Pharmacy Education Programme

A pharmacy education programme on coeliac disease and the gluten free diet has been developed by the Dr. Schär Institute. This will further educate pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on the condition, and position them as key contacts for those following a gluten-free diet.

The programme consists of three learning units, with separate and appropriately targeted units for either the pharmacist or pharmacy technicians. Each has been accredited by the Royal Pharmaceutical for CPD with a certificate of completion issued after each unit.

Adherence to a gluten free diet is improved if patients have access to prescription foods, have knowledge of the condition and if follow-up care is provided by a healthcare professional. However, follow-up care is not always available, therefore community pharmacists may be the only healthcare professional patients will see regularly.

Learning Unit 1 - Coeliac disease

This unit covers the history, symptoms, epidemiology and diagnosis of coeliac disease. A dedicated section gives an insight into what following a gluten free diet really means. Written in an easy to read style the learning units are supported throughout by work-based activities designed to help the pharmacist and pharmacy technicians to think about their role in supporting people on a gluten free diet. Keeping the learning unit in the pharmacy means that staff have a readily accessible resource detailing frequently asked questions and useful contacts.

Available in an editable PDF format, this unit can be saved onto your computer. Upon completion please attach and email to professionals@drschaer.com to receive your certificate for CPD hours.

Learning Unit 1- Pharmacists
You can download the learning unit, or to request a printed copy please email professionals@drschaer.com

>>Download Learning Unit 1<<<

Learning Unit 1- Pharmacy Technicians
You can download the learning, or to request a printed copy please email professionals@drschaer.com

>>Download Learning Unit 1<<<

Learning Unit 2 - Common health problems in coeliac disease

Common health problems in coeliac disease builds on the knowledge gained in unit 1 and alerts the pharmacist and pharmacy technicians to the possible health problems seen in coeliac disease such as osteoporosis, anaemia and malignancy. Early diagnosis may help prevent some of these health problems. The pharmacist may spot the symptoms of undiagnosed disease or developing complications from chatting with their patients, prompting a referral for further investigation. The importance of compliance to a gluten free diet is stressed throughout and by working through the activities pharmacy staff will gain the confidence they need to get this key message across to their patients.

Available in an editable PDF format, this unit can be saved onto your computer. Upon completion please attach and email to professionals@drschaer.com to receive your certificate for CPD hours.

Learning Unit 2- Pharmacists
You can download the learning unit, or to request a printed copy please email professionals@drschaer.com

>>Download Learning Unit 2<<<

Learning Unit 2- Pharmacy Technicians
You can download the learning unit, or to request a printed copy please email professionals@drschaer.com

>>Download Learning Unit 2<<<

Learning Unit 3 - Diabetes and weight control in coeliac disease

Patients with Type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing coeliac disease, but many don’t experience any gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming gluten-containing foods such as bread or pasta. Learning what foods to eat can be a struggle for patients with both conditions to manage blood sugar levels while also avoiding gluten. Weight management can also become a problem for some people with coeliac disease after they have been diagnosed, irrespective of whether they have diabetes or not. This can be due to improved nutrient absorption and a better appetite.

Available in an editable PDF format, this unit can be saved onto your computer. Upon completion please attach and email to professionals@drschaer.com to receive your certificate for CPD hours.

Learning Unit 3- Pharmacists
You can download the learning unit, or to request a printed copy please email professionals@drschaer.com

>>Download Learning Unit 3<<<

Learning Unit 3- Pharmacists Technicians
You can download the learning unit, or to request a printed copy please email professionals@drschaer.com

>>Download Learning Unit 3<<<