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Scope of Practice on the agenda for Northern Territory Election

25 July 2024

 

Territorians may soon have greater access to health services through community pharmacists as both major parties look to improve access to care ahead of the Northern Territory’s August election.

 

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro this week announced the Northern Territory Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice program, allowing pharmacists to treat ‘up to 21 conditions’ if the Country Liberal Party (CLP) is elected to government in August.

 

Meanwhile the Northern Territory Government launched a consultation earlier this month, seeking community feedback on what expanded community pharmacy services could look like in the Territory.

 

PSA Northern Territory and South Australia Vice-President Colleen Niland welcomed the focus on pharmacy services.

 

“The Northern Territory is home to 270 pharmacists who can and should be empowered to contribute more to the health of Territorians. PSA strongly supports scope of practice changes and better utilisation of pharmacists’ skills and expertise, including through programs that empower pharmacists to treat common health concerns.

 

“PSA welcomes the CLP’s commitment to expand pharmacist services if they are elected in August. We want to see pharmacists empowered to do more for their patients and our Territorians, and look forward to the release of NT Labor’s health policy in due course.

 

“Acknowledging the vital role general practitioners hold, greater access to health services through community pharmacists will free up GPs, especially during the tourist surge when there is increased demand.

 

“Almost all Australian jurisdictions have now implemented trials or programs allowing pharmacists to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), an initiative that’s been welcomed by patients, and it’s time for the Northern Territory to catch up and support our Territorians.

 

“Allowing pharmacists to treat uncomplicated UTIs, deliver more vaccines, or provide antivirals for COVID-19 and influenza would mean more time available for GPs to spend on more complex health needs.

“As pharmacists we want to do more for our patients, and our patients want us to be able to do more,” Ms Niland concluded.

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

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Australians urged to speak to pharmacists as health misinformation grows

24 July 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is today encouraging Australians to leave behind the advice of unverified websites and online influencers and instead visit their local pharmacist for accurate health information as it marks International Self-Care Day.

 

With the increasing availability of unverified and often inappropriate ‘health hacks’ online, PSA recognises the increasingly important role of pharmacists in tackling online misinformation while empowering Australians to be active agents in their own healthcare.

 

As a member Australia Self-Care Alliance PSA promotes the adoption of self-care through pharmacists, maintaining a suite of over 100 Self-Care Fact Cards to provide evidence-based health information to consumers.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that misinformation can risk the health and wellbeing of Australians.

 

“Appropriate self-care does not replace the care provided by professionals, but enhances it,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Self-care is important as part of keeping yourself and your family healthy, but more and more often we’re seeing consumers getting health information from social media, which is often not based in evidence, and in some cases can be very dangerous.

 

“Pharmacists are registered health professionals who give evidence-based health advice to Australians. Instead of trusting social media influencers and the internet, I strongly encourage patients to speak with their local pharmacist about their health concerns where we can give you accurate health information or refer you on to the right healthcare provider.

 

“Today’s International Self-Care Day is a great reminder not only to look after your health and wellbeing, but also of the importance of following accurate health information,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

More information on self-care is available via the World Health Organization.

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Pharmacists are encouraged to read the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) resource Empowering self-care: A handbook for pharmacists

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

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PSA launches hormonal contraceptive prescribing training for Queensland pharmacists

17 July 2024

 

Queensland pharmacists participating in the Queensland Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot can now enrol in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Contraceptive Service – Queensland training program launched by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today.

 

Completion of the course allows pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception for female patients aged 16 years and older under the Pilot.

 

PSA’s training program features cutting-edge AI technology, allowing pharmacists to engage with a virtual patient in a simulated consultation to build confidence and competence in prescribing.

 

PSA General Manager – Education and Training Kerri Barwick encouraged pharmacists to undertake training to deliver contraception prescribing services.

 

“This new training initiative is an important step forward in supporting the role of pharmacists in reproductive health,” Ms Barwick said.

 

“Pharmacists prescribing hormonal contraception will mean more accessible care for Queensland women, putting patient care first and ensuring safe and effective contraception options are available when and where they’re needed.

 

“PSA’s training program is one of the first to utilise artificial intelligence, giving pharmacists the opportunity to test their skills in a simulated clinical environment. We’re excited to continue to innovate how we deliver nation-leading education to Australian pharmacists.

 

“PSA continues to work closely with the Queensland Government to deliver training and education to pharmacists as part of the Queensland community pharmacy pilots. On behalf of PSA, we again commend the Queensland Government for implementing the most progressive scope of practice pilot in the country.”

 

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Contraceptive Service – Queensland is open for enrolments now.

 

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

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Pharmacists mark NAIDOC Week

8 July 2024

 

This week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges NAIDOC Week from 7 to 14 July 2024, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

The theme of NAIDOC Week 2024 is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

 

In the spirit of continued learning, PSA continues to encourage all pharmacists practising in Australia to undertake the Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Program developed in co-design with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), growing the cultural knowledge and understanding that underpins quality health care.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reaffirmed the role of pharmacists in recognising and implementing culturally safe care.

 

“All healthcare professionals have a responsibility to provide health care that is culturally responsive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This NAIDOC Week, PSA once again recognises the important role pharmacists can play in closing the gap and improving health outcomes for First Nations people.”

 

“PSA’s longstanding commitment to culturally safe health care continues to grow, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to promote a truly patient-centred model of care that recognises and works with – not against – our patients’ cultures.

 

“We continue to advocate for permanent funding for the integration of pharmacists into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services following a positive MSAC recommendation in 2023. This model of care has been proven to make a significant improvement to the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

The Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Program is free and available to all Australian pharmacists. PSA encourages all pharmacists interacting with patients to make a commitment to undertake the training this NAIDOC Week, gaining a better understanding of the health needs of First Nations people.

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Additionally, pharmacists who are looking to gain the new MMR credential can upload their certificate of completion of the Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training program as evidence of APC Performance Outcome 1.1, demonstrating their learning in the area of promoting, maintaining and advocating for cultural safety, respect and responsiveness in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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

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PSA welcomes new NAPSA Board

8 July 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the election of Sebastian Harper (Griffith University) as President of the National Australian Pharmacy Students’​ Association (NAPSA) over the weekend.

 

PSA also recognises and congratulates the incoming NAPSA executive elected alongside Mr Harper to serve for the 2024/25 term.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the incoming Board.

 

“Congratulations to Sebastian Harper and his team on their election as the next leaders of NAPSA,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Sebastian has been a fantastic leader as NAPSA Treasurer, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role as President.

 

“PSA works closely with NAPSA to ensure that students are supported, and their voices heard on issues affecting their futures.

 

“We are proud to support NAPSA through our joint Memorandum of Understanding, continuing to strengthen the partnership between PSA and pharmacy students.

 

“I also wish to congratulate outgoing President Bano Serhan for her commitment and service to the NAPSA Board and pharmacy students over the past year. On behalf of PSA, we wish Bano the best for the rest of her studies and look forward to continuing to support her throughout her career as a pharmacist.”

 

 

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

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Pharmacy Student of the Year finalists head to PSA24

5 July 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today announced the finalists for its annual Pharmacy Student of the Year competition who will compete for the top prize at PSA’s national conference PSA24 in August.

 

The final will test pharmacy students with a real-life clinical situation, where a patient will present with symptoms or a specific medicine or product request. Students are then required to use their clinical knowledge and communication skills to identify the most appropriate management, tailoring their response to provide the patient-centred advice.

 

A judging panel will assess all state finalists before selecting the national winner to be announced at PSA24’s Gala Dinner.

 

The 2024 PSA Viatris Pharmacy Student of the Year finalists are:

  • Blake Fraser, University of Technology Sydney (NSW finalist)
  • Emily Schrek, La Trobe University (Victorian finalist)
  • Bridget Cleary, University of Western Australia (WA finalist)
  • Tobey Adubasim, University of Tasmania (Tasmanian finalist)
  • Hayden Scott, University of Canberra (ACT finalist)
  • Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliari, James Cook University (Queensland finalist)
  • Callum Gunn, University of South Australia (SA finalist)
  • Lauren Murray, Charles Darwin University (NT finalist)
  • McKinley Nolan, University of Tasmania (NAPSA Wildcard finalist)

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the PSOTY competition finalists.

 

“The Pharmacy Student of the Year competition showcases the talents of the next generation of pharmacists, giving them the opportunity to develop and grow their skills,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“It’s exciting to see such enthusiastic students entering our profession and dedicating their futures to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.

 

“Award sponsor Viatris and PSA are proud to sponsor the finalists to attend the PSA24 conference where they will compete in the national finals.

 

“Congratulations to all the students who’ve participated in the competition this year for their dedication and commitment to pharmacy. Regardless of the outcome, you are already winners and should feel very proud for putting yourselves out of your comfort zone, for stepping up and taking on the challenge. This is exactly the ethos of our profession.”

 

PSA extends thanks to the PSOTY award sponsor, Viatris, for their ongoing support and wishes all finalists the best of luck at the national final.

 

Find out more about the PSA Pharmacy Student of the Year competition by visiting www.psa.org.au/psoty 

 

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

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Experienced pharmacy leader elected as PSA Tasmania President

3 July 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the election of experienced pharmacy leader Mark Kirschbaum FPS to lead the Tasmanian branch.

 

Mr Kirschbaum is the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s practitioner member from Tasmania, a locum community pharmacist and academic at the University of Tasmania in Launceston.

 

Mr Kirschbaum is experienced in regulation, policy and advocacy, and has worked collaboratively with PSA over many years to improve patient access to care and quality use of medicines. Recently, Mr Kirschbaum has been involved in the redevelopment of Professional Practice Standards and the Tasmanian Government’s Scope of Practice Review for Pharmacists.

 

Outgoing Tasmanian Branch President David Peachey will continue to serve as Vice-President, alongside Joanne Gross MPS, with Dr Shane Jackson FPS continuing as National Board Director.

 

Mr Kirschbaum thanked outgoing President David Peachey MPS for his service to the profession and the Tasmanian Branch.

 

“I sincerely thank David Peachey for his leadership as President of our branch since 2021. I look forward to continuing to work with Vice-Presidents Dave and Joanne, and the Branch Committee to represent and support Tasmanian pharmacists.”

 

 

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

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PSA launches credentialing program

2 July 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched its full suite of credentials today, including pathways for both experienced consultant pharmacists and those looking to expand their practice.

The Medication Management Review (MMR) credential and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) credential are now open for enrolment. Pharmacists with relevant experience can submit evidence of qualifications and/or practical experience as part of a Recognition of Prior Learning pathway for both the MMR and ACOP credentials.

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PSA is currently the only education provider to offer a full suite of products, including both credentials and RPL pathways for both. To continue its support for credentialed pharmacists, PSA is offering the MMR Credential through the RPL pathway free of charge for Professional Plus members.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said today’s credentialing program launch marks the next milestone in PSA’s package for credentialed pharmacists.

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“PSA’s credentialing program is built by pharmacists, for pharmacists,” Associate Professor Fei Sim said. “We are proud to offer a full suite of education and support to our credentialed pharmacist members, from credentialing and all the way through your everyday practice.

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“Our support doesn’t stop once you gain your credentials, we are proud to continue supporting you and your practice with regular clinical updates, continued professional development, industry-leading practice support, and the annual Consultant Pharmacist Conference.

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“We continue to invest in credentialed and consultant pharmacists, not only through a great membership product and leading training program, but also through our advocacy for the future of comprehensive medication management.

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“PSA’s long history of advocating for Medication Management Reviews and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacists does not stop here. We are your voice, we are your peak body.

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“PSA is the home of credentialed and consultant pharmacists – issuing the credentials you need to continue in your practice, connecting you with your colleagues, and advocating for the future of the services you provide,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

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Leading consultant pharmacist Adjunct Associate Professor Debbie Rigby FPS welcomed the launch, pointing to PSA’s growing support for credentialed and consultant pharmacists.

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“I’m excited to be joining PSA to amplify the voices of consultant pharmacists and the valuable role they play in medication safety and quality use of medicines through multidisciplinary, collaborative care,” Ms Rigby said.

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“PSA’s credentials highlight the strong commitment of PSA towards the practice of consultant pharmacy and supporting members to deliver high quality medication management and care.”

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PSA’s MMR and ACOP credentials are now open for enrolments. Visit https://www.psa.org.au/career-and-support/credentialed-pharmacists/ for more information. ​

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

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Tasmania expands access to oral contraception from today

1 July 2024

 

From today, Tasmanian pharmacists can extend prescriptions for oral contraceptive pills in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

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Following a consultation with a pharmacist, Tasmanian patients aged 16 to 50 who have been stable on an oral contraceptive pill for two years will be able to access an additional 12 month supply of their pill. Patients must return to their GP every two years for assessment.

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Joining Tasmanian Health Minister Guy Barnett MP and Minister for Women Jo Palmer MLC yesterday, PSA Tasmanian Branch President Mark Kirschbaum FPS welcomed the announcement.

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“PSA has proudly advocated for expanded access to the oral contraceptive pill for some time, and we are particularly welcoming of the measure as a permanent part of our health system,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

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“Improving safe access to contraception is essential to improving Tasmanians’ access to health care. As pharmacists, we are proud to be playing our part in making accessible when and where they are needed.

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“PSA continues to support pharmacists across the state, with training available to all Tasmanian pharmacists participating in the program.

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“We are encouraged to see the Tasmanian Government take action on the recommendations of the Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review, and look forward to supporting the government in their work to implement the remaining recommendations,” Mr Kirschbaum concluded.

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Training is now available for Tasmanian pharmacists here.

 

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

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PSA partner in PRIDE project, supporting safe and inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ Australians

28 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proudly partnering with the University of Queensland (UQ) to foster inclusive and empowered primary care workforces through the Promoting queer-inclusive professional identities for diversity in primary healthcare (PRIDE co-design) project.

 

Funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), the PRIDE project aims to make affirming care more accessible through a national network of empowered LGBTQIA+ practitioners and allies, building capacity of the mainstream primary care sector to address the health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community in a safe and inclusive way.

 

The project will work with a range of peak professional bodies to deliver tailored education to health professionals. As a PRIDE project partner, PSA will offer education and resources to help pharmacists improve the care they provide LGBTQIA+ patients, starting with a session at PSA’s national conference in August.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said there is still a long way to go to addressing health inequalities for LGBTQIA+ Australians.

 

“Everyone has the right to safe, affirming health care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“57% of LGBTQIA+ Australians have reported discrimination due to their sexual orientation, and almost 80% of people who are trans or gender diverse had experienced discrimination due to their gender identity. Stigma and discrimination in the health care context contributes to greater health disparities experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities and can lead to delaying or avoiding healthcare entirely.

 

“As some of the most accessible health care professionals, pharmacists have a duty of care to patients to ensure that healthcare is provided in a way that is inclusive and appropriate for all people.

 

“PSA strongly believes in the potential of PRIDE co-design project to have a transformative impact on the development of inclusive and affirming models of care for LGBTQIA+ people experiencing intersectional disadvantage within our health care system.

 

“We are proud to be working with Dr Ross and her team to provide pharmacists with the resources and training needed to promote truly person-centred care,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

PRIDE Project leader and Chief Investigator Dr Megan Ross highlighted the importance of creating a culture of safe and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ health practitioners, too.

 

“Building the capacity of the primary health workforce to deliver safe and affirming care has to include creating safe and inclusive environments for health providers. Too often we see trans and queer practitioners exit the workforce, we need a culture of inclusion that supports LGBTQIA+ practitioners to remain in the workforce and provide safe and affirming care to the community,” Dr Ross said.

 

“Building multi-disciplinary, connected and trusted network of safe and affirming providers addresses a current gap in primary care.

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“A multi-disciplinary affirming provider network will facilitate access to continuous, trustable safe and affirming care across the primary care landscape for LGBTQIA+ consumers, and support LGBTQIA+ practitioners to feel safe and supported in their workplaces.”

 

Delegates attending PSA24 will have the opportunity to connect with the PRIDE Project during the session Does the pharmacy profession get a rainbow tick? presented by Professor Lisa Nissen and Dr Jean Spinks on Sunday 4 August, 2024.

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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 (PSA) is the peak national professional pharmacy organisation, representing Australia's 37,000+ pharmacists in all sectors and across all locations, working in or towards a career in pharmacy. Registered training organisation code: 122206 ABN:49 008 532 072 ACN:008 532 072

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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