An evaluation of Australian pharmacists’ knowledge of glaucoma: Effectiveness of continuous professional development education events

Authors

  • Cyd Soriano University of Canberra
  • David Wechsler University of Sydney; Macquarie University; Concord Hospital; Burwood Eye Clinic
  • Andrew White University of Sydney; Westmead Hospital; Glaucoma Australia
  • Ivan Goldberg University of Sydney; Glaucoma Australia; Glaucoma Unit Sydney Eye Hospital, Eye Associates
  • Geoff Pollard Glaucoma Australia
  • Mark Naunton University of Canberra

Keywords:

Continuous Professional Development, Pharmacy Education, Pharmacist Knowledge, Continuing Education

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a series of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) seminars on glaucoma therapy for pharmacists and to identify potential gaps in knowledge.

Methods: We evaluated pharmacists’ knowledge using a questionnaire distributed to pharmacists attending a glaucoma seminar conducted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia or the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia, in conjunction with Glaucoma Australia, before (pre-test) and after (post-test) each seminar. The seminars were conducted at seven locations in Australia and there were 138 respondents.

Results: Of the 138 pre-test and 124 post-test responses around Australia, there were 105 matched-pairs. Overall, the seminar significantly improved post- test responses compared with pre-test responses (Wilcoxon Matched Pairs test, p = < 0.05), except for one case-based question.

Conclusion: While there was reasonable glaucoma knowledge in pharmacists, improvements are needed for step-up therapy for patients with co-morbidities. One of the case-based style questions highlighted a significant gap in knowledge despite the intervention; thus case-based learning could be useful in assessing participants’ level of understanding and incorporated into educational presentations. 

Author Biographies

Cyd Soriano, University of Canberra

Discipline of Pharmacy

David Wechsler, University of Sydney; Macquarie University; Concord Hospital; Burwood Eye Clinic

Discipline of Ophthalmology and Eye Health, University of Sydney; Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University; Concord Hospital; Burwood Eye Clinic

Andrew White, University of Sydney; Westmead Hospital; Glaucoma Australia

Discipline of Ophthalmology and Eye Health, University of Sydney; Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital; Glaucoma Australia

Ivan Goldberg, University of Sydney; Glaucoma Australia; Glaucoma Unit Sydney Eye Hospital, Eye Associates

Discipline of Ophthalmology and Eye Health, University of Sydney; Glaucoma Australia; Glaucoma Unit Sydney Eye Hospital, Eye Associates

Mark Naunton, University of Canberra

Discipline of Pharmacy

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Published

15-02-2016

How to Cite

Soriano, C., Wechsler, D., White, A., Goldberg, I., Pollard, G., & Naunton, M. (2016). An evaluation of Australian pharmacists’ knowledge of glaucoma: Effectiveness of continuous professional development education events. Pharmacy Education, 16. Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/447

Issue

Vol. 16 (2016)

Section

Research Article

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