The Common Conditions Service - Training Requirements
The Common Conditions Service will enable community pharmacists to provide advice and offer treatment for an initial eight common conditions in community pharmacies. Pharmacists already provide advice, over-the-counter treatment and/or referral for these conditions. The service will expand community pharmacists’ ability to manage these common conditions by enabling them to supply certain prescription-only medicines through established clinical protocols, where this is the most appropriate option.
To deliver the Common Conditions Service (CCS), pharmacists must hold certificates of completion from IIOP for each of the following:
- Common Conditions - Core Module
- Common Conditions - Condition Specific Modules
These are self-directed fully online modules. Please note: You must be logged in to your IIOP account to enrol.
Common Conditions - Core Module
The Core Module outlines the legislative basis, ethical framework, and professional standards underpinning the CCS. It details the governance, and record-keeping requirements, introduces the clinical protocols for the service and PSI Guidance. This module also includes an overview of patient consultation and communication skills to support safe and effective patient care in the delivery of the CCS.
Click here to enrol on the Core Module.
Common Conditions - Condition Specific Modules
The Common Conditions – Condition Specific Modules groups together the 8 separate condition specific modules: Allergic Rhinitis & Allergic Conjunctivitis, Cold Sores, Acute Infective Conjunctivitis, Impetigo, Oral Thrush, Shingles, Uncomplicated Lower Urinary Tract Infection (Cystitis), and Vulvovaginal Thrush.
Each of the eight Common Conditions – Condition Specific Modules will contain information on:
- Patient assessment
- Checking the protocols
- Treatment options
- Special considerations
Click here to enrol on the Condition Specific Module.
Additional Supports
Over the coming months IIOP will be providing additional supports. These offerings are intended to support pharmacists but will not be mandatory for delivery of the service.
See below for details and a link to the introductory webinar.
Common Conditions – Introductory Webinar
On 6 November, IIOP hosted a webinar introducing and outlining the Common Conditions Service. The session featured presentations from the Department of Health, HSE, PSI, and the IIOP. The recording offers valuable insights into the background, legislative framework, and key considerations developed by the Community Pharmacy Expansion Implementation Oversight Group in preparation for the service.
Click here to watch the recording.