The 145th Annual Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (Fukuoka)

Sponsored by Japan Suicide Countermeasures Promotion Center
Organizer: Kazuki Nagashima (Grad. Sch. Pharm. Sci., Chiba Univ.)

Overdose and suicide have become a social problem. Pharmacists play an important role in preventing overdose because they are often interacting with patients and may hand over medication just before an overdose occurs. Pharmacies and drugstores in every region of the country can serve as bases for preventing overdose and suicide. The fact that pharmacists are clearly stated as gatekeepers in the newly approved "Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Principles" by the Cabinet meeting is one of the major reasons why we decided to hold a symposium at our society. However, when it comes to acting as gatekeepers against overdose and suicide, pharmacists are not fully aware of the evidence they need to use in pharmacies and drug stores. It is hoped that holding this symposium will encourage pharmacists to share their thoughts on suicide and overdose prevention and to take proactive action in clinical practice. Specifically, from the perspectives of suicide prevention experts, emergency physicians, psychiatrists, university researchers and pharmacists, the program will provide information on the current situation regarding overdose and suicide prevention, as well as expectations for pharmacists, methods for them to act as gatekeepers, and evidence. We will also introduce JAPAN Registry of Self-harm and Suicide Attempts (JA-RSA). This symposium will aim to improve pharmacists' efforts to prevent overdose and suicide by covering legislation, basic information and practical examples related to these issues.