Online course

Module 1. The SafeScript System – what, when and how? (for prescribers and pharmacists)

This module provides an overview of SafeScript – the Victorian Government's real-time prescription monitoring system. It provides you with an opportunity to update your knowledge on the increasing harms from high-risk prescription medicines, and to learn how SafeScript provides additional information to assist with clinical decisions when prescribing or dispensing high-risk medicines. The module also outlines ways to manage and maintain patient privacy when using SafeScript, and the key regulatory requirements relating to use of the system. 

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Module 2. SafeScript – High-risk medicines and clinical practice (for prescribers)

This module provides you with an opportunity to reconsider how you manage safety concerns about patients with prescription medicine dependence or those showing signs of high-risk use. It explores planning approaches for the consultation, strategies for the practice and collaboration with other health professionals, and provides you with an opportunity to review available management and treatment options. The module will refresh your knowledge of alternative options for managing chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, including non-pharmacological approaches and other lower risk pharmacological treatments. It will also outline the key steps involved in prescribing medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence (MATOD) for patients with opioid dependence.

Read the learning outcomes for module 2

Module 2. SafeScript – High-risk medicines and clinical practice (for pharmacists)

This module provides you with an opportunity to refresh your knowledge on safe and appropriate dispensing of high-risk medicines, and reconsider how you manage concerns about patient safety regarding their use of high-risk medicines. It will refresh your knowledge of alternative options for managing chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, including non-pharmacological approaches and other lower risk pharmacological treatments. The module also outlines the key benefits of offering medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence (MATOD) dispensing services for patients with opioid dependence in the community.

Read the learning outcomes for module 2

Module 3. SafeScript – Challenging conversations: high-risk medicines, dependence and your patient (for prescribers and pharmacists)

This module provides foundation information to help you and your practice/pharmacy prepare for conversations with patients about the potential risks of dependence with high-risk medicines. It explores the elements of best practice communication and how to apply effective communication strategies when explaining the risks of long-term use before prescribing or dispensing high-risk medicines. The module also outlines how to implement practice policies, set behaviour standards and use de-escalation techniques to reduce safety risks for health professionals and patients in challenging situations.

Read the learning outcomes for module 3

Module 1. The SafeScript System – what, when and how? (for prescribers)

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• list key rationale behind the introduction of SafeScript to monitor supply of Schedule 8 and selected Schedule 4 high-risk medicines
  
• describe the benefits of the SafeScript system for clinical practice when prescribing Schedule 8 and selected Schedule 4 high-risk medicines
  
• describe how SafeScript will benefit safety for patients currently taking or commencing treatment with high-risk medicines
  
• identify approaches to managing and maintaining patient privacy when using SafeScript, and when communicating with patients and other health professionals
  
• identify key regulatory requirements relating to SafeScript implementation and what they mean in practice.
  

Module 2. SafeScript – High-risk medicines and clinical practice

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• describe what is involved in safely and appropriately prescribing the high-risk medicines selected for monitoring through SafeScript
  
• determine the most appropriate management approach when concerns arise about the safety of patients using high-risk medicines
  
• identify effective, evidence-based non-pharmacological management options for chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety to suggest to patients to help manage their condition
  
• explain the appropriate place in therapy for high-risk medicines in the management of chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety
  
• implement the key steps involved in prescribing medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence (MATOD) for patients with opioid dependence.
  

Module 3. SafeScript – Challenging conversations: high-risk medicines, dependence and your patient

On completion of his module you should be able to:

• identify the elements of best practice communication that consider the individual needs of patients when discussing high-risk prescription medicines
  
• apply effective communication strategies and techniques to explain the risks of long-term use and dependence before prescribing high-risk medicines
  
• implement practice policies, set behaviour standards and use de-escalation techniques to reduce risks for health professionals and patients in challenging situations
  
• determine best practice follow-up protocols for patients who have high-risk use or are dependent on high-risk medicines. These may include specialist referrals.