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Pharmacists relieved at reinstatement of expanded continued dispensing, but again call for it to be permanent

22 December 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the new Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure Determination issued by the Federal Government yesterday, supporting Australians affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.

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The new determination allows pharmacists to provide patients with up to one month’s supply of 755 different Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines (up from 150 medicines) if they are unable to access their prescription or prescriber in an emergency situation. The determination takes immediate effect.

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PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS welcomed the move but again urged the Federal Government to make it a permanent.

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“While this decision is welcome relief for patients and pharmacists in disaster affected areas, PSA has long advocated for the permanent expansion of continued dispensing nation-wide,” Dr Sim said.

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“Every time there is a disaster, the government extends or reinstates this measure. However, this always takes a few days, and leaves patients without access to their medicines when they need them most. It is time to make it permanent.

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“Regulations should be in place to support the safe and effective use of medicines, not hinder it. It makes no sense these measures expire after each natural disaster passes.

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“With the effects of climate change making natural disasters harsher and more frequent, we know that these threats will continue.

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“Not all emergences are natural disasters. Whether it be bereavement, domestic violence, house fire or car crash, the sad reality is that people are suddenly separated from their medicine in other emergencies.

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“Permanently expanding the medicines covered by continued dispensing arrangements is necessary to give Australians peace-of-mind that no matter what, they will always be able to access to the medicines they need,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

This measure was also recommended as part of PSA’s 2023-24 Federal Budget Submission. Find the full submission here.

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Help shape the pharmacy workforce of the future – PAMELA Workforce survey open now

18 December 2023

 

The Pharmacy in Australia: Measuring Employment, Labour decisions and Activity (PAMELA) pharmacist workforce survey has been launched this week by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), with support from The University of Queensland.

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The survey captures current and future dynamics of the Australian Pharmacy Workforce, including trends in job history, income, career plan, professional commitment, and job satisfaction to help foster a better understanding of workforce decisions.

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In launching the survey, PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS encourages all pharmacists, at all career stages and across practice areas, to complete the PAMELA survey.

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“Decisions around work patterns are complex, and take into account pay and conditions, but also family and personal circumstances, location and professional roles,” Dr Sim said.

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“The results of the PAMELA project will help the sector better understand what is motivating pharmacists to make their work decisions, and how policy change can enhance job satisfaction and promote work-life balance across the profession.

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“PSA consistently advocates for a national approach to health workforce planning, including measuring trends and the impact of the pharmacist workforce on health outcomes, to support workforce capacity into the future.

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“Ensuring that we can continue to meet the future healthcare needs of our ageing population requires understanding our workforce now, so that we appropriately plan for the future.

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Professor Lisa Nissen FPS, part of the University of Queensland’s research team supporting the PAMELA project, said that pharmacy schools are also supporting the survey by alerting alumni to the survey.

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“Anyone with a pharmacy degree, even if they are not registered or practising, is invited to participate so that we can better understand why some people choose to leave the profession,” Prof. Nissen said.

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“It is just as essential to know why people leave the profession for other opportunities or careers, as why they stay.

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“Pharmacy schools are training the pharmacists of the future – we need to better understand workforce trends in order to adapt our curriculum to be relevant to the changing practice of pharmacy.”

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​The PAMELA survey can be accessed here.

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

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Pharmacists welcome Climate and Health strategy

7 December 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) lauds the Federal Government’s first National Health and Climate Strategy released this week, recognising the urgent need to build climate-resilient health systems and limit the emissions created by the health care network.

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In welcoming the Strategy, PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS thanked Federal Health Minister Mark Butler MP and Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney MP for their leadership in recognising the impact of climate change on health.

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“The leadership of the Federal Government in acknowledging and assessing the impacts of climate change on the health of our population and the provision of care is crucial, because our health system, and our country need to do better,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Climate change is already having a significant and direct impact not only on the health of our every person in Australia, but also on the way we deliver quality health care.

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“The rapidly changing climate adversely affects the health of the nation. It disproportionately harms vulnerable individuals. And we all need to work together to be part of the solution.

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Dr Sim also reiterated the urgent need for environmentally sustainable practices across the pharmacy and broader health network.

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“As a health issue, pharmacists and all health professionals have a professional obligation to work towards limiting the negative health impacts caused by climate change through direct action, leadership and patient support.

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“Proactively responding and preparing for a changing climate will continue to alter many aspects of professional practice.

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“In 2022 we released the first PSA Environmental Sustainability position statement, reaffirming our commitment to guiding pharmacists in improving our sector’s environmental footprint.

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“PSA has led the way, having implemented measures across our organisation that contribute to a more sustainable future.

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“We all have a responsibility to move toward sustainable practices, whether in the pharmacy or as an organisation – a responsibility that we take seriously and continue to develop and improve on,” Dr Sim concluded.

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PSA’s 2022 Environmental Sustainability Statement is available here.

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

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National access to vaccines must be a priority

30 November 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is again calling for vaccines to be made accessible to more Australians by fully utilising pharmacists as part of the immunisation workforce, following a new report from Australian think tank Grattan Institute.

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The Grattan Institute report A fair shot: How to close the vaccination gap specifically recommends action on a National Vaccines Partnership Agreement and harmonisation of the state-based regulations that determine pharmacists’ authority to deliver certain vaccines.

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The report also calls for new funding for Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to support general practice, pharmacists, and aged care providers to promote vaccination in mainstream primary care.

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PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS welcomes the Grattan Institute’s recommendations, which echo PSA’s calls for nationally consistent vaccination authorities.

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“The Grattan Institute’s report is a stark look at how far we still have to go to make vaccination equitable for all Australians,” Dr Sim says.

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“We know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving vaccine uptake, with the report rightly highlighting the need for a tailored approach to ensuring vulnerable cohorts don’t fall through the cracks.

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“The Federal Government’s move to open up National Immunisation Program funding for pharmacist-administered vaccines is a welcome first step, but there is more work to be done to allow pharmacists to deliver all vaccines to patients of all ages.

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“At the moment, every jurisdiction in Australia has different regulations around which vaccinations can be administered by pharmacists.

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“A nationally consistent schedule of pharmacist-administered vaccines is key to achieve equitable access to government-funded vaccines by all Australians.

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

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

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The Grattan Institute’s A fair shot: How to close the vaccination gap report is available here.

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

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PSA welcomes CPS President-elect Prof Kevin Batty FPS

28 November 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the newly elected President of the Council of Pharmacy Schools (CPS), Professor Kevin Batty FPS of Curtin University.

 

Professor Kevin Batty has a 40-year career in pharmacy, including 10 years as a hospital pharmacist and 25 years as a university academic. Professor Batty is a Fellow of the PSA and was awarded PSA’s Western Australia Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

 

Alongside Prof. Batty, PSA also welcomes Professor Andrew McLachlan AM FPS who will continue in his role as CPS Vice-President, and Treasurer-elect A/Prof David Newby FPS.

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS shared her congratulations with CPS’ incoming leadership.

 

“CPS and PSA have a long-established working and collaborative relationship, sharing the vision and commitment to education and training,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Professor Batty brings a wealth of experience to CPS, across a range of roles including pharmacy practice and academia.

 

“As pharmacy practice continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of our ageing population, there has never been a more important time to ensure that Australia’s pharmacy programs are fit for the future.

 

“I look forward to continuing our work alongside CPS and its team of Councillors, under the leadership of Prof Batty, to ensure that our profession is supported by world-class education, starting with our universities.”

 

Dr Sim also acknowledged the work of outgoing CPS President, Professor Debra Rowett PSM, FPS.

 

“I have been privileged to work alongside Prof. Rowett as part of the Australian Pharmacy Leaders Forum (APLF) and have seen firsthand the profound impact she has had on the pharmacy profession.

 

“I sincerely thank Prof. Rowett for her unwavering commitment to preparing Australian graduates for a fulfilling career in pharmacy, her wisdom and leadership over a significant period of time.

 

“I also wish to acknowledge PSA’s National Board Member and outgoing CPS Treasurer Professor Mark Naunton FPS for his contribution to CPS.” Dr Sim concluded.

 

Additional quotes attributable to CPS President-elect, Prof. Kevin Batty FPS:

 

“It’s a great privilege to be elected President of CPS and succeed Prof. Debra Rowett PSM, who has been a tireless and inspirational leader of CPS. I’d also like to thank Prof. Mark Naunton for his contribution as CPS Treasurer and Prof. Andrew McLachlan AM, who will be continuing as CPS Vice President, and I welcome A/Prof. David Newby, the incoming Treasurer.

 

“Along with our Public Officer & Secretary, Ms Anne Pike, we look forward to continued growth in the relationship between CPS and PSA. As CPS Councillors represent all of the Pharmacy degree programs in Australia and New Zealand, our collective focus is on ensuring our graduates have the contemporary skills, knowledge and professional attributes for their careers.”

 

 

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

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Improve Quality Use of Medicines to improve mental health care: report

22 November 2023

 

Pharmacists can play a greater role in helping patients manage their mental health through the quality use of medicines, a new report from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has found.  

 

The sixth edition of PSA’s flagship Medicine Safety series, Medicine Safety: Mental Health Care report highlights opportunities for pharmacists to better support Australians using medicines to treat mental health conditions, including improving access to care and investing in quality use of medicines services at critical points of care.  

 

Key report stats: 

 

  • People with severe mental health conditions have poorer physical health than the general community and have a 12–16 year shorter life expectancy. 
  • 18% of Australians use medicines to treat a mental health condition.  
  • Antidepressants were involved in 31% of medicine-related deaths due to overdose, and antipsychotics in 17% of medicine-related deaths due to overdose. 
  • 1 in 4 Australians are taking a medicine that would not be recommended for them based on the individual genetic variation of their drug metabolising enzymes. 
  • Medicine changes are frequent in mental health facilities, with an average of 10 changes per admission.  
  • Over 40% of mental health facilities do not have any pharmaceutical handover at discharge. 

 

PSA’s recommendations from the Medicine Safety: Mental Health Care report support better medicine management and wrap-around mental health care to improve quality of life for Australians living with a mental health condition. 

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS:

 

“The evidence presented in this report shows that, as a nation, we need to do better.

 

“Wherever medicines are used there is a risk of medicine misadventure, which is exactly what this report has found.   

 

“We know that the prevalence of mental ill health is on the rise, and more people are using medicines to manage a mental health condition.  

 

“Too often we hear of people stopping treatment altogether because of the effects of these medicines, because they make them unwell. This is where we believe there is significant opportunity for investment in pharmacist services to help support the safe and effective use of medicines.

 

“People using medicines in their mental health care need better access to the expertise of pharmacists at all stages of management – in hospitals, in community pharmacies, in private clinics and across the whole spectrum of care.  

 

“Our recommendations focus on addressing specific gaps in the provision of comprehensive health care and challenge the ‘set-and-forget’ paradigm that people using mental health medicines too often experience.  

 

“From implementing a mental health screening program in community pharmacies, to formalising transition of care pharmacist services to reduce the risk of medicine-related harm when transferring from hospital to home, pharmacists can and should be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary and person-centred approach to mental health care. 

 

“This is about ensuring patients have the support they need to get the most out of their medicines safely and effectively.

 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride MP:

 

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) should be commended on the launch of their most recent medicine safety report, Medicine Safety: Mental Health Care.

 

“This is a timely report on the importance of medication safety in mental health given the prevalence of common mental health disorders and the medications often prescribed as part of treatment and care.

 

“The report also highlights the vital role pharmacists play – across settings – to improve safety and importantly reduce harm.

 

“As a pharmacist who worked in acute adult inpatient services I know this report will be influential as we work together to improve patient care.”

 

The Medicine Safety: Mental Health Care report and PSA’s recommendations are available at https://www.psa.org.au/advocacy/working-for-our-profession/medicine-safety/mental_health/  

 

 

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

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Vale Valerie Constable FPS

25 October 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has honoured Ms Valerie Constable FPS, the first female President of PSA’s Victorian branch, who sadly passed away recently.

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For more than three decades, Valerie (Val) Constable has helped pave the way to optimise standards of pharmacy education and practice, becoming a trusted mentor to many.

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A humble and highly regarded professional, Val was a leader for women in pharmacy. She was a preceptor, mentor, and role model to many and always made herself available to provide support and advice to any member of the profession who sought her wisdom or assistance. Val’s principles are epitomised by Pharmacists Support Services (PSS), the anonymous volunteer support service that she helped establish, and led for many years.

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In 1991, Val was the first female in 135 years to be elected President of the PSA’s Victorian Branch. She rose above the glass ceiling through outstanding commitment, integrity, and professionalism. For over 35 years, Val and her husband Bob provided patient-centred care to their local communities through their pharmacies in Footscray and Pascoe Vale in Melbourne. She was a mentor to numerous trainees, many of whom have gone on to be prominent members of the profession.

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Val recognised the need for greater structure in pharmacy training and worked with other pharmacists to establish the Chapter of Pharmacy Practice Tutors, and co-authored manuals on medical conditions treated through pharmacies. She was also a Board member of the National Asthma Campaign (precursor to the National Asthma Council), involved with educating pharmacists in asthma recognition and management, and development of the Asthma Management Plan.

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PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS honoured Ms Constable’s impact on all Victorian pharmacists.

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“Val was a trailblazer for Victorian pharmacists, forging the path for women in the profession to follow,” Dr Page said.

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“Many Victorians will remember Val for her wisdom and tenacity, whether in one of her pharmacies in Footscray or Pascoe Vale, or as a leader of the profession.

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“She has been a mentor to many, inspiring and supporting young pharmacists in practice.

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“Her legacy will continue to inspire pharmacists for many years to come.”

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PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS also highlighted Ms Constable’s lasting legacy.

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“In 1995, with a group of similarly minded pharmacists, Val Constable set up the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) to help peers experiencing stress.

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“The profession is forever indebted to Val for her commitment to improving our profession, driving PSS in its early years.

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“Val was a leader who led by compassion and had touched many hearts through her genuine support for colleagues and community.

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“On behalf of all pharmacists, I offer my deepest condolences to the Constable family, their friends and colleagues,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

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

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Pharmacists to better support patients with insomnia and sleep health

25 October 2023

 

Pharmacists will soon have access to nation-leading sleep health education and resources to support patients experiencing insomnia. PSA will work as part of a consortium led by the Australasian Sleep Association, to deliver the Quality Use of Medicines for Insomnia and Sleep Health (QUMISH) project.

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The grant will run over a 2-year period and address quality use of medicines issues for insomnia, awarded under the Australian Government’s Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program.

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said the funding supports quality use of medicines as a national health priority.

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“Every day pharmacists are supporting patients with their sleep health,” Dr Sim said.

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“Most Australians experience insomnia at some stage in their lives, with about 1 in 10 people experiencing insomnia symptoms at any given time.

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“As some of the most accessible health care professionals, pharmacists are ideally placed to identify patients with insomnia who need further support.

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“Through education and resources developed with the Australasian Sleep Association and other stakeholders, pharmacists will have confidence in providing high-quality, consistent care for Australians experiencing insomnia.

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“PSA is proud to take a collaborative approach to upskilling pharmacists with evidence-based training on the quality use of medicines for insomnia, as well as other first line strategies for improving sleep health.

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“Pharmacists will have access to webinars, CPD articles and in-person education at PSA’s Pharmacist Therapeutic Updates and national conference.

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“I strongly encourage all pharmacists to engage with this education and recognise that opportunistic interventions by community pharmacists are key to improving sleep health for all Australians,” Dr Sim concluded.

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PSA is delivering education in consortium with the Australasian Sleep Association, the Sleep Health Foundation and the University of Sydney.

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

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Launch of new PPS Quality Improvement and Self-Assessment Implementation Program

14 October 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today officially launched the Professional Practice Standards Quality Improvement and Self-Assessment Implementation Program to help pharmacists better understand and implement the standards into their practice.

 

The Implementation Program enables pharmacists to identify their individual scope of practice and the Standards relevant to them, as well as self-assess against these.
Upon completing the program, pharmacists are provided with a tailored action plan to help them improve their practice.

 

Speaking at the Western Australia Annual Therapeutic Update in Perth, PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS strongly encouraged pharmacists to take advantage of the Quality Improvement and Implementation Program to improve their practice.

 

“When we launched the new Professional Practice Standards earlier this year, we knew that it would fundamentally change the way pharmacists interact with and apply professional standards to their own practice,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Our Implementation Program allows each pharmacist to take an individual approach to applying the Standards in practice, no matter what our area of practice or specialisation.
“Self-assessing performance against these standards allows all of us to better our practice, and to deliver better care to all Australians.

 

“As pharmacists’ scope of practice continues to evolve, it is vital we continually assess our own performance and whether we are consistently enabling the delivery of safe, high-quality, reliable, and clinically effective healthcare services.

 

“I encourage all pharmacists, in all areas of practice and in all career stages to make the most of the Professional Practice Standards Quality Improvement and Self-assessment Implementation Program as a contemporary, evidence-based resource to guide their quality professional practice.

 

“By incorporating these standards into daily practice, pharmacists will ensure safe, effective and person-centred care for all Australians,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

The launch of this interactive program reaffirms PSA’s dedication to supporting pharmacists to provide top-quality healthcare services to the community. PSA remains committed to equipping pharmacists with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their roles and improve patient outcomes.

 

The Professional Practice Standards, the implementation program, and more are available at https://www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/pps/

 

 

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

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Quality Use of Medicines Alliance funded to promote health literacy

9 October 2023

 

Two new grants to support consumer health literacy and improve the use of medicines will see peak health and consumer organisations working side-by-side.

 

The Quality Use of Medicines 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.

 

The grants will run over a 2-year period and address priority quality use of medicines issues for atopic dermatitis, gout, antidepressants in older people and oral anticoagulants, awarded under the Australian Government’s Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program.

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said that improving the Quality Use of Medicines requires all health professionals working together.

 

“PSA is proud to be part of the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance, awarded health professional education and consumer health literacy grants by the Department of Health and Aged Care to improve health literacy and education,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Evidence shows that when health professionals and consumers work together, we can support more effective healthcare, better medicine safety and improved health outcomes.

 

“We are working with the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance to close knowledge gaps in atopic dermatitis, gout, oral anticoagulants, and antidepressants in older people.

 

“Through this work, PSA is proudly supporting pharmacists to not only champion safe and effective medicine use, but also to support health literacy and information for our patients.”

 

The Quality Use of Medicines Alliance consists of:

 

  • Medcast: a nationwide provider of independent education for a range of health professions
  • Health Care Consumers’ Association: a peak health consumer organisation working to improve the quality and safety of health care
  • Arthritis Australia: the leading national arthritis charity supporting people living with all types of arthritis
  • Eczema Support Australia: a national support network advocating for people living with eczema
  • Pharmaceutical Society of Australia: the national peak professional pharmacy body representing Australia’s 36,000 pharmacists across all sectors and specialisations
  • QUM Connect: a specialist consultancy with experience and expertise in creating and implementing quality use of medicines initiatives to improve health outcomes
  • Royal Australian College of General Practitioners: Australia’s largest professional general practice organisation responsible for maintaining standards for quality clinical practice, education and training, and research in Australian general practice
  • Wiser Healthcare: a research collaboration involving the University of Sydney, Bond University, Monash University and the University of Wollongong, with a special interest in research in the areas of rational test ordering and quality use of medicines.

 

 

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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