National uniformity for pharmacists administering medicines

6 September 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed confirmation by the South Australian Office of the Chief Pharmacist (OCP) that pharmacists in South Australia can administer medicines to their patients. This marks an important milestone in establishing national consistency in pharmacists’ scope of practice, enabling pharmacists to administer medicines across all Australian states and territories. It also empowers pharmacists to continue delivering essential healthcare services to their communities.

 

Dr Manya Angley FPS, PSA SA/NT President, welcomed the confirmation by the OCP, noting that it brings the nation one step closer to a more accessible, patient-centred healthcare system.

 

“This is a significant outcome for patients and pharmacists,” said Dr Angley. “By enabling pharmacists in South Australia to administer medicines, we are providing more opportunities for patients to access timely care and improve health outcomes, bringing our scope in line with other jurisdictions.”

 

“Confirmation by the OCP that pharmacists in SA can administer medicines aligns with PSA’s visionary roadmap for the future of pharmacy practice in Australia in Pharmacists in 2030, which advocates for legislative and practice changes to allow pharmacists to prescribe and administer a greater range of medicines.”

 

“Pharmacists are highly trained and trusted healthcare professionals, and we are ready to fulfil these expanded responsibilities,” said PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS. “We call on governments to continue working with the profession and take active steps to enable necessary changes to be implemented, ultimately improving patient access to care whilst maintaining standards, professionalism and quality.”

 

PSA has a range of educational resources available for pharmacists wishing to build their competence in administering medicines, including the Administering Medicines by Injection Course and Guidelines for pharmacists administering medicines by injection.

 

As part of the long-term vision for improving access to medicines and reducing pressure on the healthcare system, PSA remains committed to advocating for further enhancements to pharmacists’ scope of practice.

 

PSA’s recently launched Pharmacists in 2030 vision can be found here: www.psa.org.au/advocacy/working-for-our-profession/pharmacists_in_2030/

New South Wales expands the role of community pharmacists

6 September 2024 

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement from New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park, improving access to medicines through the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice in NSW.

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The NSW Government will enable pharmacists to provide treatment for a broader range of common and mild conditions, including ear infections, nausea and vomiting, reflux, acne, muscle pain and wound management.

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PSA NSW President Luke Kelly FPS welcomed the decision which will allow pharmacists to improve access to healthcare across the state.

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“PSA has long advocated for expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice in NSW, and we are grateful for the trust placed in pharmacists by the NSW Government following the success of the NSW Pharmacy Trial,” Mr Kelly said

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“It is encouraging to see pharmacists’ accessibility and skills leveraged to provide NSW residents with more timely and accessible health care for a broader range of conditions. This will make our health system more efficient and safer.’’

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“The recognition of Queensland trained pharmacists being able to offer these services in NSW is a positive step. National harmonisation of training requirements will cut red tape and enable more pharmacists to deliver essential services to their communities.”

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“PSA will continue to work collaboratively with Minister Park and the NSW Government to ensure these services are implemented professionally, effectively and safely.” he said.

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PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS commended the NSW Government for recognising pharmacists’ expertise as pharmacists continue to play a vital role in supporting community health.

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“PSA supports improving timely and equitable access to care for all Australians through the expansion of prescribing by pharmacists in a rigorous, robust and responsible manner,” said A/Prof Sim.

 

“PSA remains committed to preparing the workforce by providing training, education, and practice support to upskill pharmacists, ensuring they are equipped to deliver these services effectively.”

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“This announcement follows the launch of Pharmacists in 2030, PSA’s vision for the future of pharmacist practice.  Expanding pharmacists’ scope to deliver greater access to healthcare to address unmet health needs is a key step towards realising this vision.”

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PSA’s Pharmacists in 2030 vision can be found here: https://www.psa.org.au/advocacy/working-for-our-profession/pharmacists_in_2030/ 

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International Overdose Awareness Day: Addressing the Emergence of Nitazines and Enhancing Access to Naloxone through Pharmacies

30 August 2024

 

As International Overdose Awareness Day on 31 August approaches, it is a reminder of the critical importance of raising awareness about overdose prevention, reducing stigma around drug-related deaths and acknowledging the loss of families affected by substance use disorder.

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This year the focus of pharmacists extends to new and emerging challenges, including the emergence of nitazines in Australia and the continued efforts to expand life-saving measures, such as the Take Home Naloxone program.

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Emergence of Nitazines in Australia

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In recent months, there has been an increase in the detection of nitazines in Australia.

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Nitazines are a group of synthetic opioids which are significantly more potent than fentanyl, posing a heightened risk of overdose and death. Nitazines have been found in a variety of illicit drugs, including non-opioid substances, and in many cases, people have unknowingly consumed them.

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The introduction of nitazines has been noted in several reports and the threat they pose underscores the need for increased vigilance, public education and proactive measures to prevent overdoses.

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Take Home Naloxone Program: A Life-Saving Initiative

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The federal Government has expanded the Take Home Naloxone program, fully funding the availability of naloxone and ensuring there are no out-of-pocket costs for people who may experience  or witness an overdose.

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This initiative is a critical step in reducing overdose deaths, ensuring that individuals at risk of opioid overdose, their friends and family members have ready access to this life-saving medication.

 

Community pharmacists play a vital role in the program’s success, serving as accessible points for the distribution of naloxone. However, only around two thirds of Australian pharmacies are currently stocking this critical medicine.

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By increasing access to naloxone, more Australians can be empowered to respond effectively in the event of an overdose, potentially saving countless lives.

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New resources to assist pharmacists in conversations about opioid use and medicines safety are available at www.psa.org.au/opioidsafety.

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Drug Checking – an opportunity to do more

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In addition to promoting overdose prevention through naloxone access, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) continues to advocate for the implementation of drug checking services across Australia.

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PSA first published a position on drug checking in 2019 and continues to support advocacy for regulation review.

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PSA supports the introduction of drug checking to further enhance public health and safety, especially because new and dangerous substances like nitazines have entered the market.

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Raising Further Awareness

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PSA’s recently released vision for the profession, Pharmacists in 2030, articulates six actions to realise the vision. One key action is Access to Care, supporting pharmacists to provide all consumers greater access to care by increasing and leveraging their accessibility to address unmet health needs.

 

PSA President, Associate Professor Fei Sim, said “Pharmacists, as medicine experts, are essential in mitigating the risk of overdose linked to both medicines and illicit substances. Whether it is participation in the Take Home Naloxone program or actively contributing to opioid stewardship and improved quality use of medicines, pharmacists’ vital role and contribution in community pharmacies, hospitals, aged care facilities, and other primary care areas should not be overlooked.”

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“International Overdose Awareness Day presents an opportunity for the community, healthcare professionals, policymakers and the media to continue raising awareness about the risks of opioid overdose, the emergence of new threats, such as nitazines, and the importance of harm reduction strategies.”

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“PSA encourages support for initiatives including the Take Home Naloxone program and the adoption of drug checking services, which are vital to efforts to save lives and reduce the impact of drug-related harm.”

 

Pharmacists in 2030 is available to pharmacists and the public at www.psa.org.au/pharmacists_in_2030

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