Antimicrobial Resistance, Penicillin Allergies, & Using the Firstline Platform

This series of presentations reviews important concepts of antimicrobial resistance and demonstrates the use of the Firstline app to support treatment decisions through two case studies. There is also a bonus section on navigating penicillin allergies.

Speakers:

  • Melissa Kucey and Kristin Schmidt, antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists with the Saskatchewan Health Authority
  • Facilitator: Kelly Kizlyk (medSask)

Date: Webinar recorded on February 16, 2023.

Accredited by USask CPE: for 2.0 CEUs

Cost: n/a

Session #1:

  • Review important concepts around antimicrobial resistance and why antimicrobial stewardship is important
  • Demonstrate how to navigate Firstline and highlight important sections applicable to community practice
  • Work through a few patient cases using the content and tools available in Firstline

Session #2:

  • Review the epidemiology of penicillin allergies and types of hypersensitivity reactions
  • Highlight the Penicillin Allergy De-labeling Tool available in Firstline 
  • Review cross-reactivity of beta-lactam antibiotics

Biosimilars in Saskatchewan

You are invited to watch a recorded webinar session where presenters from medSask and the Saskatchewan Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch will review the use of Biosimilar drugs, and describe the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative and the role of pharmacists and primary care providers in transitioning patients to biosimilar insulin.

Speakers:

  • Janice Norfield, BSP, medSask
  • Chantal Mougeot, BSP, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch, Ministry of Health.

Target Audience: All Saskatchewan Health Care providers are invited to attend.

Date: Webinar recorded on February 16, 2023.

Accredited by USask CPE: for 1.5 CEUs

Cost: n/a

Register below to view the recording.

Presenters from medSask and the Saskatchewan Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch discuss and answer questions posed by pharmacy professionals and allied health care professionals about the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative. 

Speakers:

  • Janice Norfield, BSP, medSask
  • Chantal Mougeot, BSP, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch, Ministry of Health.

Target Audience: All Saskatchewan Health Care providers are invited to attend.

Date: This session was recorded March 8, 2023.

Accredited by USask CPE: for 1.0 CEUs

Cost: n/a

Register below to view the recording.

At the end of the educational webinar, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe and differentiate biologic drugs and biosimilars.
  2. Explain the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative.
  3. Summarize the pharmacist’s role in facilitating a transition to biosimilar insulin and how services are remunerated.
  4. Describe the role of primary care providers in facilitating the transition to biosimilar insulin.
  5. Outline important patient education information.
  6. Identify the impact of the nocebo effect and describe strategies on how to minimize it.

Indigenous Trauma- and Equity-Informed Practice

On September 30th, 2022, National Day for Truth And Reconciliation, and to respond to Call to Action 24 in the  Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action Report, USask Continuing Pharmacy Education (USask CPE) in collaboration with Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals, Alberta College of Pharmacy and College of Pharmacists of Manitoba presented an informative and meaningful learning experience with Len Pierre Consulting.

Len Pierre Consulting is a multidisciplinary team of consultants and facilitators who advise and train teams on Indigenous Cultural Safety, Reconciliation, Decolonization & Anti-Racism. The team’s philosophy is to provide education that inspires the heart, mind and spirit of professionals and supports professionals to lead towards systemic change, while embedding practical strategies for culturally safe and equitable professional practice. Please click here for full bio.

Recording: This event has already happened. To view the recording, click on the button below and register. 

Date: Friday, September 30th, 2022 (1.5 hours)

Target Audience: All pharmacy professionals and staff who support the practice of pharmacy

USask CPE Accreditation: 1.5 CEUs

Registration Fee: $29.99 + GST

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  1. Define concepts of cultural safety for health care professionals.
  2. Describe how to create culturally safe spaces in the workplace.
  3. Identify how to embed and reflect Indigenous resilience in policy and projects.
  4. Create equity-orientated strategies in professional practice.
  5. Facilitate and advocate for Indigenous trauma-informed practice.

NAPRA Model Standards for Sterile Compounding

Brittany Sharkey, Certified Compounding Inspector and Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP) Field Officer, will be reviewing the NAPRA Model Standards for Sterile Compounding.

This presentation is only available as a recording. 

Target Audience: Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

Presenter: Brittany Sharkey

Accreditation: This event will be accredited for 1.5 CEUs

After this presentation participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the requirements of NAPRA’s Non-Hazardous Sterile Standards.
  2. Identify personnel expectations for sterile compounding, including staff training and assessment
  3. Understand anteroom and clean room requirements for sterile compounding.
  4. Outline the quality assurance program requirements for sterile compounding.
  5. Summarize specific requirements for hazardous sterile compounding.

Respiratory Viruses 2024 - Webinar

The Respiratory Viruses 2024 Webinar is a comprehensive recorded webinar covering information for the upcoming 2024 respiratory virus season. It covers details on COVID-19 and influenza vaccines and highlights updates to guidelines for respiratory viruses.

Target Audience: All Saskatchewan pharmacy staff

Presented by: medSask and DPEBB, supported by PAS and SCPP

USask CPE Accreditation: 1.5 CEUs

Registration Fee: Free

Please register to watch the this recording on demand. Provide feedback on the webinar using this survey.

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: 

  1. Outline updates to COVID-19 and influenza vaccine availability and eligibility criteria as well as the Fall immunization campaign in Saskatchewan.
  2. Describe policies and guidelines for:
    • influenza antiviral prescribing
    • RSV vaccine prescribing and administration
  3. Identify updates to prescribing guidelines for respiratory viruses, focusing on COVID-19 antivirals and treatment for acute rhinosinusitis.
  4. Identify helpful resources for more information on respiratory virus prescribing and treatment, and respiratory virus vaccine administration.

Vaccines 

COVID-19 Antivirals 

Regulatory References 

Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) Medications and the Pharmaceutical Information Program (PIP)

Medications dispensed by the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) will now be captured in the PIP/eHealth Viewer and be on display by all who access PIP/ eHealth Viewer. This webinar covers details of what pharmacy staff can expect to see with this change and their professional responsibilities when viewing medications used to treat cancer. The webinar will be available live and registrants will be provided with a recording after the event.

Target Audience: All Saskatchewan pharmacy staff

Presenter: Alex Martinson, BSP, ACPR, Provincial Manager Oncology Drugs Programs, Access and Analytics, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency

Please register to watch the this recording on demand. Register here. 

USask CPE Accreditation: 1.5 CEUs

Registration Fee: Free

This presentation will allow participants to:

  1. Describe SCA pharmacy professional roles when a patient is prescribed a cancer treatment medication.
  2. Explain the “5 Ws” (why, who, where, when and what) of SCA medications that will be captured on PIP/ eHealth Viewer.
  3. Outline the specific information regarding cancer treatment medications that will be available on PIP/eHealth Viewer.
  4. Summarize how to incorporate cancer treatment medications now viewed on PIP/eHealth Viewer into practice and how to support patients undergoing cancer treatments.
  5. Identify quality oncology resources and how to access them.

Supporting People Taking Methadone

This session facilitated by medSask and USask CPE will provide information and resources for all health care providers about the upcoming changes from compounded methadone to commercially available products and how to support people taking methadone during the transition.

This recorded webinar includes a presentation followed by a question period.

Target Audience: Healthcare professionals in Saskatchewan who support people taking methadone

Presenters:

  • Amy Wiebe (Continuing Professional Development for Pharmacy Professionals)
  • Kris Berg (Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan)
  • Janis Johnson (Saskatchewan Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch)
  • Dr. Morris Markentin (OATP Medical Manager, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan)

Registration: To view the recording of the webinar and Q&A section, follow the registration link below. 

  1. Summarize reasons for the change in available methadone products in Saskatchewan.
  2. Describe the different commercially available methadone products available in Saskatchewan and support product selection.
  3. Demonstrate strategies and workflow processes to enhance patient safety through the transition period.
  4. Explain updates to pharmacy billing for commercially available methadone products.