21 June 2007

Facilitating the Provision of Osteoporosis-Linked Education for Community Pharmacists

An innovative new pharmacy training initiative has been launched this month in conjunction with UniChem and Servier Laboratories. The initiative is being implemented to assess the impact that education can have on community pharmacists involved in managing patients with osteoporosis.

The initiative, which is being funded by Servier Laboratories and has been developed in close partnership with UniChem Professional Services, is designed to facilitate the provision of osteoporosis-linked education for selected community pharmacists. It has also been designed to assist in the facilitation of osteoporosis-linked Medicine Use Reviews over a six-month period as well as evaluate the impact of communication skills training on the quality of osteoporosis-linked MURs during the six-month initiative.

Approximately 15 community pharmacies in the Dorset PCT and Bournemouth and Poole PCT areas have been selected to participate in the scheme, which commences with a series of training events co-ordinated by UniChem and Servier. The events are taking place in June 2007 and will provide pharmacists with a comprehensive background into the pathophysiology of the disease and associated risk factors. The training programme will also demonstrate key case studies, as well as highlight requirements for osteoporosis-linked MURs and guidance on engaging with and supporting GPs in managing patients with the condition.

Commenting on the scheme, Richard Balcon, NHS Services Manager, UniChem, says: “Given the ageing UK population, osteoporosis is a condition that is on the increase. Community pharmacists are in a prime position to offer invaluable support to other healthcare professionals in identifying and managing the disease. In addition to providing pharmacists with a background on this particular condition, this programme is designed to demonstrate to community pharmacists how the provision of MURs can be supported by carefully targeting patients with specific conditions such as osteoporosis. UniChem is delighted to be facilitating the programme as part of our comprehensive Professional Services support package.”

Chief Executive Officer of Servier, Dr Frédéric Girard, commented: “Servier are delighted to be involved in this scheme which will educate and assist healthcare professionals in the successful management of osteoporosis. Servier are committed to patient care and work with healthcare professionals through educational projects such as this to enhance and reward professional development, ultimately for the benefit of the patient.”

For more information please contact:
Sanam Conway, Communications Executive, 0208 974 4045
Kellie Reed, Medical & Corporate Affairs Department, Servier Laboratories: 01753 666407