Celiac Disease Training for Pharmacists Now Available
| 6/20/2011 |
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Ambler, Pennsylvania (June 17, 2011) – ProCE, educational programming for healthcare professionals, in collaboration with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), has launched a free continuing education program for community pharmacists dedicated to the topic of celiac disease. Titled Celiac Disease Training for Pharmacists ,the online program is a 1.5 contact hour course targeted at community pharmacists and available at the ProCE website, www.proce.com/celiac-disease.cfm. One in every 100 Americans suffers from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by the protein gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. Cases of celiac have increased fourfold since the 1950’s, yet 95% of those who have it live undiagnosed. Currently, the only known treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Since gluten is frequently found in both prescription and over-the-counter medications, proper pharmacy care is critical in the treatment of this disorder. Celiac Disease Training for Pharmacists provides an overview of celiac disease, including its causes, manifestations, and treatment. It also addresses gluten in medications and the pharmacist’s role within their practice environment. “Most community pharmacists work in an environment where many foods are sold; as a result, they are the one healthcare professional that can interact with a patient when they are engaged in making those choices that directly impact their management of this disease. By better understanding this disease and the millions of people it affects, pharmacists will be better able to preclude adverse events from medications, and also promote a more holistic approach that is most important in the treatment of this disease,” noted Loretta Jay, Director of Program Development for NFCA. Celiac Disease Training for Pharmacists was funded through an educational grant from the Perrigo Company, a manufacturer of store-brand OTC medications. This new continuing education program is part of the NFCA-sponsored GREAT series (Gluten-Free Resource Education and Awareness Training), which provides professional education and training to physicians, nurses, and other involved in management of celiac disease. For more information about celiac disease and gluten intolerance, to collaborate with NFCA or to bring resources to your consumers, please contact NFCA at [email protected] or 215-325-1306, ext. 104. About the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness About ProCE Contact: ### |
