A new online course, Pharmacotherapeutics for Remote Area Nurses, has been developed by the Centre for Remote Health. The online course is the first of its kind and was launched on 14 October 2015 during the CARPA Conference in Alice Springs.

Toby Speare, a pharmacist and Course Coordinator, said “the online pharmacotherapeutics course teaches people about the practical use of medicines in disease management. It has been developed specifically for Registered Nurses who work in, or are planning to work in, remote and isolated practice. RANs practise at an advanced level often with limited or distant medical support and are required to possess a broad knowledge-base in relation to disease management which includes the administration, monitoring, supply and storage of medications. The safe and appropriate use of medications can have a huge impact on a person’s health and quality of life. Dealing with medications is a tricky and complex exercise. This course will assist participants to develop the knowledge and skills in the appropriate management of medications”.

The remote health workforce faces many barriers in accessing appropriate education and professional development. Associate Professor Sue Lenthall, CRH Academic Leader, describes how CRH is taking steps to address the barrier of geographic isolation in access to education through the development of online courses designed specifically for remote and isolated practice. The Pharmacotherapeutics for Remote Area Nurses is the first in a suite of online courses planned for the remote health workforce.