Quit Victoria and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are launching a free training session for pharmacists in Victoria to help their patients quit smoking.
The workshops will be held across metro and regional Victoria between June and September and will equip pharmacists with the latest evidence-based approach to smoking cessation care.
“We are excited to collaborate with Quit Victoria, experts in smoking cessation, to help people across Victoria fight the deadly habit,” PSA Victorian Branch President Ben Marchant said.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Victoria, and 80 per cent of smokers report wanting to kick their addiction. However, fewer than one in five use therapies that have been proven to help people quit.
“Pharmacists are highly respected in the community and could play an even bigger role in helping smokers to quit,” Quit Victoria Director Dr Sarah White said.
This training will equip pharmacists to provide a three-stage brief intervention (ask, advise, help) for smoking cessation, to advise on pharmacotherapy use and to refer to, and work with, Quitline for intensive behavioural support.
“This training will provide pharmacists with the most up-to-date methods of brief intervention to offer holistic support to their customers throughout their quit journey.” Mr Marchant said.
Following completion of the workshops, pharmacists can gain Group 2 CPD credits for taking part with the opportunity to receive Group 3 CPD credits for implementing practice change.
They will also receive a suite of resources designed by Quit Victoria and the PSA to help their patients through the quitting process.
More information and registration for the courses is available through Eventbrite: quit.org.au/pharmacist-training
