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Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutic and Pathology Program (QUM Alliance)

Image of many pills
What are we doing?

PSA is part of a consortium of peak bodies who will inform and support the design, development and delivery of evidence-based content, interventions and for this comprehensive educational program.

 

Why are we doing it?

PSA is best placed to support the aims and objectives of the QUDTP grant activities, through strong membership engagement that provides high-quality health care and are the custodians for safe and effective medicine use for the Australian community.

 

Value to PSA members
The Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) Alliance represents a group of eight health and consumer organisations, bringing together unique expertise from education providers, consumer groups, researchers, health professionals, peak bodies and member organisations to develop free health education products for a national audience of health professionals and consumers.

 

Project impact
Health professionals and consumers working together, to support more effective healthcare, better medicine safety and improved health outcomes.

 

 

Collaboration with:

QUM Alliance logos

For more information about this project, please contact Chris Braithwaite

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‘Guidelines for pharmacists supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with medicines management

ATSIP Guidelines artwork
What did we do?
In collaboration with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), PSA co-designed and delivered an update to the PSA’s Guidelines for pharmacists supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with medicines management. These guidelines help pharmacists around Australia, in all practice settings, deliver the best care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

 

Why did we do it?

A number of significant gaps were identified in the previous version of the guidelines, published in 2014, due to fundamental changes in how pharmacists deliver services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

 

Value to PSA members

These resources will support the profession by enabling the delivery of high-quality pharmacy services that provide measurable patient outcomes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.​

 

The guidelines for pharmacists supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with medicines management can be found here.  Guidelines for pharmacists supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with Medicines Management (psa.org.au)

 

Project impact
The principles included in the guideline are relevant to all current and future pharmacists, from those just starting their professional journey to those with years of experience working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector.

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Artist’s acknowledgement and story of artwork

Lani Balzan is the artist and  a proud Aboriginal woman from the Wiradjuri people of the three-river tribe. Her family originates from Mudgee but she grew up all over Australia and lived in many different towns. She now calls the Illawarra home. The three circles with hands and pathways represent the connection supporting both patients and other health service team members to ensure patients can access medicines and use them appropriately. The hands represent wellness, health and care. Six elements have been created in the design which represent gathering elements, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Person Centred, Medicines, Pharmacists, Wellness, Health.

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Palliative Care Pharmacist Foundation Training Program

Palliative Care image - reassuring hands
What are we doing?

PSA will develop and implement a Palliative Care Foundation Training Program for Pharmacists and pilot a community palliative care pharmacist service model. The community palliative care pharmacist service model pilot will assess the impact and activities of 6 specialist palliative care trained pharmacists in the community over 12 months. 

 

Why are we doing it?

To equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to support patients receiving palliative care in the community.

 

Value to PSA members

Pharmacists who complete this training will receive up-to-date education to ensure they deliver best practice palliative care. It is anticipated that the pilot will provide evidence supporting the integration of specialist palliative care trained pharmacists areas of practice relating to palliative care. 

 

The vision for the pilot program is to revolutionise the quality of palliative care in a diverse range of settings, especially for underserved populations who currently face additional barriers accessing palliative care. ​

 

Project impact

Coming soon.

 

For more information about this project, please contact Megan Tremlett  and Leah Robinson

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Deadly Pharmacists Modules

Image of Deadly Pharmacist artwork

Deadly pharmacists: foundation training for pharmacists working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Co-designed and developed by the PSA and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) in 2022, the Deadly pharmacists modules equip pharmacists with the skills to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care services, people and communities. In 2025, PSA and NACCHO collaborated to make minor updates and reaccredit the original Deadly pharmacists modules.

 

In 2026 a new module was added to the Deadly pharmacists suite, with a focus on providing culturally safe and responsive care in community pharmacy.

 

The eight online modules cover topics such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, communication skills including how to use clinical yarning in your practice and conditions of prevalence in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The newest module identifies opportunities for community pharmacies to create welcoming and inclusive environments, describes strategies for strengthening culturally safe relationships, and highlights ways to foster cultural safety across programs and services available in community pharmacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

The Deadly Pharmacists modules are available free of charge for PSA members* as a member benefit, while a non-member fee# of $60 per module applies.

 

* PSA offers complimentary membership to pharmacy students across Australia. To become a member, click here.

 

#Thanks to the generous support of the NSW Ministry of Health in 2026, PSA is able to offer complimentary access to the module ‘Deadly pharmacists: providing culturally safe and responsive care in community pharmacy’ for non-member pharmacists practising in NSW. To apply for complimentary access, complete this form. Following verification by PSA that you are currently registered to practise in NSW, you will be enrolled in the module and notified via email. Please allow up to 2 weeks for this process.

 

To enrol in the modules, click on the below links;

 

 

 

Why did we do it?

Cultural safety is critical to health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is determined by the patient, not the health practitioner. It requires health practitioners, including pharmacists, to engage in continual critical self‑reflection, be aware of power imbalances, and have an understanding that how care is delivered is just as important as what care is delivered.

 

The Deadly Pharmacists modules were initially created with a focus on the role of pharmacists integrated within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). A new module was subsequently developed, acknowledging the vital role community pharmacies play in improving health equity by offering accessible, culturally safe care that recognises the ongoing impacts of colonisation, racism, and systemic barriers on health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

The modules are relevant to all pharmacists on their lifelong journey to providing culturally safe care.

 

Value to PSA members

This training supports pharmacists to provide culturally responsive care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. It helps to build a career pathway for pharmacists wanting to work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services, and also focuses on the opportunity to improve cultural safety and responsiveness in community pharmacy to achieve better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

 

The Deadly pharmacists modules complement the Guideline for pharmacists supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with medicines management and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice Community of Speciality Interest (CSI).

 

 Project impact
  • The original course was launched in 2022 and remained available until August 2025. Over this 3-year period, enrolments exceeded 5,500.
  • The modules were updated and re-launched in September 2025 and will remain available until September 2028.
  • The new module ‘Deadly pharmacists: Providing culturally safe and responsive care in community pharmacy’, released in May 2026, provides practical steps the staff of community pharmacies can take to foster culturally safe and responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their community, and ultimately improve health outcomes. Every interaction matters!
LEARN MORE

Co-designed with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

NACCHO logo
Artist’s acknowledgement and story of artwork

Lani Balzan is the artist and  a proud Aboriginal woman from the Wiradjuri people of the three-river tribe. Her family originates from Mudgee but she grew up all over Australia and lived in many different towns. She now calls the Illawarra home. The artwork centrepiece represents the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person, receiving care from the pharmacists, learning about the need to have connected, joined up care, through this training platform, which is culturally appropriate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

For more information about this project, please contact Megan Tremlett  and Chris Braithwaite.

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NSW pharmacists to treat skin conditions in trial expansion

17 June 2024

 

 

Pharmacists in New South Wales will soon be able to supply treatment for four skin conditions under the next phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial.

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Participating NSW pharmacists who undertake additional training will be able to treat impetigo, shingles, atopic dermatitis, and mild plaque psoriasis under the trial.

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Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS welcomed the next phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial, and reaffirmed PSA’s support for pharmacists participating in the program.

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“Under the next phase of the New South Wales Pharmacy Trial community pharmacists will be trained to treat four skin conditions, making treatment for conditions including impetigo, shingles, eczema, and mild plaque psoriasis more accessible around our state,” Mr Kelly said.

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“Pharmacists are key to strengthening the healthcare system, and through the NSW Pharmacy Trial, patients have been able to access safe, quality treatment when and where they need it.

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“For skin conditions like shingles, acute eczema, mild plaque psoriasis and impetigo, providing timely, accessible treatment is critical to relieving discomfort and pain, and allow us to mitigate further complications.

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“New South Wales pharmacists have already supported thousands of patients with a range of health concerns, including uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections and extending the supply of the oral contraceptive pill. With the inclusion of skin conditions, pharmacists can continue to provide nation-leading, accessible care to patients across the state.

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Mr Kelly also welcomed increased remuneration for pharmacists providing consultations skin conditions, better reflecting clinical expertise and administration costs.

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“Increased support for pharmacists means we can ensure services remain available to patients across our state, at no cost.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Park, the New South Wales Government and other stakeholders to ensure we are best responding to the health needs of our communities,” Mr Kelly said.

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New South Wales pharmacists can now enrol in and complete prerequisite training here.

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

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Queensland Budget sets pharmacists up for Scope of Practice Pilot

11 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes education funding for pharmacists in the Miles Government’s 2024-25 Queensland State Budget.

 

Today’s state budget commits $6 million to enable pharmacists to complete additional training to support the state-wide rollout of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot. This includes completion of prescribing training and clinical practice training, and will allow participating pharmacists to treat and prescribe medicines for common health conditions and wellbeing services, making healthcare more accessible for Queenslanders.

 

PSA also welcomes the government’s $72.9 million investment in free vaccinations for Queenslanders, including $40 million to fund influenza vaccines for all Queenslanders aged over 6 months, $26 million to fund meningococcal B vaccines for eligible infants, children, and adolescents, and $6.9 million to fund RSV vaccines.

 

PSA Queensland President Mr Shane MacDonald said the budget gives pharmacists the support they need to prepare for Australia’s most progressive scope of practice pilot.

 

“Investment in pharmacists ensures that our workforce is ready to offer expanded health services to Queenslanders,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

“Financial support to help meet training costs means more pharmacists participating in the pilot, and more services in more communities.

 

“We thank the Miles Government for their continued support and collaboration with the profession to bring the Scope of Practice Pilot to Queenslanders, better utilising the skills and accessibility of pharmacists to improve access to healthcare across the state.

 

“PSA is pleased to again welcome the continuation of free influenza vaccines for Queenslanders in 2025, easing the cost burden of essential vaccines on Queensland families,” Mr MacDonald continued.

 

“Knowing that every patient will have access to a vaccination at no cost, pharmacists can proactively plan now for the 2025 flu season.”

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

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Pharmacists named in King’s Birthday Honours

11 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has recognised and congratulated the PSA members and pharmacists named on the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.

PSA Life Member Robert Dean MPS of Red Cliffs in Victoria was recognised for his service to the community of Red Cliffs, including fifty years as a community pharmacist.

Farag Gobran MPS of Drummoyne in New South Wales was recognised for his service to youth, to aged welfare, and to the Egyptian community, as well as his service as a community pharmacist since 1970.

PSA also acknowledges Former Department of Health and Aged Care Deputy Secretary, Health Products Regulation Group Professor John Skerritt, recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the recipients.

“We know that pharmacists make enormous contributions to our communities, through the care we provide but also as pillars of community life,” Associate Professor Sim said.

“Robert and Farag are two pharmacists who’ve supported their communities not only through their careers as pharmacists, but also through lifetimes of service to their communities.

“On behalf of PSA and Australian pharmacists, we congratulate Mr Dean, Mr Gobran and Professor Skerritt on their achievements and continued commitment to the health of our communities.”

 

 

 

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

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Health Minister to address PSA national conference

6 June 2024

 

Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP will again join pharmacists at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s National Conference PSA24, providing the ministerial address on behalf of the Albanese Government.

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In what is a critical time for the pharmacy profession, the presence of Minister Butler underscores the important role of pharmacists in meeting the changing healthcare needs of Australians.

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PSA24’s ‘Pathways to Progress’ will give pharmacists the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and colleagues from all corners of the country. With more than 40 education sessions and opportunities to hear from both the government and opposition, PSA24 is set to be the biggest national conference yet.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that the Minister’s address at the conference will provide further insights into PSA’s Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice announced earlier this week.

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“At this critical juncture for the pharmacy profession, the Minister’s presence recognises the irreplaceable role pharmacists play in quality and safe use of medicines, and in contributing to improved Australians’ access to healthcare,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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“The signing of the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and the PSA Strategic Agreement this week are a clear indication of the federal government’s belief in pharmacists and our fundamental role in Australia’s health system.

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“This is an important opportunity for our profession to hear directly from the Minister about the government’s policy agenda and priorities for the next 12 months and beyond. We are thrilled to again welcome the Minister to PSA24 in Sydney this August.

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“I call on all pharmacists and pharmacy students to attend the PSA24 Conference in Sydney as we continue our advocacy to expand pharmacists’ roles, recognition and remuneration.

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The Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister Rural and Regional Health, the Hon. Emma McBride MP, and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston are also set to appear at PSA24.

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PSA24 will be held at the new bigger venue of the International Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August 2024.

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Registration for the PSA national conference is now open. For more information and to secure your spot, visit www.psa24.com.au

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PSA welcomes 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, and enters into Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice

3 June 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement today that the Australian Government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia has finalised the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement. PSA welcomes the certainty the 8CPA brings to the community pharmacy sector, and confidence it brings to the viability of Australia’s community pharmacies.

 

For the last 12 months, the community pharmacy sector has had uncertainty. The 8CPA delivers funding boost of $3billion for community pharmacy activities, certainty of funding for dose administration aids, staged supply, MedsChecks and the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance.

 

PSA has also announced the signing of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice was signed in Canberra today by National President A/Prof Fei Sim and the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler.

 

The key Strategic Agreement with the Australian Government contains a program of work to deliver contemporary fundamental standards and guidelines that define pharmacy practice across all areas of practice.

 

Together, both agreements secure the most significant federal government commitment to supporting professional pharmacy practice in history, lifting the bar in quality of care and breadth of services delivered by pharmacists across the health system.

 

Discussions will continue for programs not contained in the 8CPA, including those delivered by pharmacists in all other areas of practice. PSA looks forward to leading further engagement with government in relation to these programs during the remainder of 2024.

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:

 

“On behalf of our members, PSA welcomes the signing of the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement for the certainty it provides the sector. The funding committed by the Albanese government in the 8CPA is positive for community pharmacies and will result in more accessible care for patients through a strong, thriving and viable community pharmacy network.

 

“In particular, I thank Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler for his commitment, alongside PSA, to continue advancing the profession through a key Strategic Agreement on pharmacy practice.

 

“PSA’s intent through its negotiations with government is to ensure pharmacists are supported to do what they do best – support the health and wellbeing of Australians through providing access to health care and making the use of medicines safer.

 

“PSA’s Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice acknowledges that the role of pharmacists is changing and evolving, and with that comes the need to further develop the fundamental guidelines that underpin all elements and areas of pharmacy practice. This will ensure pharmacists can continue to deliver high standards and quality services which Australians rely on in a sustainable manner.

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“While today is a milestone in negotiations regarding community pharmacy-delivered programs and services with government, there is more to be done.

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“We are focused in continuing our work with Minister Butler and the Department of Health and Aged Care which will define the design, implementation and evaluation of pharmacist-led programs which are not in the 8CPA.

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“We continue our commitment on supporting the pharmacy workforce through practice support and education which has always been one of the core responsibilities of the PSA.”

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Quotes attributable to PSA Lead Negotiator Dr Shane Jackson:

 

“The 8PCA is a positive outcome for the profession and the Australian community. It will help improve access to care in a sustainable manner.

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“PSA’s strategic agreement focuses on supporting pharmacists, and helping pharmacists demonstrate the value of what we do. It provides a pathway to create data and evidence to demonstrate the need for long-term, continued funding for programs we know are critical to the Quality Use of Medicines.

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“Now that the 8CPA and Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice have been announced, we turn our focus to providing a structure for optimisation of programs no longer contained in the 8CPA, as well as new programs that may be delivered by pharmacists.”

 

 

A copy of the PSA Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice is available on the Department of Health website.

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

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WA pharmacists to expand oral contraceptive access

28 May 2024

 

Western Australian pharmacists are set to be able to resupply oral contraceptives to women across the state as part of a new pilot program.

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The Pharmacist Resupply of Oral Contraceptive Pills Pilot enables pharmacists to supply up to 12 months of a combination or progestogen-only contraceptive pill to women* between 18 and 39 years of age who have a stable history of using the pill for two years. Patients aged between 16 and 17 years can access up to four months’ supply as an extension to their original prescription.

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Pharmacists are required to undergo additional training before commencing services.

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) WA President Kristian Ray welcomed the Pilot announcement.

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“WA has now joined the majority of Australian states and territories giving women greater autonomy and choice when it comes to accessing oral contraceptives,” Mr Ray said.

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“It shows how pharmacists working together with GPs and other healthcare professionals can improve the care we provide, relieving strain on our healthcare systems in a safe and efficient way.

 

“This is a step forward, ensuring that reproductive care is accessible and safe.

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“We applaud the Cook Government’s initiation of this pilot, recognising not only pharmacist’s role as medicine safety experts, but also underscoring the importance of a collaborative, patient-centred approach to healthcare delivery.”

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With compulsory training now available, Mr Ray encouraged pharmacists across the state to take up the opportunity.

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“The oral contraceptive pilot is a new opportunity for pharmacists to develop new skills, underpinned by quality education and training and best-practice care.

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“The oral contraceptive pilot isn’t just about expanding our scope of practice, it’s about ensuring that every individual receives the care and support they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health,” Mr Ray concluded.

 

*Pharmacists providing contraception and sexual health advice for transgender and gender diverse individuals presumed female at birth must ensure the service is safe and accessible. It’s important to verify that transgender and gender diverse individuals seeking contraceptive care are actively engaged with appropriate sexual health services as needed. The resupply of OCP is permitted for transgender and gender diverse individuals, provided all other protocol conditions are met.

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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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