NT community better protected by removing barriers to vaccination by pharmacists

Friday June 5 2020

 

Those most vulnerable in the Northern Territory (NT) will now be better protected following an announcement by the NT Government today to allow pharmacists to administer vaccinations outside of a community pharmacy.

 

In a move that has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), pharmacists are now able to provide vaccinations in places such as residential aged care settings, Aboriginal Medical Services, private and public hospitals as well as community pharmacies.

 

PSA SA/NT Branch President Robyn Johns congratulated the NT Government for this announcement that will ensure pharmacists can vaccinate more people, particularly those most vulnerable in our society against preventable diseases such as influenza.

 

“This announcement means people who have difficulty accessing vaccinations, particularly those who may be housebound due to COVID-19 or residents of aged care facilities can now be provided much needed vaccines,” she said.

 

“This year we have seen a particularly large uptake from people, including those in the Northern Territory accessing the influenza vaccine and pharmacists continue to play a key role in keeping the community safe.

 

“PSA has advocated and worked with the NT Government for many years to improve access to vaccinations to protect the community and this announcement will go a long way in boosting vaccination rates across the territory.”

 

The Government also announced that influenza vaccinations can now be administered by pharmacists to children aged 10 years and older (previously 16 years), also helping increase the vaccination rates across the territory.

 

Ms Johns said PSA members have experienced frustrations from parents in recent influenza seasons where it was difficult to arrange access for their children to get their influenza vaccine.

 

“Pharmacists are the most accessible to the community than any other health provider and are well trained in the administration of these vaccines,” she said.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists, we will continue to work closely with the Northern Territory Government to allow pharmacists to remove more barriers which restrict pharmacists from administering other vaccines to protect the NT community.

 

Media contact: PSA SA/NT State Manager Helen Stone: 0418 846 426

Chelsea Felkai elected PSA NSW Branch President

Thursday 4 June 2020

 

Newcastle based community pharmacist Chelsea Felkai has been elected as New South Wales (NSW) Branch President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

Ms Felkai, an early career pharmacist locums in community pharmacy and is currently undertaking a PhD and teaches at the University of Newcastle.

 

Ms Felkai is the third female to be elected as President in the history of the PSA in NSW, with the last female president, Pam Loveridge, elected over 25 years ago in 1994-1995.

 

A vocal advocate for the expansion of pharmacists’ roles, particularly those that support medicines safety, Ms Felkai is also the past chair of the NSW Early Career Pharmacist working group.

 

Her contributions extend to the development of online education in prescription medicine safety, harm minimisation and recent publications in the Australian Pharmacist in clinical and industry areas. She is also a representative on the NSW Poison’s Advisory Committee.

 

Ms Felkai said she has a strong interest working closely with key stakeholders at both state and local levels to ensure pharmacists are included in funding and training arrangements, as well as ensuring pharmacists have greater input into healthcare considerations.

 

“I have always been passionate about pharmacists being recognised and utilised to their full potential in health care, as well as working across various settings,” she said.

 

“I look forward to being able to make a positive impact and working closely with the committee, pharmacists and key organisations in NSW.”

 

With her role as NSW Branch President to begin from July 1 2020, outgoing president Professor Peter Carroll has been elected as the NSW Board Appointed PSA director.

 

Ms Felkai acknowledged the fine work of her predecessor Professor Carroll.

 

“Over the past three years, Peter has raised the profile of the PSA in NSW and driven many successful initiatives, such as the expansion of vaccination,” she said.

 

“He has developed strong working relationships with Ministers, Members of Parliament, government officials, and professional pharmacy colleagues such as the Pharmacy Guild in NSW.”

 

“I intend to further this important work and look forward to working with the NSW Ministry of Health to facilitate pharmacists’ involvement in key health areas to provide better outcomes for the NSW community.”

 

The NSW branch also elected Krysti-Lee Rigby and Peter Carroll as Vice Presidents.

 

Media contact: PSA NSW State Manager: Simone Diamandis: 0414 574 754

 

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Palliative Care, it’s a Human Right

Wednesday 27 April 2020

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is recognising Australian Pharmacists, other health professionals and carers who support patients and their families during end of life.

 

This National Palliative Care Week’s theme Palliative Care, it’s more than you think, focuses on supporting patients physical, emotional, spiritual and social need.

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman said the primary health care team that provides optimal care for those in palliative care is very diverse and includes pharmacists, general practitioners, nurses, nurse practitioners and other allied health workers.

 

“Even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic those working in palliative care have continued to provide support to their patients and families under considerable stress,” he said.

 

“Primary healthcare teams have had to adapt their approach to how they treat their patients who have less access to their families during the pandemic.

 

“It is important that palliative care week helps shine a light on the incredible work many health care professionals are providing to patients in palliative care and starts proactive conversations in the community.”

 

South Australia State Manager Helen Stone said PSA is delighted to receive two grants from the South Australian government under the Palliative Care 2020 Grants Program.

 

“The palliative care medication management masterclass will provide a comprehensive suite of learning modules for medicines management for end-of-life care,” she said.

 

“The masterclass will be delivered as a series of collaborative health practitioner workshops focused on medicines management for end of life care.

 

“The second project will establish a palliative care pharmacist in aged care program and articulate a framework for the role of the Palliative Care Pharmacist in Aged Care. The project aims to establish a network and communication pathway between specialist palliative care pharmacists, Aged Care pharmacists, community pharmacists and GPs.”

 

PSA has also teamed up with the Adelaide Primary Health Network to provide the Palliative Care Access to core Medicines (PCAM) project that aims to support palliative care in the community by improving access to vital medicines at end of life.

 

Media contact: PSA Media: 0487 922 176

 

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Electronic prescription support line for pharmacists launched

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

 

Over 10 million telehealth consultations between Australians and their health care providers have already been made possible during COVID-19 and many of these have been able to receive medicines due to Australia’s digitally progressive pharmacists.

 

The interim image-based supply of medicine model adopted due to COVID-19 saw pharmacists again being the front line of digital transformation – enabling patients and prescribers to access medicines when physical contact was not possible.

 

The move to electronic prescriptions will make it even easier for Australians wanting to do the right thing and isolate, to receive care from their doctors and pharmacists from their own homes.

 

This week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is launching a dedicated pharmacist support line to help pharmacists and pharmacy staff with electronic prescriptions.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said “the interim image-based supply of medicine model implemented during the COVID-19 was critical to ensure the supply of medicines during the global pandemic – but it has put significant pressure on pharmacists with unclear laws and in some instances put patients and the community at risk”.

 

“The number one inquiry we have received from pharmacists during the COVID-19 Pandemic has been around interim image-based supply of medicine arrangements” he said.

 

“PSA welcomes the announcement by Government to move now to a staged and planned implementation of formal electronic prescription arrangements – which will see a safer, clearer and more secure electronic prescriptions model which protects patient’s privacy and safety.”

 

To support pharmacists to make the transition, PSA, today is pleased to offer a dedicated electronic prescriptions support line for pharmacists, staffed by experienced pharmacists who have access to the latest workflow information on how to adopt electronic prescriptions.

 

“I would urge any pharmacist or pharmacy support staff member to utilise the support line which will not only benefit them but in turn help pharmacies better educate their patients and members of the public on how electronic prescriptions work” said A/Prof Freeman.

 

The support line will be available to pharmacists Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 5:00pm on 1300 955 162 or email ep@psa.org.au.

 

PSA has also created a dedicated electronic prescriptions webpage which contains all the latest up to date information and resources for pharmacists: www.psa.org.au/ep

 

Media contact: PSA Media: 0487 922 176

 

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PSA welcomes Federal Government mental health initiative

18 May 2020

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement made by the Federal Government that will see an extra $48.1 million put towards the COVID-19 mental health plan.

 

Announced by the Federal Minister Greg Hunt, $7.3 million will be used for research and real-time data, $29.5 million for outreach to vulnerable communities and $11.3 million for communication and other outreach programs.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said this announcement would not only benefit health professionals, including pharmacists that have been on the frontline during COVID-19, but all Australians.

 

“This has been a tough time for many Australians, including pharmacists who have continued to provide an essential service to the community throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

 

“Pharmacists working during COVID-19, have not only had to care for patients but also had to look after the safety and wellbeing of their colleagues, family and friends, as well as themselves.

 

“I would ask any pharmacist’s struggling at the moment to reach out for help.

 

“PSA is delivering Mental Health First Aid training to Australian Pharmacists and Pharmacy staff to support them – as they support the community.

 

“Pharmacists are often the first health professional people will see in a disaster, PSA is committed to equipping pharmacists and pharmacy staff to be able to identify patients who might be in need of professional mental health services and referring them to the care they need.”

 

There are a range of support services available including on our PSA microsite, the pharmacist Support Service or Beyond Blue.”

 

Support services are available on the dedicated PSA COVID-19 microsite: www.psa.org.au/coronavirus

 

Pharmacists’ Support Service is available on 1300 244 910 and Beyond Blue 1800 512 348.

 

Media contact: PSA media: 0487 922 176

 

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Supply of PBS medicines now allowed in Queensland through digital image

Friday, 15 March

 

Queensland has become the latest state to allow the prescribing of PBS medicines through a digital image following an announcement by Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles.

 

Under this Special Arrangement, which begins Monday 18 May, prescribers can provide a digital image or copy of a person’s prescription following a telehealth consultation to the patient’s pharmacy of choice via fax, email or text message.

 

PSA Queensland Branch President Chris Campbell welcomed the announcement which brings Queensland in-line with all the other states and territories when it comes to digital image prescribing.

 

“This announcement will greatly decrease workload for pharmacists who will no longer be required to manually process prescriptions,” he said.

 

“The process for pharmacies to receive a patients prescription from the prescriber will now be a lot quicker and provides Queenslanders with more options to reduce the need to leave their home during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

 

“This eliminates the issue of patients having to wait sometimes days for paper prescriptions to reach the pharmacy following a telehealth consultation.

 

“It is important Queenslanders continue to receive timely healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic and I congratulate the Queensland Government on making this necessary change.”

 

Digital image prescriptions will remain in place until the end of September 2020 with paper prescriptions also available during this period like they have always been.

 

For more information please visit the dedicated PSA COVID-19 microsite

 
Media contact: Chris Campbell PSA Queensland Branch Manager 0422 845 836

 

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Pharmacists in NSW now able to administer vaccinations outside of pharmacy

8 May 2020

 

Those most vulnerable in New South Wales will now be better protected following an announcement by the NSW Government today that will allow pharmacists to administer vaccinations outside of a community pharmacy.

 

In a move that has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, pharmacists are now able to provide vaccinations in places such as residential aged care settings, Aboriginal Medical Services, private and public hospitals and community health centres as well as community pharmacies.

 

PSA NSW Branch President Professor Peter Carroll congratulated the NSW Government and welcomed the initiative which will ensure community pharmacists can help vaccinate more people against vaccine preventable diseases such as influenza.

 

“This will be particularly beneficial to people having difficulties accessing vaccinations, such as those who may be housebound or residents of aged care facilities,” he said.

 

“At a time when our health care system is under extreme pressure due to COVID-19, increasing options for more people in NSW to access vaccinations is vital.

 

“We are seeing a particularly large uptake of people accessing the influenza vaccine this year and pharmacists continue to play a role in keeping our communities safe.”

 

This change comes just two months after the NSW Government announced that pharmacists are able to administer the influenza vaccination to children aged 10 years and above, helping to increase the vaccination rates across the state.

 

As the peak national body for pharmacists, PSA will continue to work with the NSW Government to remove barriers which restrict pharmacists from administering other vaccines to better protect the community.”

 

Media contact: PSA NSW State Manager, Simone Diamandis – 0414 574 754

 

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Updated medication management practice guidelines now available.

22 April 2020

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has updated practice guidelines for pharmacists on conducting medication management reviews and providing Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) services to residential aged care facilities to incorporate current best practice when providing these services.

 

The Guidelines for comprehensive medication management reviews provide pharmacists with best practice guidance when providing medication management review services, such as Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) and Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMRs).

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said the updates to these guidelines are timely given the recent Federal Government announcements to make medication review programs available via telehealth and allow two additional HMR and RMMR follow-ups with patients following the initial review.

 

”The revised guidelines are designed to support pharmacists in providing quality medication management services and improve the quality use of medicines in the community,” he said.

 

“Pharmacists have an important role to play in reducing medication-related harm and ensuring medicines are used safely and appropriately.

 

”These guidelines will also provide guidance and support for pharmacists in implementing program changes in practice, such as the utilisation of follow-ups after the initial HMR or RMMR.”

 

They include guidance on considerations when recommending and undertaking follow-ups after the initial review, as well as highlighting the importance of collaboration and communication with the healthcare team and the role of pharmacists as part of this team when providing medication management review services.

 

The Guidelines for Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) services provides best practice guidance for pharmacists providing Quality Use of Medicines services in residential aged care facilities.

 

Information is provided on how to plan and undertake QUM activities that form part of a QUM Plan for the facility and will contribute to continuous quality improvement.

 

There are also examples of QUM activities that pharmacists may undertake and suggestions for the frequencies at which these activities should be undertaken are provided.

 

These Guidelines have been developed with funding provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and can be found at: www.psa.org.au/mmg

 

Media contact: PSA media: 0487 922 176

 

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Remunerated medicine review follow-ups now allowed

21 April 2020

 

Australia’s elderly will be better supported to avoid medicine-related harm following important changes to Home Medicine Review (HMRs) and Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) programs announced by the Government today.

 

In a move that has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), from Tuesday April 21, accredited pharmacists will be allowed two additional HMR and RMMR follow-ups with patients within nine months of the initial review.

 

Previously allowed just one review per patient every 24 months, PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said allowing additional medicine reviews was a necessary step to ensure elderly patients were properly cared for when it comes to the medicines they are taking.

 

“As medicines experts it is essential that pharmacists are able to properly review patient’s medications as well as provide advice to other members of the health care team to ensure the safe and quality use of medicines for the elderly,” he said.

 

“At a time where so much attention is given to managing the immediate COVID-19 pandemic, we must also not lose sight on the importance of chronic disease management and the safe and quality use of medicines.

 

“Medicine-related problems lead to 250,000 hospital admissions each year costing $1.4 billion annually. Patients who take more than one medicine are at risk of problems associated with their medicines and HMRs are vitally important in identifying these issues.

 

“The PSA has long advocated for a system that allows for medicine reviews to be conducted frequently that is dependent on patient’s needs, with meaningful follow-up and I commend the Government for making this necessary change.”

 

The programs will also now be able to be referred by other medical practitioners, not just General Practitioners which will allow for specialists in aged or chronic care to refer where a GP may not be available.

 

A/Prof Freeman said this measure on the back of the Government’s announcement last Friday to allow medicine reviews via telehealth will help deliver on the recommendations contained in the interim report into the Royal Commission into Safety and Quality in Aged Care.

 

“These services are very important for patients at risk of medicine related harm and important for the pharmacists and pharmacies whose livelihoods are supported by providing these essential medicine review services,” he said.

 

“I am proud that or skilled profession will be able to continue its vital role in supporting medicine safety through these medicine review programs.

 

“PSA will continue to work with the Government, the aged care sector and other healthcare professionals, residents and families to improve medicine safety in the community.”

 

Media contact: PSA media: 0487 922 176

 

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Medication reviews via telehealth to better protect Australians

17 April 2020

 

Australians will be better supported to avoid medicine-related harm during the COVID-19 pandemic following the announcement that pharmacists will able to undertake a MedsCheck, Diabetes MedsCheck, Home Medicines Review or Residential Medication Management Review via telehealth.

 

In a move that has been strongly supported by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the Government announced today that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where a patient has been identified as eligible, according to the relevant program rules medication reviews can take place via video or teleconference from 21 April 2020.

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman said this measure to allow medicine reviews via telehealth will ensure those most vulnerable in the community were able to remain isolated but still receive vitally important medicine reviews.

 

“Throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists are adapting and innovating to ensure they continue to provide the best healthcare for their communities,” he said.

 

“Allowing medicine reviews via telehealth whether it be on videoconference or teleconference is a commonsense decision made by the Government to ensure Australians continue to receive the support and medicine safety information they need without the risk of contracting COVID-19.

 

“This announcement also helps reduce the risk to pharmacists, who now no longer need to deliver essential comprehensive medication reviews face to face and run the risk of getting contracting COVID-19 themselves.”

 

A/Prof Freeman said while PSA welcomes this announcement he will continue to work with the Government and other healthcare professionals to improve medicine safety in the community, particularly around Home Medicine Review (HMR) follow-ups.

 

“Currently pharmacists can provide just one HMR per patient every 24 months with similar restrictions imposed on RMMR and MedsCheck programs and I am calling on the Government to allow pharmacists to be able to perform additional follow-ups as clinically necessary,” he said.

 

“As medicines experts it is essential that pharmacists are able to properly review patient’s medications as well as provide advice to other members of the health care team to ensure the safe and quality use of medicines for the elderly,” he said.

 

“In a time where so much attention is given to managing the immediate COVID-19 pandemic, we must also not lose sight on the importance of chronic disease management and the safe and quality use of medicines”

 

“Medicine-related problems lead to 250,000 hospital admissions each year costing $1.4 billion annually. Patients who take more than one medicine are at risk of problems associated with their medicines and medication review services are vitally important in identifying these issues.

 

For further information please visit the dedicated PSA COVID-19 Webpage.

 

Media contact: PSA media: 0487 922 176

 

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