It takes less than a minute to create your secure account – you just need to tell us
a few details about yourself and create a password.
I can’t remember my password
Please click on the “Forgot my password” link in the login form and follow the
instructions.
I can’t remember the email address I registered my account with
Please email info@pharmacy-network.co.uk so we can check for you.
What learning content do you have?
Pharmacy Network contains a library of high-quality
educational e-learning modules, videos and articles to support your ongoing
learning.
Is the learning suitable for all pharmacy team members?
Yes, we have content suitable for all abilities, with topics covering business
management, clinical, practice and OTC. Our aim is to help you keep up to date and
develop your skills and knowledge to positively influence patient outcomes and customer
experiences.
Can I access the library on my mobile?
Yes, you can access all learning at work or at home on any mobile, PC or tablet
device
What’s the best way for me to find relevant content for my role?
There are three ways you can find relevant content. Firstly, the homepage will display
suggestions for you. If you are logged in, we can tailor the content to your particular
job role and topics of interest, as well as making it easy for you to see what’s
trending. Secondly, you can use the “search” function at the top of the website.
Finally, you can click on “explore” in the main menu and browse topics of interest to
you.
How long do modules take?
We have a range of modules and videos ranging from 2 minutes up to 15 minutes. There
is something for everyone, even if you are short on time.
Can I save content for later?
Yes. If you see a piece of learning you would like to take, but haven’t got time right
now, you can “Bookmark” it for later. Please note you need to have a registered account
and be logged in to access this feature.
Can I record my learning outcomes?
Yes, logged in members can record their learning outcomes on any piece of content and
save them in their learning log. Pharmacists and technicians can do this using recording
templates in line with GPhC requirements.
How do I get a learning log?
You have to register an account on Pharmacy Network and login
to access your personal, secure learning log.
What does my learning log do?
It documents all the learning you have recorded, including completed learning, learning
in progress and bookmarked learning you have saved to do later.
If I’m a pharmacist or pharmacy technician, can the log help me fulfil the GPhC’s
revalidation requirements?
Yes, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians also have the ability to record and add their
own revalidation entries to their learning log in line with GPhC requirements.
If I’m a member of more than one website on The Pharmacy Network,
can I access all my learning in my learning log even if I’ve recorded it on different
websites?
Yes, if you record learning on more than one website, it will be displayed in your
learning log which is shared across all the accounts you have registered with The
Pharmacy Network.
How do I view/print a certificate of my learning?
Certificates are available at the end of every module, after the assessment questions.
They are also accessible via the learning log.
How do I change my personal details, email address and password?
Login and click on “Settings” in your member menu and click on the relevant links to
change any of your details. All saved changes take immediate effect.
If I leave the industry and want to delete my account, can I do so?
Yes absolutely. You are able to delete your account at any time but please be aware that
by doing so you will also delete any historical learning records you have in your
learning log.
If I have a query or I’m stuck, how can I get help?
You will need to have registered an account to get help. Logged in members can click on
the “Helpdesk” link in their Settings and submit a Helpdesk ticket. We endeavour to
respond to new Helpdesk tickets within 24 hours during office hours (9pm to 5pm Mon to
Fri)
How can I check on your Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy?
You can click on the relevant links in the footer of the website. If there are any
proposed changes to any of our Policies, we will email registered members in
advance.
Is Pharmacy Network GDPR compliant?
Yes we are and we take your privacy and the security of your data extremely
seriously. Please read the Privacy Policy for further details. Logged in members can
click on the “My data” link in “Settings” to download a copy of all the personal
data we currently hold on you.
Who is the company that owns and operates Pharmacy Network?
Communications International Group Limited (CIG), the largest, most experienced publisher
in the UK pharmacy sector. CIG is the UK’s leading provider of sector-specific news and
training, publishing 15 healthcare and beauty titles including Pharmacy Magazine,
Training Matters, P3Pharmacy, Independent Community Pharmacist and Beauty Magazine. Over
the years the company has built an enviable reputation in pharmacy, journalism,
education, training, regulatory, awards and conferences, that today amounts to more than
350 years of healthcare industry experience.
How do I sign out?
Click on the Sign Out link that can be found at the top of the website, in you member
menu.
Joint pain is common, and can have a variety of causes,1 including injury (such as a sprain or strain) or arthritis. There is a range of products that you can confidently recommend to customers affected by joint pain, including topical NSAIDs. This module will give you an understanding of osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis in the UK)2, and advice you can give customers suffering from strains or sprains. It will also help you to confidently recommend Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (Diclofenac diethylammonium) and explain to customers how to use it to help manage their joint pain.
Osteoarthritis Scroll through each of the boxes below to find out more about osteoarthritis, and warning signs to listen out for that might need referral to a GP.
Definition
Osteoarthritis is a condition that can cause stiff and painful joints. The most commonly affected joints are the knees, small joints in the hands and the hips.2 Customer experience of the condition can vary and over the counter medicines are available to relieve the symptoms.
Lifestyle changes
Mild symptoms of osteoarthritis can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes such as:
Losing weight (if obese or overweight) to reduce pressure on the joints
Regular exercise to improve muscle strength and general fitness3
Using devices such as supports/braces and wearing suitable footwear with shock absorbing properties to relieve pressure on the joints3.
Symptom control
In addition to the lifestyle changes, those affected by painful osteoarthritis can be given advice on products available to manage their pain.
Analgesia is the main method of symptom control
Paracetamol and topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac can be used (either individually or concurrently) and are recommended ahead of oral NSAIDs/opioids
Rubefacients are not recommended
Other options such as capsaicin cream are available on prescription for those with osteoarthritis of the hands or knees.4
Refer
If a customer has symptoms such as a painful swelling of a joint that they can't move (possibly with a fever) then refer them urgently to their GP or local A&E department. You should also refer customers with ongoing symptoms who have not had a previous diagnosis to their GP.1
Joint pain