Pharmacy based sleep apnoea services

Dose Administration Aids and improved medication compliance

Daniel O’Driscoll BPharm MPS

Sleep apnoea occurs when the walls of the throat come together during sleep, blocking off the upper airway.

Condition characterised by:◦ Daytime sleepiness, fatigue and tiredness◦ Poor concentration◦ Irritability and mood changes◦ Impotence and reduced sex drive◦ Need to get up to toilet frequently at night

 It’s estimated that about five per cent of Australians suffer from this sleep disorder, with around one in four men over the age of 30 years affected. 

What is sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is associated with an increased risk of◦ Cardiovascular disease◦ Stroke◦ High Blood pressure◦ Diabetes◦ Arrhythmias◦ Sleep deprived car accidents

Complications of sleep apnoea

Health professionals can refer patients for Home Sleep Study testing.

Patients are fitted with a SOMTE machine to monitor blood oxygen levels, monitor for restless legs and monitor a patients Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) which determines the severity of sleep apnoea

In the event of a positive diagnosis, patients are encouraged to trial Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and counselled on contributing factors such as excessive weight and alcohol use.

Conveniently located in Health Pharmacy Northam in the Boulevarde Shopping Centre and Health Pharmacy York on Avon Terrace

Avon Home Sleep Studies(Branches in Northam and York)

By pushing positive airway pressure through the nose and mouth, the patients airways remain open, allowing the patient to reduce their apnoeas and achieve better quality sleep.

One of the most effective treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Resmed RESCAN technology allows for sleep technicians to download data and regularly monitor the effectiveness of CPAP for their patients

CPAP

A report issued by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia found that approximately 50% of patients failed to adhere to their medication regime, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased health care costs.

Dose Administration Aids (DAA) can reduce the complexity of medication regimes, improve Quality Use of Medicines and lead to better health outcomes.

Medication Compliance/DAA

Health Pharmacy Northam has a specialised DAA manufacturing facility, responsible for the manufacture of over 1000 DAA’s per week. We provide DAA’s for nursing homes, prisons, detention facilities and community clients

Health Pharmacy Northam has a triple check system for their DAA’s, reducing risk of errors and improving medication delivery to clients

Health Pharmacy Northam can provide stationary for community care organisations to keep records of medication administration

Northam Pharmacy and Dose Administration Aids

All community DAA clients are encouraged to engage in a MEDSCHECK

A medscheck is a free service to community patients to have a one-on-one consultation with a Pharmacist to discuss issues around medication compliance and ways to address it.

Counselling on the proper use of pharmaceutical devices (e.g. Inhalers)

MEDSCHECK AND DIABETES MEDSCHECKS

Health Pharmacy Northam thank you for listening