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PSA and Audirie mark first year of partnership, announcing expansion of AI-powered education simulations in 2025

5 December 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Audirie are celebrating the first anniversary of partnership, empowering thousands of learners through immersive AI-powered simulations and enhancing their patient counselling and clinical communication skills.

 

In the first year of partnership, PSA and Audirie have:

  • Empowered thousands of pharmacists, interns, and pharmacy assistants through immersive AI-powered simulations.
  • Enhanced patient counselling and clinical communication skills with cutting-edge technology tailored to the unique needs of pharmacy professionals.
  • Strengthened our shared commitment to excellence in education and improved health outcomes for communities across Australia.

 

PSA is expanding use of AI-powered pharmacist prescriber simulations in 2025, giving more learners access to nation-leading technology.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS expressed her enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership and the upcoming launch of the AI-powered simulations.

 

“Our collaboration with Audirie is boosting the capacity of our education programs to deliver real-world experience for pharmacists, interns and assistants, setting them up to succeed in new roles,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Integrating pharmacist prescriber simulations means learners will be able to practically apply knowledge, counselling and prescribing for an AI-driven patient in real-life clinical scenarios.

 

“PSA is proud to be leading the integration of artificial intelligence in pharmacist education, giving our learners the best and most comprehensive education experience in the Australian market.”

 

Audirie Co-founder and CEO Michael Alexander also highlighted the utilisation of AI as a powerful tool in improving learning outcomes.

 

“Our partnership with PSA has been a transformative journey. Over the past year, we’ve empowered pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and pharmacy interns with cutting-edge AI simulations that enhance their skills and confidence. Together, we are shaping the future of pharmacy education and professional development in Australia.”

 

“The integration of AI into the upcoming PSA Pharmacist Prescriber modules represents the next step in our shared vision to elevate the profession. By combining innovative technology with PSA’s expertise, we are equipping pharmacists with tools to excel in their evolving roles and deliver better patient outcomes.”

 

About Audirie

Audirie is a leading provider of AI-driven communication solutions, committed to transforming the way individuals learn and grow. With a focus on immersive learning experiences, Audirie harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to deliver innovative and effective training programs across various industries.

 

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-credentialed pharmacists gain new official post-nominals

2 December 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today announces new professional post-nominals for members who have achieved Medication Management Review (MMR) and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) credentials through PSA training programs.

 

PSA is committed to elevating professional practice and ensuring pharmacists are recognised for their additional skills and qualifications. The new post nominals enable members to display their advanced practice credentials in a way that validates their expertise and commitment to high-quality patient care.

 

Credentialed pharmacist post-nominals provide visible acknowledgement of the advanced clinical skills and area of specialisation, enabling pharmacists to be readily recognised as key players in multidisciplinary teams.

 

Post-nominals are linked to the members current PSA postnominal MPS or FPS, followed by CredPharm with the appropriate credentials in brackets. For example, a PSA Fellow who has achieved their MMR credential would use post nominals FPS CredPharm (MMR).

 

PSA’s Consultant Pharmacists Community of Speciality Interest Chair Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) is excited that members are now able to have their credentials recognised through the addition of post nominals.

 

“Our credentialed pharmacist workforce is a really passionate and skilled group of professionals. It’s critical for them to be able to have their expertise recognised by all members of the care team, Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“It’s also important that they’re easily recognisable to consumers – we’ve done a lot of advocacy work with consumer groups recently and for them to have a way of knowing that their pharmacist is qualified and part of a practice community that drives innovation and career-long learning is essential.

 

“These post nominals will go a long way to driving public trust and confidence in our credentialed pharmacist workforce,” Ms Hawthorne concluded.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the recognition of PSA’s credentialed pharmacist members through post nominals is the next logical step in support for credentialed pharmacists.

 

“PSA is the home for credentialed pharmacists, as the only organisation with a track record of consistent support, training and advocacy for credentialed pharmacists across all areas of practice.

 

“We have a long and proud history of advocating for credentialed pharmacists and are focused on how we can continue growing and supporting this workforce.

 

“PSA is committed to supporting credentialed pharmacists in a way unmatched by any other organisation at present. I am proud that PSA continues to be the home for credentialed pharmacists,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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

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Renowned journalist Melissa Doyle to host PSA25

28 November 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced today that nationally awarded journalist Melissa Doyle AM will return to emcee its national conference PSA25 for a second year, from 1-3 August 2025.

 

An accomplished and awarded journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Melissa is one of the best-known and trusted voices and faces in Australian media. Melissa will take to the stage across the conference weekend, also returning to host the member-favourite ‘Carnivale’ Gala Dinner on the evening of 2 August 2025.

 

The emcee announcement comes as super early bird registrations open for the 2025 conference, saving members up to 40% on full conference registration.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS shared the announcement, expressing her excitement to have Ms Doyle join the PSA25 team.

 

“PSA is thrilled to welcome Mel back to our national conference for another year, harnessing her decades of experience as a journalist to give delegates the conference experience of a lifetime,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Mel brings an infectious energy and unmatched professionalism to the conference, getting to the heart of what we do and why we do it, both as pharmacists and as the peak body representing our beloved pharmacy profession. I can’t wait to have her join us again at PSA25.”

 

PSA25 is the premier pharmacy education conference, with more than 1000 attendees from across Australia. The three-day conference will run from 1-3 August 2025, at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

 

Super early bird registrations are open now at www.psa25.com.au

 

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

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Leading innovation in Quality Use of Medicines as PSA’s impact grows

14 November 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting the meaningful, real-world impact of its projects across the healthcare sector in 2024. From developing pharmacists’ roles in palliative care and Aboriginal health services to pioneering mental health and loneliness training, PSA is leading the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) agenda, driving medicine safety and improving access to care for Australians.

 

PSA’s Projects team managed over 40 initiatives in the 2023-24 financial year, partnering with government bodies, Primary Health Networks, and other health stakeholders to address priority health areas. The Impact Report showcases these projects, including:

 

Accessible first aid in a mental health crisis: Upskilling more than 400 pharmacists and pharmacy staff in South Australia to recognise early warning signs of mental ill health, with 97.3% of participants reporting increased confidence in providing initial support.

 

Tackling the loneliness epidemic: A world-first training initiative that addresses loneliness as a health risk, with more than 1,200 pharmacists enrolling in this program in its first three months, giving them tools to tackle social isolation and improve patient outcomes.

 

Pharmacists supporting palliative care: Establishing foundation training pathways for pharmacists to upskill in palliative care, as well as preparing to pilot 6 new models of community palliative care pharmacist roles in 2025/26.

 

The report also highlights the personal impact of these projects, including stories of pharmacists like Natasha, who are on the ground supporting rural patients in end-of-life care, demonstrating the critical role pharmacists can play in improving comfort, access, and safety for patients managing terminal conditions.

 

On the release of PSA’s first Impact Report, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS  expresses gratitude to all involved stakeholders and highlights the importance of engaging with the health sector through project partnerships.

 

“As the government-recognised peak body representing all 39,000 pharmacists across all areas of practice, we are proud to be connecting pharmacists and health sector innovators to improve healthcare for all Australians,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This Impact Report showcases projects that drive the Quality Use of Medicines and medicine safety, that enhance access to care and expand scope of practice through new pharmacy services, from palliative care to upskilling our workforce in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and mental health care.

 

“These projects equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and make meaningful impact in their communities. Each project serves as a vital resource, contributing to the ongoing growth and adaptability of the pharmacy profession.

 

“Projects are fundamental to allow innovative ideas to be trialled, validated and improved, and importantly generate the evidence that is needed to enable widescale implementation and translation into everyday policy and practice.

 

“I’d like to thank all the stakeholders and partners who worked with PSA over the past 12 months, and all the pharmacists who have engaged with training or put their hand up to be part of a practice trial. The success of these programs and the positive impact on patient care is only possible with your support,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

The PSA 2024 Impact Report is available for download on the PSA website here.​

 

 

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

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Pharmacists ready to immunise against RSV in pregnancy

12 November 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes improved availability of federally funded maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Abrysvo, under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), saving parents over $300 each on private immunisation costs.

 

RSV remains a leading cause of childhood hospitalisation, with around 12,000 infants admitted to hospital with severe RSV every winter. Maternal immunisation significantly reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in children in their first six months.

 

As a vaccine listed on the NIP, funding of the administration of the vaccine by community pharmacists will be covered under the NIP Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program in participating community pharmacies.

 

However, due to an outdated regulatory approach, many states will need to amend their regulations to permit pharmacists to immunise this cohort against RSV.

 

National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the addition of RSV vaccines to the NIP, urging governments to update regulations now to permit pharmacist immunisers to administer as soon as vaccines are available.

“PSA welcomes the inclusion of Abrysvo on the NIP as an important protection against hospitalisation or death of infants from severe RSV infection and also congratulate Minister Butler and the federal government for their leadership in limiting preventable disease in children,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Now that the vaccine has been added to the NIP, we must ensure that pregnant people are able to access it, no matter where they live.

 

“We need to move to an approach where all immunisers, including pharmacists, can initiate and administer all vaccines, as recommended by the Unleashing the Potential of the Health Workforce Scope of Practice Review.

 

“I urge all states and territories to expand immunisation authorities to allow Australians to access all vaccines they are recommended from their local pharmacist, including Abrysvo,” 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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PSA Annual Report FY 2023-24 released

7 November 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has released its 2023/24 Annual Report, marking a significant period of growth for both the organisation and the broader profession.

 

Among PSA’s key achievements is the signing of the first Strategic Agreement on Professional Pharmacist Practice with the Australian Government, acknowledging pharmacists’ critical role in healthcare and providing a framework to further empower their expanding scope of practice.

 

The Agreement recognises PSA’s role as the peak body for all pharmacists across all areas of practice, and further articulates a shared goal between our beloved profession and the Commonwealth government on empowering pharmacists’ role in primary care.

 

With a renewed focus on medicines safety, PSA continued to elevate professional standards, publishing reimagined Professional Practice Standards and the 26th edition of the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary, APF26. These initiatives, combined with targeted training and practice guidance, have equipped pharmacists across Australia with the tools to meet the rising demands of their expanded roles.

 

Throughout the year, PSA advocated vigorously for state and federal reforms to extend pharmacists’ scope of practice. Achievements include launching new pilot programs in community pharmacy, such as the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot and various initiatives to enable pharmacists to manage conditions like urinary tract infections, provide vaccinations, and support chronic disease management.

 

Much of the work on Pharmacists in 2030 was undertaken in the 2023-24 financial year, including a series of targeted consultations with members, health sector stakeholders, and consumers. The result was a forward-thinking vision launched at PSA24 by Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP in August.

 

Reflecting on the year, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said she feels enormously proud of what the profession has achieved, with PSA supporting it along the way.

 

“Through a turbulent year, our focus has remained firmly on giving our members the professional resources, practice support and education they need to not only survive, but thrive in an expanding profession,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“I encourage all pharmacists to become PSA members – the more pharmacists who are members, the more PSA can do to support the profession with high level advocacy, but also at the grassroots level with professional development, education and practice support.

 

“As we look to the year ahead, there is more work to do. I am excited for the future of the profession and realising the benefits of the foundations laid over the past 12 months.”

 

PSA CEO Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris said he remains optimistic about the role PSA plays in the pharmacy sector.

 

“PSA’s success over this year reflects our commitment to advocating for and supporting pharmacists at every stage of their careers,” Morris said.

 

“PSA has achieved strong growth in key metrics, including total membership and increased revenue driven through our projects and partnerships despite a challenging economic environment.

 

“I am proud to lead the organisation through this period of stabilisation, maturation and growth. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the collective contribution of the whole PSA team around the country during 2023/24 financial year for their work in supporting PSA members. I also wish to thank Fei, the National Board, branch committee members and others who have contributed to the considerable output of PSA.”

 

For more details, the full Annual Report 2023-24 is available here.

 

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

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Scope of practice report confirms barriers to care and inefficiencies in current health system – time to implement all 18 recommendations

5 November 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the peak body representing 39,000 pharmacists across Australia’s health system, welcomes today’s release of the Unleashing the potential of our health workforce – Scope of practice review, setting out a clear pathway for health professionals to contribute more to our health system and practice to their full and top of scope.

 

The report calls for governments to remove the inconsistent barriers that restrict the scope of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS commended the report’s focus on removing barriers for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals as a critical step towards a more accessible and resilient healthcare system.

 

“This review confirms PSA’s view that inconsistent regulations, unnecessary restrictions on practice, and siloed workforces are having a negative impact on patient access to quality health care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible healthcare professionals in our communities, yet regulatory barriers continue to limit our ability to provide care when and where our patients need it. The release of this final report is the next step towards breaking down these barriers through a short- and long-term reform agenda, addressing the inefficiencies in our health system.”

 

Associate Professor Sim said that the report’s recommendations present a genuine opportunity to improve access to health care across Australia.

 

“There is a clear alignment between Cormack’s recommendations and the actions in PSA’s vision for the pharmacy profession, Pharmacists in 2030. Both present a clear vision for the future that requires collaboration for a health system that works for patients,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This report recognises the core role of pharmacies and pharmacists as primary healthcare providers and recommends a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

 

“In order to make the most of the opportunities presented by the report, we need governments, regulators and health care professionals to work together for a strong, sustainable health system that utilises all health professionals to their full scope.

 

​​“I urge governments and stakeholders at all levels to accept and act on the report’s recommendations in full to build a health system ready for the growing health needs of Australians.”

 

A/Prof Fei Sim served on the Cormack Review’s Expert Advisory Committee, representing the pharmacy profession. PSA looks forward to continuing to work with federal, state and territory governments to implement the report’s findings.

 

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

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COVID-19 Inquiry report recognises the need for reform

30 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the release of the COVID-19 Response Inquiry and its recommendations, including calls for the national harmonisation of pharmacist scope of practice and better utilisation of pharmacists from the outset of a health crisis.

 

The report recognises the critical services delivered by pharmacists throughout the pandemic, particularly in the quick and effective rollout of vaccination services.

 

In response to the inquiry report, the Albanese Government has announced funding for Australia’s first Centre of Disease Control.

 

“PSA welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to establish a Centre for Disease Control as part of our national response to preventable disease and to help set our health system up to better manage health emergencies in the future,” PSA National President Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“We have long known that the skills and expertise of Australia’s pharmacists are not fully utilised in reducing the burden of preventable diseases, and that our profession can contribute more to the health of our nation.

 

“PSA continues to work with governments at all levels to optimise the role of pharmacists in our health care systems and ensure that our 39,000 pharmacists are better utilised when they’re needed most.”

 

Associate Professor Sim said it’s imperative that we reduce the red tape preventing pharmacists from boosting vaccination rates.

 

“Pharmacists can and should be better utilised as trusted health care professionals, working hand in glove with the rest of the primary care team to break down the barriers to vaccination, from improving equity and access, to amplifying public health messages and rebuilding trust.

 

“While pharmacists are delivering more vaccinations than ever before, there is still a long way to go to make vaccination standards consistent across the country, recognising that a pharmacist immuniser in one state is just as qualified as a pharmacist immuniser in another state, and should be able to provide the same vaccinations to the same subsect of patients.

 

“PSA advocates for equitable, timely and affordable access to safe healthcare for all Australians, and we advocate for all pharmacists across the country to be able to fulfil our role as primary healthcare providers, to deliver all vaccines to patients of all ages, under a nationally consistent vaccination schedule to meet real health needs of our patients.

 

“Our health system needs all immunisers to play a role in delivering vaccines wherever there is a patient need, whether a GP, nurse practitioner or pharmacist.”

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

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PSA congratulates incoming QLD Government, urging scope of practice pilots to continue

29 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the newly elected Queensland Government and looks forward to working with Premier-elect David Crisafulli to strengthen healthcare services across the state.

 

Queensland President Shane MacDonald MPS said PSA is eager to work with the incoming government to utilise the more than 7000 pharmacists practising across Queensland.

 

“We extend our congratulations to the Liberal National Party on their election and look forward to working with them to improve access to health care for all Queenslanders,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

“Aligning with Premier Crisafulli’s health policy agenda, we urge the incoming government to continue support for the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot and the Hormonal Contraception Pilot, both of which are showing positive outcomes for accessible, timely healthcare.

 

“Community pharmacy pilots in Queensland have already demonstrated the crucial role that pharmacists can play in providing accessible and cost-effective care, helping alleviate pressure on other healthcare services and improve health outcomes statewide.

 

“PSA is ready to work with government to build on the success of these pilots, fostering a more resilient, accessible healthcare system that serves all Queenslanders.”

 

Mr MacDonald also thanked outgoing Health Minister Shannon Fentiman for her service to the sector.

 

“On behalf of pharmacists, I sincerely thank Minister Fentiman for her collaboration with PSA and the pharmacy sector during her time as Health Minister and wish her well for the coming parliamentary term.”

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

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PSA welcomes re-elected ACT Government and commitment to expanded scope of practice for pharmacists

29 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates ACT Labor on their re-election and looks forward to working with the government to improve healthcare outcomes for the ACT community. PSA especially acknowledges the return of Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA.

 

PSA ACT President Olivia Collenette MPS welcomed the incoming government’s commitment to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists, noting the positive impact it will have on patient care.

 

“We congratulate ACT Labor on their successful re-election campaign and are excited to continue working closely with Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith to deliver better healthcare for all Canberrans,” Ms Collenette said.

 

“We are particularly pleased to see the commitment to expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists. This will empower pharmacists to do more for their patients, improving access to essential healthcare services and ultimately enhancing health outcomes in our community.

 

“Pharmacists are highly trained and skilled healthcare professionals, and allowing them to work to their full scope of practice will relieve pressure on other areas of the healthcare system.

 

“On behalf of PSA I look forward to working with the re-elected ACT Government to ensure that this commitment is translated into effective policy and practice, creating a more accessible, sustainable, and responsive healthcare system for Canberrans.”

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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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