Management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

This accredited eLearning module has been developed to support pharmacists participating in the Victorian Community Pharmacist Program to safely and appropriately assess and manage patients presenting with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). 

The course is designed specifically for pharmacists and provides a clear, structured framework for supplying the approved Schedule 4 medicines for the management of GORD under a structured prescribing arrangement. It builds the knowledge and clinical decision-making skills required to deliver the service safely, consistently, and within the requirements of the Protocol, relevant clinical guidelines, legal obligations, and professional scope. 

The module uses guided learning, clinical scenarios and decision-making activities to help participants confidently assess patient eligibility, recognise symptoms of GORD, identify alarm symptoms and differential diagnoses, determine when to refer is required, and recommend appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. It also covers patient counselling, follow-up, documentation and record sharing to support safe, coordinated and patient-centred care. 

What the course covers

This self-paced online module is structured around the pharmacist’s clinical workflow and covers: 

• the purpose, scope and boundaries of the GORD service 
• patient eligibility under the Protocol 
• assessment of symptoms and patient history 
• recognition of alarm symptoms, differential diagnoses and referral criteria 
• selection of appropriate medicines and lifestyle management strategies 
• patient counselling and follow-up 
• documentation and record-sharing responsibilities 

By completing the module, pharmacists will be equipped to apply the Protocol confidently and consistently when assessing and managing eligible patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux and GORD within the Victorian Community Pharmacist Program.