PSI Public Health

Question 1

What is the pharmacist's role in smoking cessation in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Providing advice, support, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to patients who wish to quit smoking, including behavioural counselling and follow-up

Answer

Pharmacists are ideally placed for smoking cessation support through brief interventions, motivational counselling, supply of NRT products (patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers), and follow-up. The HSE QUIT programme works with community pharmacies to provide structured cessation services.

Question 2

What is the National Immunisation Programme in Ireland and what is the pharmacist's role?

Accepted Answer

A publicly funded programme providing vaccines to protect against infectious diseases; pharmacists can administer certain vaccines (flu, COVID-19) and provide vaccine information to the public

Answer

Ireland's National Immunisation Programme provides free vaccines through a schedule covering childhood, adolescent, and adult vaccinations. Since 2011, trained pharmacists can administer seasonal flu vaccines, and this role expanded to include COVID-19 vaccination. Pharmacists also play a key role in public education about vaccination.

Question 3

What is the pharmacist's role in managing substance misuse in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Supervising methadone consumption for opioid-dependent patients, providing needle exchange services, supplying naloxone, and supporting patients in recovery

Answer

Community pharmacists are central to substance misuse services in Ireland through the Methadone Treatment Protocol Scheme (supervised consumption), needle and syringe programmes, naloxone (Nyxoid) provision for opioid overdose reversal, and providing accessible, non-judgemental healthcare to this vulnerable population.

Question 4

What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and why should pharmacists be concerned?

Accepted Answer

The ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs; pharmacists play a key role in combating AMR through antimicrobial stewardship and patient education

Answer

AMR is a global public health emergency. Pharmacists combat AMR by: ensuring antibiotics are only used when appropriate, counselling patients on completing courses, advising on self-care for viral infections (not antibiotics), promoting appropriate OTC alternatives, and supporting national AMR action plans.

Question 5

What health screening services can pharmacists provide in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose testing, cholesterol screening, BMI assessment, and health risk assessments

Answer

Community pharmacists increasingly provide accessible health screening services including blood pressure measurement, blood glucose testing, cholesterol checks, BMI calculation, and general health assessments. These services improve early detection of conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Public Health