MURDOCH Children's Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne has partnered with Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA), Pharma Programs and Prax Hub to launch their first online accredited pharmacy training program focused on children's health.
The new program will see pharmacists in Australia upskilled to provide advice to families on some of the biggest child health topics.
Currently available to pharmacists who are IPA network members, the program will open to the broader network of community pharmacists from late Mar.
The pilot currently offers training on childhood sleep, aiming to help parents tackle sleep problems, which affect one in three children.
If successful, the program will expand to other key health concerns, such as allergy and asthma, informed by MCRI experts.
MCRI's Professor Harriet Hiscock, who developed the sleep program, said pharmacists are highly trained, trusted and accessible and are well placed to triage, treat or refer patients to other professionals as required.
"We know that many families go to their community pharmacist for trusted health advice, but pharmacists don't always have much training in paediatric care," she said.
"We need to work together as doctors, pharmacists, nurses and allied health professionals to provide even better services to the community.
"This partnership will provide more opportunities for families to access trusted health advice about their children when they need it most," she added.
After completing the sleep program, Professor Hiscock said pharmacists would be able to identify sleep cues and signs of obstructive sleep apnoea, and discuss management options for behavioural sleep problems.
She explained that over time, children's sleep duration has steadily declined, and sleep problems can range from failing to get enough sleep to waking up repeatedly during the night.
"Good sleep habits are essential to the health, wellbeing, learning and development of infants and children," Prof Hiscock said.
"Babies, children and teenagers need different amounts of sleep as they age and most adolescents do not get the recommended amount of sleep, which can contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
"Sleep restores children physically, boosts immunity and helps protect them from sickness.
"Children also produce growth hormones while asleep, so it's crucial for them to get enough sleep for their age." KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Feb 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 17 Feb 25
