December 27, 2024

Breaking the cycle: How pharmacists can lead the fight against Scotland's drug death crisis

1 hour

Breaking the Cycle: How Pharmacists Can Lead the Fight Against Scotland's Drug Death Crisis

Guest: Professor Catriona Matheson

Episode Summary:
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Professor Catriona Matheson, an accomplished pharmacist, researcher, and advocate for harm reduction in tackling Scotland’s drug-related death crisis. With one of the highest drug-related mortality rates in Europe, Scotland faces a pressing challenge. Professor Matheson shares her insights, highlighting the crucial role pharmacists and pharmacy teams play in reducing harm, saving lives, and addressing stigma in the community.

We discuss:

Professor Matheson’s career journey, from her early days in community pharmacy to becoming a leading voice in harm reduction.

How pharmacies can act as accessible, trusted hubs for at-risk individuals.

The evolution of harm reduction strategies and the vital role of naloxone in preventing overdoses.

Insights from drug-related death reviews in Aberdeen and how they inform better practices.

The Scottish Pharmacy Alliance’s mission to innovate and collaborate across the profession.

Practical ways pharmacists can reduce stigma and create a welcoming environment for vulnerable populations.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a vision for the future of pharmacy in tackling substance misuse.

Key Takeaways:

Pharmacies are frontline responders: With accessibility and trust at the heart of their role, pharmacies are uniquely positioned to offer life-saving services like naloxone distribution and harm reduction advice.

Early intervention saves lives: Pharmacists are often the first to notice signs of distress, providing critical opportunities for early support.

Stigma is a barrier: Addressing stigma through training, empathy, and trauma-informed care is essential to building trust with vulnerable populations.

Collaboration drives innovation: The Scottish Pharmacy Alliance is pioneering new approaches, such as embedding pharmacists in outreach teams to serve the homeless and other vulnerable groups.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Learn more about the Scottish Pharmacy Alliance.

Information on take-home naloxone kits and their distribution in Scotland.

Training resources for pharmacists on harm reduction and trauma-informed care.

Upcoming Event:

📅 Don’t miss the Pharmacy in Practice Conference on 12th March 2025 at The Novotel Edinburgh Park! Join us for a day of impactful sessions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights to shape the future of pharmacy.

Register at www.pharmacyinpractice.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your colleagues. Let’s keep the conversation going about how pharmacy can transform lives and communities.

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By Pharmacy in Practice