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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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

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.

“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.

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

“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.”

The PAMELA survey can be accessed here.

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

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Thank You Premier Palaszczuk

11 December 2023

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO PSA QLD PRESIDENT SHANE MACDONALD MPS

Following the announcement of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s retirement, I want to acknowledge and thank her for the unwavering support and leadership of her government over the last 9 years. Palaszczuk’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our state has undoubtedly improved the lives of all Queenslanders.

Premier Palaszczuk has supported pharmacists and the health care system through some of our most difficult challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. During a period of immense pressure, the outgoing Premier led with conviction and steadfast commitment to her state.

Under Premier Palaszczuk’s leadership the potential of our profession has been unlocked, with pharmacists able to contribute more to the health of our communities. PSA is proud to have supported the Palaszczuk Government’s pharmacist scope of practice pilots, leading the country in the accessible and timely treatment of urinary tract infections, contraception, and other common conditions.

Under Palaszczuk’s leadership, Queensland’s pharmacists can administer more vaccines to more patients, improving immunisation coverage across our state.

It is important to acknowledge that Premier Palaszczuk’s Government was the first in Australia to pilot pharmacist administration of vaccinations in 2014. This proactive approach meant that an entire workforce could be mobilised and administer vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On behalf of pharmacists across Queensland, I thank Premier Palaszczuk for her leadership, and wish her the best for what comes next.

I look forward to continuing to work constructively with the Government and the next Premier, on behalf of pharmacists, to support the health of all Queenslanders.

ENDS

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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

“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.

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

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

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

“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.

PSA’s 2022 Environmental Sustainability Statement is available here.

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

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The 2024 PSA events not to miss

1 December 2023

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has released its full 2024 events and conferences calendar, highlighting the many opportunities for pharmacists in all practice settings and specialisations to earn CPD, develop their practice, and network with colleagues and suppliers.

The 2024 program sees the annual PSA Credentialed Pharmacist Conference (CPC24) head to Cairns from 3-5 May, closely followed by the 48th Offshore Refresher Conference in Spain from 7-15 May.

PSA’s series of Annual Therapeutic Updates also travels around the country throughout 2024, with dates in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and Queensland providing pharmacists with education tailored to the regulatory environment of their practice.

In 2024 PSA’s National Conference is expanding to a bigger venue than ever before, with PSA24 taking place at Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC) for the first time. Under the theme Pathways to Progress, conference delegates are invited to discover the opportunities of pharmacy careers into the future.

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said that the upcoming PSA conferences gave members the opportunity to access a range of education tailored to their scope and areas of practice.

“Our 2024 program is our biggest yet, with more opportunities for pharmacists to access high-quality education from Australia’s leading pharmacists,” Dr Sim said.

“PSA is proud to give pharmacists the opportunity to build their own education, whether through national conferences like PSA24, or closer to home though our series of ATUs.

“As pharmacy scope of practice continues to evolve, PSA conferences give all pharmacists the chance to develop their skills and expertise to deliver nation-leading care to patients.

“I strongly encourage all pharmacists, regardless of your area of practice, to join us at PSA’s leading education conferences in 2024,” Dr Sim concluded.

2024 PSA Conference Calendar

NSW Annual Therapeutic Update – Pullman Magenta Shores, 16-18 February 2024
SA/NT Annual Therapeutic Update – Adelaide Pavilion, 12-13 April 2024
Credentialed Pharmacist Conference – Pullman International Cairns, 3-5 May 2024
Vic/Tas Annual Therapeutic Update – Hobart Function and Conference Centre, 31 May – 2 June 2024
PSA24 – International Convention Centre (Sydney), 2-4 August 2024
WA Annual Therapeutic Update – Venue TBC, 11-12 October 2024
QLD Annual Therapeutic Update – Brisbane Rydges Southbank, 18-20 October 2024

Visit https://www.psa.org.au/networking-events/information-on-major-events-and-conferences/ for more information on PSA conferences.

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.

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.

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.

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

“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.

“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.

“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.

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

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

“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.

“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.

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

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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Early CPC24 registrations open now

17 November 2023

Early bird registrations are now open for next year’s Credentialed Pharmacist Conference (CPC24) taking place in Cairns from 3-5 May 2024.

Delegates who register before 24 February save up to $145 on conference registration, which includes access to all education sessions, conference catering, and supplier exhibition, as well as tickets to the Welcome Reception and Supper Club social functions.

The first 100 registrations will also go into the draw to win back their ticket cost.

CPC24 Conference Chair Debbie Rigby AACP-FPS invited credentialed pharmacists to immerse themselves in a weekend of advanced clinical education.

“CPC24 is a must-attend conference for credentialed pharmacists and those undergoing accreditation,” Ms Rigby said.

“I have the pleasure of chairing the program committee and we have a great mix of speakers and topics, all relevant to what we do for medication reviews in various settings. We have some sessions that will provide updates on programs, as well as therapeutic topics and workshops.

“Whether you are a PSA member or not, CPC is an opportunity to immerse yourself in advanced clinical education and share time with friends of colleagues. I can’t wait to see you there,” Ms Rigby concluded.

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to supporting credentialed pharmacists, highlighting the high calibre of education expected at CPC.

“The CPC24 program is curated by credentialed pharmacists, for credentialed pharmacists,” Dr Sim said.

“CPC brings together hundreds of pharmacists from around Australia to connect and engage with high-quality education, practical knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied to practice.

“Each session is led by renowned experts and industry leaders who share their insights, experiences and knowledge, providing delegates the chance to learn from the best.”

Early bird registrations are now open for PSA’s Credentialed Pharmacist Conference (CPC24). The full program and registrations are available here.

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

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Supporting pharmacists, supporting patients: PSA releases annual report

16 November 2023

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) continues to support pharmacists in all areas of practice and in all corners of the country, with the release of its 2022-23 Annual Report highlighting PSA’s impact on a rapidly changing pharmacy profession.

The Annual Report details PSA’s activity throughout the 2022-23 financial year to support its mission to embed, equip, and enable pharmacists to be at the forefront of healthcare in Australia.

Releasing the report, Chief Executive Officer Adj A/Prof Steve Morris said that the report demonstrates the breadth of PSA’s work and focus on supporting members to further their practice.

“PSA exists only because of our members, who are at the heart of everything we do from advocacy and policy development, to practice guidelines and education,” Adj A/Prof Morris said.

“As an organisation PSA has listened to members and invested heavily in our capacity to support members both at an individual practice level and as a profession.

“We are proud to be supporting members around Australia every day.

“PSA remains focused on delivering value for our members through nation leading education, ensuring that pharmacists are at the forefront of contemporary practice as scope continues to evolve to meet patient needs.

“In the last 12 months we have had over 100,000 enrolments in online CPD, solidifying our place as leaders in delivering high quality education to Australian pharmacists.

“We continue to lead the conversation on medicine safety through ongoing advocacy, our flagship Medicine Safety report series, and over 40 projects and partnerships that support the Quality Use of Medicines.”

Adj A/Prof Morris specifically pointed to PSA’s significant work leading the profession with quality standards and guidelines fit for the future of pharmacy practice.

“We are proud to have launched reimagined Professional Practice Standards, uniting every Australian pharmacist in consistent, quality pharmacy practice and demonstrating the importance of pharmacists wherever medicines are used.

“Not only does this change the way that pharmacists engage the standards, but it also supports the continuing development of pharmacy scope of practice.”

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS reflected what has been a challenging year for pharmacists.

“This is a critical period for our profession, which requires unity and strength across diverse practice areas,” Dr Sim said.

“Over the next year and beyond, we must continue to fight for the future of the pharmacy profession, ensuring opportunities for positive career progression in all areas of practice. We must ensure that all pharmacists are supported and remunerated to continue providing the advice and services our communities rely on.

“I urge all pharmacists, from students through to experienced and advanced practice pharmacists to join us in building the future of our profession.”

Read the PSA Annual Report 2022-23 here.

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

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Checking the pulse in turbulent times

13 November 2023

Following a turbulent year for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has this week launched an end-of-year survey to check the pulse of members.

In an email to members, PSA’s General Manager of Membership Jen Steer said significant changes to the industry, such as 60-day dispensing and expanding scope of practice, meant it was a critical time to check in on members and their needs.

“When there is significant change in the profession, it’s vital PSA stay on top of changing priorities to ensure that members get what they need and want most,” Ms Steer said.

“As we plan for next year and beyond, we are keen to ensure our work is informed by those who stand at the heart of PSA – our members.

“That’s how we can deliver the maximum value for members today while shaping the pharmacy profession of tomorrow.

“Ensuring PSA is delivering benefits for members at every stage of their career, whether they are a recent graduate, an established pharmacist, or nearing retirement, is critical.

“This is an opportunity for members to provide their thoughts and maintain the focus on what they need the most.”

Members and non-members can have their say on the survey here.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

“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.

“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.

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

“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.

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

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

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

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Thank You Premier Palaszczuk

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Pharmacists welcome Climate and Health strategy

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The 2024 PSA events not to miss

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National access to vaccines must be a priority

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

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Early CPC24 registrations open now

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Supporting pharmacists, supporting patients: PSA releases annual report

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Checking the pulse in turbulent times

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Pharmacists to better support patients with insomnia and sleep health

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