: Peter the Pearlcaster says: This pearl for the keeper of the keys is the key to the safe-keeping of the keys to the Controlled Drugs safe.

Say that again?

Looking after the key to the narcotics safe can be a logistical problem. How does one manage to control the key or keys? With change of shifts, there can a variety of pharmacists in charge.

One way is for every pharmacist to have their own key, but that can be both a nuisance to control, and expensive to cut multiple security keys.

What is your system for when a locum arrives to take over, the boss is in Bali, and your shop assistant must not have access to the drugs safe?

There is a good, safe solution.

: Peter the Pearlcaster says: When dispensing a prescription for one of the newer anti-depressants, do you feel overwhelmed that you need to cover so many important points and that it will take ten minutes?

Well here is a typical conversation that seems to work. It has been looked over by People Who Know About These Things. Distinguish yourself from your no-frills neighbours, and come across as the empathetic caring person you are, for when someone is sad and down.

And if you mean it, touch them gently at the end. Everything helps.

Pearl: Just tell me the bad news

: Peter the Pearlcaster says: Does it really upset you, like it does me, when the first thing a patient asks is, "What are the side-effects of my new medicine?"

I tell them, "For a start, if you DON'T take it, there is ZERO chance of your getting benefit from it, isn't there?"

Now, you can write something on the back of their prescription repeat form to make the point that should get their thinking right about our wonderful modern medicines, and that they will remember.

Photo Pearl: Yar Boo papa!

: Peter the Pearlcaster says: Some photographers set up their tripod to get a perfect composition, and wait for just the right clouds.

Others of us are what is called photo journalists, who grab a magic moment with a pocket auto-everything camera. This is my grand-daughter Jemima playing 'Yar Boo papa!' in the play ground. (Click the More... link below) to see a full sized version of the photo.)

It has made me an effective Windows Wallpaper. Some may not know how easy it is to do that with a digital photo. It is better if not too cluttered, else the desktop icons won't show clearly.

Pearl: Last repeat

Peter the Pearlcaster says: Got any patients who keep their scripts on file at the pharmacy? Or who constantly forget to get new scripts after their last repeat, even though you put a “Last Repeat” sticker on the box?

Here’s how one pharmacy has ‘fixed’ the problem of regular patients who keep running out of scripts.

Pearl: An ounce of praise...

: Peter the Pearlcaster says: A fortnight ago AusPharmList moderator Mark Dunn told us that people were sending 'abusive 'off list' responses to AusPharmList posts they have posted.' Well, there is another side to that coin.....

'After the sh*t I copped, it is nice to hear positive things. Thanks.'

Who said that? Somebody to whom I sent a small email, after they had written something controversial and well-thought out.

Pearl: First things last

Peter the Pearlcaster says:

"First things first" is what my dad always used to say. And it fits in pretty well with pharmacy, both in saving your mental energy, and in getting your point across.

Also, "First things last" is a pretty wise adage too...

Pearl: Parkinson's Debt Collection technique

: Peter the Pearlcaster says:

The people who have owed you money for too long, you know it, they know it ... it's getting tedious.

A phone call is often a way of getting them to come in the next day.

"Mrs Badpay, you owe me $$$ and I want it now!!!"

"Well I would if I could but..."

[she is in defensive mode now, not easily broken]

Better, far better, is how cagey interviewer Michael Parkinson gets his closed-in guests to spurt out something that is on their conscience, that they would cover over if asked directly...

Pearl: The Key to a P-P-P Perfectly fail-safe Practice

Peter the Pearlcaster says:

Are you Partial to a Pertinent, Practical and Precious Pearl, Pandering to Perplexed Pharmacists with Punctuality Problems, that Puts into Practice what Professionals Prefer to call a Proven high-Percentage Passive Protocol.

Perfect!

Do you ever definitely positively have to remember to take a parcel to work, or to take one home? Because if you forget, you're Dead.

Here is a 100 per cent Fail Safe system. It is simple, and it's guaranteed to work -- or your money back +10%, it's that foolproof.

OK, Nature doesn't believe in 100% fool-proof systems; that's why she invented colleagues. But this system is pretty close.

It is a take-home message to end all take home messages...

  Pearl: ANTOM SULPH: Peter the Pearlcaster says:

This pearl neatly follows on from Bill Arnold's mum's script, published yesterday (and reproduced below today) on AusPharm..........

For those of us who have trouble remembering our PINs [Personal Identification Numbers] for our various credit cards, here is an sparkling and original pearl of mine that ensures that you will never again have that trouble.

Super memory? No. A technique for even the oldest among us (especially the oldest). Even if you forget to take your Aravas.

Also for the code on any combination lock such as chaining down the charity collection tin, or the 4-digit code setting the burglar alarm, on closing for the night.

Write the PIN number on your credit card.
NOOOOOO!
Yes!
But ...
.........in code. And with a fine felt-tipped pen so as not to fade.