Western Australia expands the role of community pharmacists

9 August 2024

 

Western Australians will soon have greater access to timely and convenient healthcare services through community pharmacists, a move that is welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) as a step forward in recognition of the need to improve access to care.

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WA Minister for Health, Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA today announced the Cook Government’s commitment to a new expanded role for community pharmacists in the treatment of a range of common and mild conditions, including shingles, acne, dermatitis, pain, nausea and vomiting, and wound management.

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PSA sees an opportunity for pharmacists to better support patients with health services they currently have difficulty accessing; in Queensland, these services – and many others – are already routine pharmacist care.

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PSA will work closely with the Government to ensure the program is appropriately scoped and evaluated. The design, development and implementation of the program will unfold over the next two years, with full operation to be in place by 2027.

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PSA Western Australia President, Mr Kristian Ray MPS said the move leverages the state’s most accessible healthcare professionals to continue providing timely patient care.

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“We thank the Cook Government for its commitment and collaboration with the profession to extend the role of WA pharmacists, better utilising the skills and accessibility of pharmacists to improve access to healthcare across the state, especially in regional and remote communities,” Mr Ray said

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“We hope this expanded scope is just the next step in a bigger journey towards pharmacists practising to their full potential.

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“Western Australian pharmacists have the knowledge and skillset to do much more to support chronic disease management.

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“We encourage adoption of the approach taken in Queensland where pharmacists are already providing more support to patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and people with high cardiovascular risk.”

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“PSA looks forward to working with the Government in the development of the program, which ultimately benefit patients.”

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PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS is encouraging pharmacists to undertake training in anticipation of their expanding roles.

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“Throughout scope expansion across the country, whether it is assessment and prescribing for management of urinary tract infections, oral contraception or other acute and chronic condition management programs, PSA has been supporting pharmacists along the way,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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“Pharmacists should be supported so they are empowered to practice at top of scope.

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“PSA is committed to focusing on workforce preparation, including training, education, practice support and upskilling of pharmacists to undertake and deliver these services.

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“Patients across Australia deserve equitable access to healthcare.

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“PSA looks forward to working with the government and universities as part of a collaborative approach to workforce preparation.”

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Specific details of training programs will be provided soon.​

Tasmania becomes Australia’s 5th jurisdiction to authorise pharmacist-led RSV vaccination

9 August 2024

 

Pharmacist immunisers are able to authorise and administer RSV vaccines for pregnant women and people over 60 years of age following a change to the Tasmanian Pharmacist Immunisation Program Guidelines, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

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The move follows a similar change in the ACT in recent weeks.

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Tasmanian PSA President Mr Mark Kirschbaum urged at-risk Tasmanians to protect themselves against the debilitative condition;

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“RSV is a serious condition in those at risk, particularly older people and infants. ATAGI have recommended vaccination as a single dose for all people over 75 years of age and pregnant women to offer immunity to newborns. I urge those who are at risk to talk to their pharmacist or doctor regarding the benefits and costs of RSV vaccination,” he said.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim urged other states to follow-suit, noting the complexity of regulations around who can authorise and administer vaccines is limiting community protection against vaccine-preventable diseases:

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“I urge all regulators in all states to remove unnecessary barriers to vaccination, including for RSV vaccination” she said.

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A/Prof Sim continued, “currently, pharmacist immunisers in Northern Territory and Western Australia can only administer RSV vaccines after a prescription has been issued. In South Australia, pharmacist immunisers cannot administer RSV vaccines, even when prescribed by a doctor. Meanwhile, in other states pharmacists have prescribed and administered thousands of doses of these life-saving vaccines. It just makes no sense, and it’s placing Australians at risk.”

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“The Australian Immunisation Handbook is Australia’s national vaccination formulary. We should be working towards using this as our standard to define all vaccinator’s vaccine formularies, rather than using complex regulatory instruments in each state and territory,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

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“National harmonisation of vaccination scope will ensure Australians receive equitable access to care.”

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PSA’s vaccination hub has been developed to help pharmacists navigate the complex regulatory instruments regarding vaccines which they can authorise and administer. The state-by-state comparison tables are available here: https://www.psa.org.au/state-vaccination-regulations/

PSA to drive environmental sustainability through appointment of CEO to new climate and health advisory group

8 August 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the appointment of its Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris to the to the Government’s Climate & Health Expert Advisory Group (CHEAG) by the Hon. Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.

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The appointment was announced just days after PSA launched Pharmacists in 2030, which outlined the need for pharmacists to be supported to incorporate environmental sustainability improvements in their workplaces, including energy efficiency, waste reduction and deprescribing.

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Adj A/Prof Steve Morris said that the establishment of the advisory group was an opportunity for the entire health sector to come together to limit the negative impacts of climate change on health and wellbeing of Australians.

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“Sustainability is important for overall wellbeing of individuals, the community and the world in which we live,’ he said.

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“The provision of healthcare makes a bigger impact on the climate than many of us realise. For example, healthcare contributes 7 per cent of Australia’s total carbon emissions. This is greater than the total carbon emissions from my home state of South Australia.”

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“With health and wellbeing of patients being primary concerns of pharmacists, we all have a professional obligation to limit the negative health impacts caused by climate change through direct action, leadership and patient support.”

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Adj A/Prof Morris thanked the Assistant Minister for her leadership on this issue.

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“I am delighted to be able to contribute to this important advisory group,” Adj A/Prof Morris said.

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“I look forward to working with Assistant Minister Kearney, Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly, other health sector leaders and consumers to reduce the environmental impacts of healthcare and, by doing so, improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians.”

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

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.

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

 

Pharmacists to help address loneliness epidemic with world-first training and education

5 August 2024

Marking Loneliness Awareness Week (5-11 August 2024), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to partner with Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social-isolation (PALS) to deliver world-first training for pharmacists to identify and address loneliness as a social and health priority.

 

Research has shown that loneliness has a significant impact on a person’s physical, cognitive and mental health, including a 26% increased risk of premature death – similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness has also been linked to a 32% increased risk of stroke, a 29% increased risk of coronary heart disease, high cholesterol and blood pressure, and an increased risk of depression.

 

Loneliness has significant economic repercussions, costing the Australian economy an estimated $2.7 billion annually, with the average cost of approximately $1,565 per person per year. Loneliness is associated with increased use of primary health services including contact with pharmacy services and GPs, and results in more emergency treatments and hospital visits. Tackling loneliness could also assist with reducing waiting time and improving access to health services.

 

The program, founded and created by Australian pharmacist and PALS founder Jenny Kirschner, is the first education program in the world targeted toward health professionals, giving them the skills and confidence to identify and work with patients most at risk of poor health outcomes as a result of loneliness.

 

The Pharmacist Training Program on Loneliness combines video testimonies of pharmacists working to improve social cohesion, interviews with global health and social connection leaders including the World Health Organisation, and comprehensive evidence-based education designed specifically for pharmacists.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said it’s clear something had to be done.

 

“As pharmacists we often see members of our communities struggling with loneliness. By empowering pharmacists with education and raising awareness, we can make an even bigger difference to the lives of Australians who are experiencing loneliness.

 

“Loneliness is not just a social problem. The impact on physical and mental health is clear. When you see it through a health lens, it makes sense that all health professionals have an obligation to learn and understand loneliness, and what we can do to help.

 

“Pharmacists are among the most accessible and trusted health care professionals in our communities, meaning there are more opportunities than ever for pharmacists to have an impact on social health as part of a true person-centred approach to healthcare.

 

“I sincerely thank Jenny Kirschner for her long-term commitment to advancing the role of pharmacists to address loneliness. I urge all pharmacists, no matter where or how you practise to take on this new opportunity to champion connectivity and social cohesion in our communities.”

 

PALS Founder Jenny Kirschner MPS commended the leadership of pharmacists addressing loneliness on the ground.

 

“Partnering with the PSA to launch the World’s First Pharmacist Training program on Loneliness is more than an endorsement of educational content, it is a watershed moment for the pharmacy profession in Australia and globally,” Ms Kirschner said.

 

“This demonstrates true leadership from the PSA, prioritising loneliness as public health priority and putting the pharmacy profession at the forefront of helping to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.

 

“Addressing loneliness is deeply personal for me and I have aspired to integrate the research on loneliness into the curriculum for pharmacists and pharmacy students to develop a workforce equipped to help address loneliness.

 

“This program feels like my most meaningful work to date. Yet, this training program is just the beginning… there is more work that needs to be done,” she concluded.

 

The Pharmacist Training Program on Loneliness is available now, free for all PSA members.

 

About Jenny and PALS

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Jenny Kirschner BPharm (Hons) MPS has 20+ years’ experience in the healthcare and pharmacy sectors including as a clinical and retail pharmacist. She has a deeply personal experience of loneliness and is a passionate clinical entrepreneur who is out to educate and inspire the entire pharmacy industry to address loneliness at patient, pharmacy and community level.

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Jenny is the founder of the PALS (Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation). PALS is first international pharmacy initiative developing a road map for the pharmacy sector to address loneliness. The longer-term goal is for pharmacists to have an in-depth understanding of the health effects associated with loneliness, and how to address them, and for this to become an intrinsic part of pharmacy practice across Australia and globally.

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Jenny’s work has been published in the Australian Journal of Pharmacy (AJP) and Australian Pharmacist (AP) on the topic of loneliness. In Australia, Jenny has presented on loneliness at peak national pharmacy education conferences (PSA conference), to the #1 global ranking (2023) pharmacy university (Monash University Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences) and at a Parliamentary House event championing the pivotal role that pharmacists can play in addressing loneliness.  Jenny is the creator of the World First Pharmacist Training program on Loneliness.

 

Media contact:   Leah Robinson   M: 0421 659 040    E: leah.robinson@psa.org.au

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PSA24: Pharmacy Student of the Year awarded to JCU student

3 August 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) proudly congratulates Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliari, James Cook University for taking out the 2024 PSA Viatris Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) award.

 

The annual PSOTY awards recognise and celebrate outstanding pharmacy students by showcasing their counselling skills to the pharmacy profession and is a highlight of PSA’s annual flagship conference.

 

Congratulations also to Hayden Scott from the University of Canberra who took out the People’s Choice award.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Shylee-Jade on her achievement and commended the talent of all finalists.

 

“Congratulations to Shylee-Jade for successfully taking out the Pharmacy Student of the Year award,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This competition provides students the opportunity to demonstrate important skills such as gaining patient insights and patient understanding, active listening and skills that support positive patient outcomes.

 

“Each of the students who participated in the PSOTY competition has demonstrated impressive professionalism, skill, and dedication. On behalf of PSA, I wish them the best in what I’m sure will be successful careers as pharmacists.”

 

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

 

 

PSA and NAPSA renew agreement for 2024/25

3 August 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) have renewed their longstanding partnership to further support for pharmacy students at pharmacy schools across Australia.

 

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed at the PSA24 National Conference, supports key NAPSA initiatives including the National Pharmacy Student Survey and the NAPSA Congress, and ensures that students are supported with professional development and further education opportunities throughout their studies.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to supporting pharmacy students.

 

“PSA has a long and proud history of supporting pharmacy students, which we are proud to continue.

 

“Students are the future of our profession, and it is our responsibility to support them in every possible way. Through this ongoing collaboration with NAPSA, we are not only investing in their education but also in the future of our profession.”

 

“This agreement not only strengthens our commitment to the development of future pharmacists but also reinforces our dedication to advancing the pharmacy profession as a whole. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with NAPSA and to seeing the positive impact this will have on pharmacy students across Australia.”

 

NAPSA President Sebastian Harper welcomed the renewed agreement.

 

“PSA is the peak body representing all 38,000 pharmacists in Australia across areas of practice.

 

The renewed agreement between the NAPSA and PSA exemplifies our organisations’ commitment to advancing the interests of pharmacy students.

 

“As the industry takes on new opportunities and challenges in the advancement of full scope, there has never been a better time to be a member of your representative bodies.”

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

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PSA24: Locum Pharmacist of the Year

3 August 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today named Tasmanian pharmacist Esther Staal as the 2024 PSA Locumate.ai Locum Pharmacist of the Year, awarded at PSA24’s opening plenary this morning (Saturday 3 August).

 

Ms Staal is an empowered locum pharmacist focused on continued learning and professional development to improve practice. She is passionate about her growth as a health professional and reflects on her practise and the patients she meetings across different communities, from the goldfields of Kalgoorlie to the retirees in Vasse.

 

Esther quickly embeds herself in all aspects of being a locum, quickly building mutual rapport with pharmacists and general practitioners and embracing the active rural and regional communities she’s practising in. Her energy and willingness to champion a high standard pharmacy practice makes her well adored in each community she practises in.

 

Presenting the award, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Ms Staal.

 

“I’m proud to award Esther Staal with the PSA Locumate Locum Pharmacist of the Year Award, acknowledging the vital work of locum pharmacists around the country.

 

“Anyone who has practised in a pharmacy, especially in a rural or regional area, knows just how important locum pharmacists are in keeping healthcare accessible to our communities. There are unique challenges for locum pharmacists, but those like Esther take it all in their stride.

 

“I sincerely thank Esther and all locum pharmacists around Australia for all that they do. The role of a locum is often overlooked, however it is important to recognise that they are a critical part of the foundation of a complete team.”

 

Locumate.ai. Co-Founder and Director Kavita Nadan also congratulated Ms Staal.

 

“On behalf of Locumate.ai, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Esther Staal.

 

“Esther’s passion and commitment to our profession are evident in her exceptional work as a dedicated locum pharmacist. Her unwavering care and attention to her patients make her a valuable asset to our communities.

 

“Esther is an exemplary locum pharmacist, and we at Locumate.ai are proud of her efforts in promoting and highlighting the incredible contributions locum pharmacists make.”

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

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PSA24: Intern Pharmacist of the Year

3 August 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today named Bowen-based pharmacist James Oh as the 2024 PSA MIMS Intern Pharmacist of the Year, awarded at PSA24’s opening plenary this morning (Saturday 3 August).

 

Mr Oh graduated from James Cook University in 2023, receiving the Professor James Dare Graduate of the Year award recognising both academic success as well as excellence in leadership, ethics and community engagement.

 

Throughout his intern year, Mr Oh has seen first-hand the impact that accessible pharmacists have on his community in Bowen, Queensland. James takes a lead role in his community practice, demonstrating a strong appetite for areas of practice that are forward-facing and impactful on patient outcomes, with a particular focus on Meds Checks and immunisation as opportunities to optimise patient care.

 

Mr Oh’s positive attitude and leadership qualities endear him to the local community, forming strong relationships with both patients and his peers. Outside the pharmacy, Mr Oh works with undergraduate students at James Cook University as a role model and mentor, actively participating with student organisation NAPSA and the PSA.

 

Presenting the award, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Mr Oh.

 

“Intern and early career pharmacists like James Oh show us that the future of our profession is very bright.”

 

“It’s great to see pharmacists like James going to regional and rural Australia, taking challenges head-on and embracing all of the opportunities that are coming our way.

 

“Congratulations James – we at PSA cannot wait to continue supporting you throughout the rest of your pharmacy career, wherever that takes you,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

MIMS CEO Robert Best also congratulated Mr Oh, reaffirming MIMS commitment to supporting the next generation of pharmacists.

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“Last year, in 2023 MIMS celebrated our 60th Anniversary as the most trusted provider of drug and medicines information across the Australian healthcare industry,” Mr Best said.

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“We see the pharmacy profession as the most important and pivotal part of our medicines ecosystem when dealing with consumers and patients, so, as we approach the halfway point of this 2024 Olympic year, we will continue to acknowledge the Gold Medal role that pharmacists and their interns play with respects to advising, educating and dispensing medicines across Australia.

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“For more than 60 years, MIMS has been the most trusted provider of drug and medicines information across the Australian healthcare industry. We will continue to provide the Pharmacy industry, from interns through to Chief Pharmacists, with the most of up-to-date drug and medicines information available at the point of care,” Mr Best concluded.

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

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