The Medway School of Pharmacy, which is a long-standing collaboration between the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent, is part of a team of researchers who have developed an online program to teach community pharmacists how they can help people struggling with long COVID.
Called Supporting people living with Long COVID, the e-learning program has been launched by The Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) and is alive and open to all community pharmacists. The programme is designed to help community pharmacy teams build their skills, knowledge and confidence to support people managing the long-term effects of COVID-19.
Alongside the Medway School of Paris, the CPPE worked with researchers from Keele University, Aston University, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru (Public Health Wales). The research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research.
The research draws on lived experience of Long COVID, as well as the views of community pharmacy teams on what learning they need to better support people living with Long COVID. This new programme offers video and audio resources, practical consultation examples and strategies for supporting individuals through lifestyle advice, person-centred care and access to wider services.
Dr Sukvinder Kaur Bhamra, a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Clinical and Professional Practice said:
“During the pandemic community pharmacy teams had a crucial role as they became the first port of call for patients. This training resource will enable community pharmacy teams to recognise, understand and respond to the complex needs of those living with Long COVID. By enhancing pharmacists’ skills, knowledge and confidence, this resource has the potential to improve patient outcomes and strengthen the role of community pharmacy in post-pandemic recovery and long-term care.”
