Accredited: 1.25 CEUs. In this course, you will learn about dermatitis (atopic/eczema, allergic and contact skin rashes), hives and insect bites and stings. 

Prescribing for Minor Ailments: Dermatology is a course in the Prescribing for Minor Ailments (PMA) - The Fundamentals series.

About the Series

The (PMA) – The Fundamentals series is developed as a collaborative effort between the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) and the University of Waterloo (UW) School of Pharmacy. Dr. Nardine Nakhla, Clinical Lecturer at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, acted as lead author.

The PMA – The Fundamentals series consists of 6 courses, designed for self-directed learning. This series of multimedia courses, offered to BC licensed pharmacists, provides current information about common conditions and highlights the difference between over-the-counter consults and minor ailment prescribing services.

Throughout the courses, you may encounter various interactive learning activities. These are part of the learning experience and are not saved or graded. At the end of each course, you are asked to complete a final exam.

This series does not focus on the legal requirements for pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments in each jurisdiction. Please refer to the College of Pharmacists of BC’s Regulatory Education Module for more information.

Series Outline

• Introduction (Author: Nardine Nakhla) – 1 hour
  • Introduction to Minor Ailment Assessment and Prescribing
• Infectious Diseases (Author: Brett Barrett) – 1.5 hour
  • Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Impetigo and Lyme Disease (post-exposure prophylaxis)
• Dermatology (Author: Kristi Butt) – 1.25 hour
  • Dermatitis (atopic/eczema, allergic and contact skin rashes), Hives and Insect Bites & Stings
• Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (Authors: Karen Riley and Nardine Nakhla) – 1.25 hour
  • Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic, viral) and Allergic Rhinitis
• Gastrointestinal and Oral (Author: Michael Boivin) – 2.5 hour
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Hemorrhoids, Herpes Labialis (cold sores) and Candidal Stomatitis (oral thrush)
• Pain (Authors: Kelly Grindrod and Nardine Nakhla) – 1.5 hour
  • Musculoskeletal sprains and strains and Dysmenorrhea

We suggest you start with the Introduction course. While many of the regulatory elements in the Introduction course are specific to the province of Ontario in Canada, the therapeutic elements and assessment principles are consistent with best practices internationally.