discussing the individual needs of older people and, where a community pharmacy service is required, they liaise with that patient’s regular pharmacist to deliver the service they need.


the gP then actions the pharmacist’s recommendations before the next hub meeting; all of which means that we are perhaps – finally - seeing gPs recognising the value that community pharmacy can add to the care of our more vulnerable older people.


how many times have you delivered a managing your medicines review, sent your paperwork to the


Pictured (l-r) are the presenters of the ECHO project: Stephen Slaine, McCloys Chemist, Kilrea; Mairead Conlon, UCA; Joanne Morgan, Community Development Health Network and Ellen Nixon, IMPACTAgewell Officer.


gP and never heard back from them? We are closing the loop that for too long has been left open ended.


to improve the care we give, however, we must continue to build upon our own knowledge and we know that peer-to-peer learning is one of the most effective and impactful ways to share our knowledge.


these sessions all revolve around health care in the community - particularly focussing on medicines optimisation in the Elderly.


from a ‘hub’ in Belfast we have an expert presenter, who gives a short presentation on our chosen subject. (this month we delivered a session on health literacy, which was led by Kathy martin from cDhn.)


following this, we have two case studies, led by audience members, who can dial in from their home/pharmacy or wherever suits them.


the case studies are an opportunity to discuss real-life examples, share best practice, ask questions and, if applicable, discuss different ways of doing things.


Participants on


the ECHO project appear ‘on


screen’ during the meeting.


this format facilitates a peer-to-peer discussion with a group of pharmacists, who are keen to improve the care we deliver to older people.


the latest session really highlighted the importance of ‘how’ we talk to people, in order for them to understand their conditions.


MAIREAD CONLON RERESENTATION PHARMACIST


It made me think of how I approach any conversation with patients, from a different perspective and made me want to improve and deliver better care in very practical and achievable ways.


Plus, you know what? these sessions are actually good fun! I don’t think I’ll ever make it as a BBc tV presenter, but I am very much enjoying facilitating this programme.


after three short sessions, I have learnt so much from a wide collection of people, whom I would never have met otherwise.


and now for everyone’s favourite piece of news! these sessions will cover the majority of your cPD hours for the whole year!


If you are interested in catching up with previous sessions, they are all available to watch online, or, if you want to tune in to upcoming dates, please get in touch and I will give you all the details.


I am delighted to extend this invitation to all community pharmacists across nI.


contact mairead@uca.org.uk or 02890656576.


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