Program Overview

Certificate Course in Primary Healthcare for Pharmacists 2023

Overview

The Certificate Course in Primary Healthcare for Pharmacists 2023 is a comprehensive program designed for registered pharmacists in Hong Kong. The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide primary healthcare services.

Duration and Mode of Learning

• The course duration is from March to September 2023, totaling 60 hours.
• The mode of learning includes pre-recorded lectures (36 hours) and online or in-person live sessions (24 hours).

Venue

• The venue for in-person sessions is the HKU Campus, while online sessions will be conducted via Zoom.

Entry Requirement

• Participants must be registered pharmacists in Hong Kong under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138).

Medium of Instruction

• The medium of instruction is English and Cantonese.

Award of Certificate

• A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to participants who achieve ≥ 70% attendance, score ≥ 70% in post-lecture assessments, and obtain passes in all case-study and oral assessments.

Course Fee and Subsidy

• The course fee is HK $13,120.
• A subsidy of HK $3,280 will be awarded by the Health Bureau to participants who successfully attain the certificate of completion.

Reimbursement Procedures

1. Upon award of the certificate, the subsidy application form will be enclosed by the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong for the course participants.
2. The course participants should submit the application form to the Primary Healthcare Office (PHO) of the Health Bureau.
3. The final approval of the reimbursement is at the discretion of the Government.
4. PHO will arrange payment of the subsidy to course participants.

Application and Payment

• Participants must complete an online application form and make full payment electronically via a designated link.
• Enrollment is made on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Future offerings of the course are subject to demand.

Application Deadline

• The application deadline is 28 February 2023.

Course Content and Schedule

The course is divided into four modules:

Module 1 – Concepts of Primary Care

• Introduction to primary care in Hong Kong
• Social determinants of health, health equity, and medical social collaboration
• Multi-disciplinary team, transdisciplinary, and family healthcare management approach
• Community service resources and health-social partnership
• Health screening and assessment
• Telehealth and use of technology

Module 2 – Disease-specific Management and Drug Use

• Management of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and stroke
• Management of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stable angina
• Management of atrial fibrillation and use of anti-coagulants
• Management of osteoporosis and fall
• Management of asthma and COPD
• Management of diabetes mellitus
• Pharmacotherapy in special populations (renal and hepatic impairment, pregnancy and breastfeeding, pediatrics, and geriatrics)
• Men’s and women’s health
• Lifestyle medicines

Module 3 – Health-related Issues and Advice

• Evidence-based medicine
• History taking and medication reconciliation
• Motivational interviewing

Module 4 – Extended Skills

• Immunisation training for pharmacists (on-site)
• Basic life support (on-site)
• Smoking cessation workshop (on-site)
• Practice management of medication management service

Complimentary Lectures

• Health Promotion and Community Participation
• Primary Care Pharmacy Services in Hong Kong

Disclaimer

Please note that the course schedule, mode of delivery, and venues are subject to further changes. Further announcements will be made.