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Author: Georgia Clarke

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Expanded support for NSW pharmacists participating in Opioid Treatment Program

16 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has partnered with New South Wales Health to deliver specialised training and support for pharmacists delivering services under the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). These supports aim to grow the availability of OTP services across the state.

 

PSA’s expanded support for pharmacists providing OTP services in NSW include a dedicated resource hub, a series of online modules and webinars, and the expansion of the Pharmacist-to-Pharmacist Advice Line to all participating pharmacists.

 

Announcing the partnership, PSA New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS encouraged pharmacists to consider implementing OTP in their pharmacies.

 

“OTP is an incredibly successful program, rewarding for pharmacists and produces positive outcomes for people accessing treatment. These PSA offerings provide all the support pharmacists need to deliver a high-quality OTP service,” Mr Kelly said.

 

“With the PBS listing effective July 2023, access and affordability of OTP have been significantly improved for people seeking treatment. Pharmacists have a critical role to enhance accessibility.

 

Mr Kelly also encouraged non-participating pharmacists to consider implementing OTP in their pharmacies.

 

“We have areas across NSW that need more community pharmacies delivering OTP to support the need in our communities. I encourage all community pharmacists in NSW to access this training and support, and consider taking on more people on OTP, or providing the service.”

 

In 2022, approximately 55,700 Australians received treatment for opioid dependence on any given day. NSW had the highest rate of people in treatment for opioid dependence, with 30 per 10,000 people, or 24,783 people total. In NSW approximately half of the people accessing OTP services access them from community pharmacists.

 

More information on the new offerings is available below and available at PSA’s NSW OTP hub.

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

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Celebrating Australia’s pharmacy technicians and assistants

15 October 2024

 

Today, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) proudly celebrates Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants Day, recognising Australia’s dedicated pharmacy support staff who work tirelessly to ensure smooth operations and enhance the quality of care we deliver to patients every day – particularly in rural and regional areas.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS emphasised the critical role that pharmacy technicians and assistants play in supporting clinical services.

 

“As the scope of practice for many pharmacists continues to expand, the role of pharmacy assistants and technicians is becoming even more integral to everything we do. From administrative or backend support to direct patient interactions, their contribution to the overall team capacity and efficiency is invaluable,” she said.

 

Pharmacy technicians and assistants are not only involved in the operational aspects of pharmacy practice; they are increasingly taking direct responsibilities to support the role of pharmacists in clinical settings.

 

“The clinical support that technicians and assistants provide allows pharmacists to extend their focus to undertaking clinical roles and practising to their full and top of scope, including in the long term management of diseases, preventive health services, and complex medication therapy,” Associate Professor Sim added. “Their contributions are vital to the seamless integration of clinical services in our pharmacies, ultimately improving health outcomes for our communities.”

 

Associate Professor Sim encouraged all pharmacists to take a moment today to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of their technicians and assistants. “Whether through a formal recognition event or simply a kind word of appreciation, today is a day to show our gratitude for their vital role in the pharmacy profession,” she said.

 

On this Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants Day, the PSA extends its heartfelt thanks to all pharmacy support staff for their tireless efforts and commitment to improving the health and well-being of Australians.

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Updated guidelines for pharmacists providing nicotine dependence support

26 September 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today released updates to the Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support following legislative changes commencing on 1 October 2024.

 

Together, the professional practice guidelines and treatment guidelines set out clear advice on the legal, professional and ethical standards for pharmacists providing nicotine dependence management services, updated to reflect legislative changes to nicotine vaping products.

 

PSA Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris said that the release of updated guidelines supports participating pharmacists navigate complex regulatory changes around providing nicotine dependence management services, including nicotine-containing vaping products.

 

“PSA’s core role is to support pharmacists with best-practice guidelines and support across existing and emerging areas of practice as legislation changes,” Adj. A/Prof Morris said.

 

“The updated guidelines released today support pharmacists in navigating legislative changes around nicotine-containing vapes coming into effect from 1 October 2024. They are an essential guide not only for pharmacists who choose to provide nicotine vaping products as a Pharmacist Only medicine, but also those who dispense nicotine-containing vapes on prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner.

 

“There are significant professional and legal obligations upon pharmacists. These obligations are clarified by updated guidelines, including specific requirements for pharmacist consultation, patient identification, determining clinical appropriateness, documentation such as completing SAS notifications and obtaining informed consent from the consumer.

 

“These guidelines are critical to ensuring patient needs are met while complying with jurisdictional legislative and professional requirements.”

 

PSA invites pharmacists to attend an online webinar this evening (26 September), as well as a series of workshops aimed at further supporting pharmacists to navigate the complex and rapidly changing regulatory environment involving nicotine dependence management.

 

“All pharmacists are strongly encouraged to attend both this week’s upcoming webinar and upcoming local workshops which will allow relevant state and territory legislation to be considered in conjunction with national regulation and these guidelines,” Adj. A/Prof Morris said.

 

Pharmacists can now access the Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support. Registrations are essential for upcoming webinars and face-to-face workshops, with limited spaces available. Pharmacists are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible.

 

The development of the Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. The work to develop the guidelines included review by experts, stakeholder feedback, and the consensus of organisations and individuals involved.

 

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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NSW Pharmacists welcome permanent expansion of oral contraception access

26 September 2024

 

More women across New South Wales will soon be able to access continued supply of their oral contraceptive from a pharmacist, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

From Saturday 28 September 2024, pharmacists not previously selected to participate in the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be able to resupply certain oral contraceptives following completion of additional training. Patient eligibility criteria has also expanded to include patients up to 50 years of age.

 

The announcement comes after the successful trial of services across participating pharmacies in the state, with oral contraceptive services now available permanently.

 

PSA New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS welcomed the permanent expansion of OCP services.

 

“Pharmacists across New South Wales continue to show that we can do more to support our patients,” Mr Kelly said.

 

“Giving our patients the option to access contraception through skilled community pharmacists is an important step in making reproductive care more accessible to women across the state.

 

“This is one step toward better utilising the skills and expertise of pharmacists to improve health care in New South Wales.

 

I congratulate the Minister on solidifying the role of pharmacists in the continuous supply of oral contraceptives as a permanent part of the New South Wales health care system,” Mr Kelly concluded.

 

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

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South Australian pharmacists set to boost health care access as scope of practice expands

25 September 2024

 

South Australians will soon be able to access health care for a range of conditions from their local pharmacist, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

Pharmacists who undertake postgraduate training will be able to treat skin conditions, ear infections, nausea and vomiting, gastro-oesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal pain and rhinitis, as well as provide wound management services. It is estimated that pharmacists could be delivering services by 2026.

 

The announcement, made on World Pharmacists Day, follows the successful rollout of pharmacy programs allowing South Australian women to access medication for a urinary tract infection and a resupply of their oral contraceptive pill through qualified pharmacists.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS welcomed the Minister’s announcement to expand pharmacy services in South Australia.

 

“Our profession is continually evolving to better meet the increasingly complex health needs of Australians, our ageing population and overstretched health system,” Dr Angley said.

 

“Pharmacists are successfully supporting patients with treatment for urinary tract infections, resupplying of the oral contraceptive and Mental Health First Aid. These programs are already showing positive outcomes, including a reduction in emergency department visits.”

 

Dr Angley reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to providing high quality education for pharmacists as scope of practice expands in the state.

 

“PSA is an industry-leader in pharmacist education and is looking forward to further supporting South Australian pharmacists to expand their scope of practice.

 

“South Australian health consumers need pharmacists delivering services through the Pharmacy Scope of Practice program. They need all pharmacists doing more to support safe and effective use of medicines and greater access to care when and where they need it.

 

“We’re proud to see South Australia harnessing the potential of pharmacists, allowing us to better support our patients.”

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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PSA Foundation launched, marking World Pharmacist Day

25 September 2024

 

Today, on World Pharmacists Day, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to officially launch the PSA Foundation, supporting excellence in pharmacy practice by providing funding to support pharmacists’ practice, research, education, and professional development.

 

The PSA Foundation is an Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission-registered charity and is deductible gift recipient (DGR) endorsed.

 

The launch closely aligns with the 2025 World Pharmacists Day theme, Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs, reflecting the critical role of pharmacists in improving healthcare access and outcomes worldwide.

 

The PSA Foundation’s Vision and Mission

 

The PSA Foundation’s vision is to optimise pharmacists’ roles in the Australian healthcare system through excellence in pharmacy practice and research.

 

Its mission is to enhance, foster, and promote excellence in pharmacy practice by providing opportunities for research, study, and postgraduate education across all areas of pharmacy practice. Through these efforts, we aim to elevate practice standards and improve public health outcomes for all Australians.

 

Contribution from Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland

 

PSA acknowledges the generous contribution of the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland (historical society) and the Queensland Pharmacy Research Trust. This donation helps kickstart several initiatives that support the Foundation’s mission to improve public health through innovative pharmacy practice.

 

Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, Chair of the PSA Foundation Board, emphasised the importance of this donation.

 

“This generous contribution from the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland and Queensland Pharmacy Research Trust marks an exciting beginning for the PSA Foundation. Thanks to their donation, we are supporting more pharmacists to expand their practice and ultimately deliver better health outcomes for all Australians.

 

“As the Chair of the Foundation, I would like to acknowledge the inaugural Board directors Rhonda White AO FPS, Cathie Reid AM, A/Prof Shane Jackson FPS and Nick Foster, and their significant work in establishing the PSA Foundation.

 

“The establishment of the Foundation unlocks funds from historical trusts and expand them further. This ensures ongoing support for members of the profession, especially during critical periods of practice change as we see now.

 

“Through the PSA Foundation we are able to grow support for the future of pharmacy, starting today.”

 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Grants – Applications now open

 

Thanks to the generous donation of the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland, the PSA Foundation is pleased to announce grant opportunities for Queensland pharmacists to undertake Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, supported by the Foundation.

 

Mental Health First Aid training strengthens pharmacists’ capacity to provide critical first aid to members of our communities facing mental health challenges.

 

Queensland pharmacists are invited to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) to take part. Applications will be assessed, and grants awarded based on the personal and professional experience of applicants, as well as the communities they serve.

 

“This MHFA training will empower pharmacists to play an even greater role in supporting mental health across Queensland, ensuring that patients can access help when and where they need it,” said Associate Professor Sim.

 

“It is also an opportunity to upskill our profession to support our friends and colleagues as our practice is getting more complex and face growing pressures as pharmacists.

 

“This is an exciting first step for the PSA Foundation to support the growing roles of pharmacists. The Foundation Board is already progressing initiatives across other states and territories, and welcomes contact from stakeholders interested in supporting the Foundation’s mission to ensure a strong future for pharmacy and healthcare innovation.”

 

For more information on the PSA Foundation and its upcoming initiatives, and to apply for MFHA grants, visit the PSA Foundation website at www.psa.org.au/psa-foundation.

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PSA Foundation media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Empowering pharmacists to meet Australia’s health needs

25 September 2024

Marking World Pharmacists Day today (25 September), Australia’s peak body for pharmacists the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) reaffirms the key actions that form its flagship vision Pharmacists in 2030, highlighting the growing role of Australia’s pharmacists in meeting health needs.

 

Pharmacists around Australia and the world are responding to health challenges every day. Whether this be improving access to essential medicines, vaccination services and health advice, or optimising medicine use for safety and efficacy, pharmacists are on the frontlines of Australia’s health care system every day.

 

Last month PSA released Pharmacists in 2030, mapping the direction of the pharmacy profession over the coming years. Pharmacists in 2030 further identifies the key areas for reform in both practice and workforce development necessary to meet the health challenges of the future.

 

Pharmacists in 2030 continues a strong focus on medicine safety and improving access to care and medicines, also building an increased focus on patient equity, sustainability and supports which empower pharmacists to be the best they can be.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that the future PSA sees further harnesses the potential of pharmacists.

 

“Australians need the expertise of pharmacists more than ever before,” Associate Professor Sim said. “As medicine use continues to grow and our population ages, Australian health needs are becoming more complex.”

 

“PSA sees pharmacists in all areas of practice doing more to meet these health challenges, and supported to do more for their patients or the communities they serve.

 

“By 2030, we see community pharmacy formally recognised as a preventive and primary health care hub where pharmacists are appropriately funded to practise to full and top of scope and play a greater role in preventive health care, treatment of acute illnesses and management of chronic health conditions – particularly through an increased prescribing role.

 

“While most community pharmacies will remain broad in their health offering to the community, some will become more specialised and focused to meet specific needs.

 

“Many of these changes are already well underway with various scope of practice pilots and changes occurring in every state and territory. These innovations and initiatives have been driven by real patient need and health system demand.

 

“We also see the need for pharmacists wherever medicines are prescribed, dispensed, administered or reviewed. This means playing a bigger role in multidisciplinary health care teams.

 

“Some of these roles will be relevant to community pharmacists, particularly in outreach services, others will see pharmacists embedded in these teams, often being a key conduit to reduce medicine safety risks in liaison with a patient’s community pharmacy.

 

“To the 38,000 pharmacists practising around the country, make sure you take a moment to celebrate your contribution to the health and wellbeing of your community this World Pharmacy Week and particularly today on World Pharmacists Day. On behalf of PSA, thank you for all that you do,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Australians encouraged to know their medicines this World Patient Safety Day

17 September 2024

 

On World Patient Safety Day (17 September), pharmacists are encouraging Australians to take three simple steps to limit their risk of medicine misadventure.

 

Each year 250,000 Australians are hospitalised and a further 400,000 present to emergency departments with medicine-related programs, costing the Australian economy approximately $1.4 billion annually. It is estimated that at least half of these hospitalisations are preventable.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) encourages patients to speak to their local pharmacist to learn more about the medications they use, including medicine interactions.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said pharmacists are experts in helping patients manage their medicines to ensure they are used safely and effectively.

 

“Today we’re urging Australians to know your medicines, the dose you have been prescribed, check medicine interactions, and for those who use multiple medicines, ask your GP about an annual Home Medicines Review which can be provided free of charge to you by a credentialed pharmacist,” she said.

 

“World Patient Safety Day is a great reminder for all Australians to check that they know the doses of their regular medications, and to ask their local pharmacist about possible medicine interactions.

 

“Older people and people living with a disability are more likely to be using more medicines, facing an increased risk of medicine interactions and misadventure. It is priority health populations like these that we particularly urge to see a pharmacist at least annually to review their medicines.

 

“Pharmacists are Australia’s medicines experts, and are here to provide trusted advice to all Australians about the medicines you use.”

 

​More information and research about medicine-related harm in Australia is available at www.psa.org.au/medicine-safety

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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PSA24 closing plenary, PSA25 announced

4 August 2024

PSA24 has come to a close this afternoon in Sydney, with a record number of pharmacists attending the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) national conference.

 

Addressing pharmacists at the closing plenary this afternoon, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said she is confident about the future of the profession.

 

“Over the last three days we have heard from Ministers and Shadow Ministers, influential department officials, and leading pharmacists across areas of practice and researchers from both Australia and abroad,” she said.

 

“We were proud to have the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Honourable Mark Butler MP officially launch Pharmacists in 2030 in a room full of engaged, passionate pharmacists, highlighting our growing roles in addressing the healthcare needs of the future.

 

“The overwhelming feeling at the closing of PSA24 is excitement for the future. I am lucky to have connected with many members across the weekend and strongly feel that as a profession we will continue meeting and exceeding the challenges before us.

 

“The months ahead will be critical to setting our profession up for the future and ensuring pharmacists have the tools to deliver for patients. PSA is fully committed to support pharmacists – whether it is workforce development or advocacy, members of the profession can be sure that PSA’s commitment will never fade. My message to the entire profession is that PSA is in your corner, supporting you every step of the way.”

 

Associate Professor Sim also announced the dates and venue for the 2025 conference.

 

“I am pleased to announce that PSA25 will again take place at the beautiful International Convention Centre Sydney, from the 1-3 August 2025.

 

“The PSA National Conference is always a highlight on the pharmacy calendar, so make sure you save the date and join us for an even bigger event in 2025.”​

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

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PSA and PSS renewed MOU to continue delivering services to profession

4 August 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) have renewed the Memorandum of Understanding, announced during PSA’s National Conference PSA24 in Sydney.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the renewed partnership, commending the PSS for their continued support of the profession.

 

“PSA is proud to continue our long-term support for the vital work of the Pharmacists’ Support Service to ensure that pharmacists have mental health resources available when they need them.

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“We are immensely proud of the impact that the entire PSS team have on our profession, lending a listening ear to any pharmacist, pharmacy student or intern who may need it. It is with this support that we can provide the best care to our own patients.”

 

PSS President Curtis Ruhnau MPS thanked PSA for their support.

 

“We value the support of PSA for our work. PSS is about pharmacists supporting pharmacists and this is reflected by PSA, which represents the breadth of the pharmacy profession, supporting PSS.

 

“This support extends beyond the commitment to an annual donation, and includes collaboration to ensure pharmacists are aware of PSS and to convey key messages about the importance of pharmacists focusing on their own wellbeing, in order to practice to the top of their scope and meet the needs of the Australian community.”

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

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In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

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