SA Health Sector must work together to improve patient access

19 December 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) strongly rejects recent comments made by Australian Medical Association South Australia (AMA(SA)) that pharmacist prescribing pilots put patients at risk and calls on the AMA(SA) to work collaboratively with South Australian pharmacists to improve patient access to health care.

 

PSA SA/NT Branch President Veronika Seda MPS welcomed the Parliament of South Australia Select Committee inquiry on Access to Urinary Tract Infection Treatment.

 

“The Queensland Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot (UTIPP-Q) has been undeniably successful, improving patient access to timely care.

 

“Pharmacists are registered health professionals with the same ethical and moral obligations as doctors. Pharmacists undergo a minimum of five-years’ training, as well as additional education and training so that they can provide the best possible care to their patients.

 

“Prescribing and dispensing are separate clinical activities. However, there are many examples where it is widely accepted that they can both be undertaken by the same clinician – whether this be vaccination, supply of Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 medicines – such as thrush treatments or medicines for migraines – or supply of a month’s prescription medicine in an emergency.’

 

“The common factor in all of these is strong clinical governance oversight, including professional standards, regulation, and program rules. A UTI program in South Australia would be no different.”

 

“Pharmacist prescribing trials conducted in other jurisdictions have shown pharmacists adhere to these strict protocols based on antimicrobial stewardship and best practice guidelines. Referral to a GP, where appropriate, is embedded into the protocol.

 

“Measures such as pharmacist vaccinations and pharmacist prescribing improve safe access to care. There is incredible demand on doctors, especially for complex presentations and chronic disease management. 

 

“It is time for doctors’ groups to put aside turf wars and work with other healthcare professionals to find better ways to support patients, because patients deserve timely access to care – they should not be disadvantaged based on their location, health or social status.

 

PSA remains committed to working collaboratively with the entire health sector to deliver best outcomes for patients.

 

 

Media contact:   Candice Burch M: 0403 973 097     E: candice.burch@psa.org.au

PSA launches Accreditation Credentialing Program

7 December 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today launched the PSA Accreditation Credentialing Program for Comprehensive Medication Management Reviews (MMRs), ahead of the closure of the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (AACP) later this month.

 

The PSA has engaged an Accreditation Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Debbie Rigby FPS and supported by experts A/Prof Chris Freeman FPS, Deborah Hawthorne MPS, Dr Andrew Stafford MPS, Dr Manya Angley FPS, and Tim Perry FPS.  This expert group has advised on the Accreditation Credentialing Program which will be developed by PSA for launch mid-2023.

 

To accommodate learners already engaged in the credentialling process and those wanting to complete Stage 2 early next year, we have implemented a program that reflects the current structure of AACP.

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim says that PSA is the natural home for accredited pharmacists, as the only organisation with a track record of supporting and advocating for accredited pharmacists in all practice settings.

 

“We are incredibly proud to offer a complete package of high-quality learning, training and ongoing career support for accredited pharmacists and those looking to become accredited,” Dr Sim said.

 

“PSA’s Accreditation Credentialing Program will give pharmacists the knowledge, communication skills, and counselling to provide high quality, complex medication review services through collaborative care models with other health care providers.

 

“Accreditation provides opportunity for career pathways and progression, a key pillar of PSA’s ongoing advocacy for roles, remuneration and recognition of pharmacists.

 

“PSA, as a co-founder of AACP, has supported accreditation in the Australian healthcare system for over 20 years.

 

“As an organisation we have a long history of advocating for accredited pharmacists, from introducing RMMRs introduced under 2CPA, to expanding roles for accredited pharmacists in GP clinics.

 

“We are very proud of how far accredited pharmacists have come, but we are now focussed on how we can continue improving and growing this workforce.

 

“It is vital that accredited pharmacists are fairly remunerated and able to earn a full-time salary from their qualifications.

 

“PSA will continue advocating for the removal of the cap on HMRs and RMMRs, and for onsite accredited pharmacist roles in aged care, general practice, and disability care. We are focussed on advocating for pharmacists to be able to prescribe, deprescribe, administer and review medicines, regardless of location.

 

“We have a strong vision for the future of accreditation and wants to see accreditation become another major career pathway for pharmacists.”

 

“Accreditation will continue to evolve as we expand the scope of practice of pharmacists and enable pharmacists across practice settings to practice to top-of-scope. Whilst the role of accredited pharmacists may evolve in the immediate future, accreditation provides an infrastructure for scope expansion. It preserves pharmacists’ independence in practice, commensurate with remuneration.”

 

PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Conference (CPC) will be held in Adelaide from 2-5 May 2023 as part of ongoing education for accredited pharmacists.  PSA members will receive a 50% discount on conference registration.

 

Accreditation application fees are in line with AACP’s offering, but PSA will not charge an accreditation fee for PSA members and will not charge ongoing reaccreditation fees to members. More information on the PSA Accreditation Credentialing Program is available here.

 

For enquiries about accreditation with PSA, please contact the PSA Member Services team on membership@psa.org.au or 1300 369 772.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

 

Expanded vaccination access for WA residents

22 November 2022

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes today’s announcement from the West Australian Government that patients will soon have expanded access to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) through their local pharmacist.

 

From 22 November 2022, patients over 11 years of age will be able to access dTpa and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, and patients over 15 years of age will be able to access Meningococcal ACWY vaccinations, and patients over 16 years of age will be able to access Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations, all from their local pharmacist.

 

WA PSA State President Lusi Sheehan says that the move will make vaccinations more accessible to more West Australians.

 

“Allowing more patients to be vaccinated by their local pharmacist is a vital step in ensuring accessible healthcare for all West Australians,” Ms Sheehan said.

 

“Pharmacists are trained and experienced immunisers, having delivered more than 9 million COVID-19 vaccines administered by community pharmacists.

 

“It’s fantastic to see that WA remains the home of one of the most progressive pharmacist-administered vaccination programs in Australia, an important vote of confidence in our pharmacist workforce.

 

“PSA has been calling on governments around Australia to allow us to play a greater role in community health and a large part of that is expanding funded vaccinations in community pharmacies.

 

“We’re looking forward to working with the WA Government to ensure that pharmacists are empowered to practice to their full potential.”

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim said it was vital for regulations around vaccination to be consistent across all states and territories.

 

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

 

“COVID-19 related school closures, absenteeism and work from home orders have all impacted community vaccination rates as scheduled vaccination outreach in schools and workplaces have been disrupted. On top of this, GP shortages have also impacted the accessibility of vital vaccinations. The result is patients falling through the cracks, putting our communities at risk from preventable infectious diseases.

 

“Australians should be able to access the same level of health care regardless of where they live. A nationally consistent schedule of pharmacist-administered vaccinations is key to achieve equitable access to government-funded vaccines by all Australians.

 

“Allowing pharmacists around Australia to deliver all vaccinations to all ages, they’re sending an important message to the public about the importance of vaccination.

 

“This is an opportunity for governments around Australia to show significant leadership and to encourage vaccination uptake, particularly in young people.”

 

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0410 505 315     E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Healthcare access top priority for Victorian election

18 November 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has celebrated the Victorian Labor Party’s commitment to healthcare access, welcoming today’s announcement that Victorians will soon be able to access more services from their local pharmacist.

 

Labor’s health spokesperson Mary-Anne Thomas has today announced that, if elected, pharmacists in Victoria will be able to provide oral contraception and travel vaccines to patients and will also trial pharmacist prescribing for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

 

Under this proposal, Victoria will also become the first jurisdiction in Australia to fund pharmacists to deliver these services with no out of pocket costs to patients.

 

PSA Victoria President John Jackson said that the proposal would improve access to care and reduce out-of-pocket costs for women across the state.

 

“Giving patients greater access to medicines and healthcare, whether it is renewing prescriptions for oral contraception, treatment for a UTI, or vaccination for overseas travel, is a great step forward for all Victorians,” Mr Jackson said.

 

“Allowing women to access oral contraception and treatment for UTIs directly from their local pharmacist is about equitable, affordable, and timely access to healthcare.

 

“All Australians have felt the pressure on our health system. When patients can’t see their GP, they’re instead seeking care at a hospital Emergency Department or not getting treatment at all, which is regularly putting patients at risk of further complications.

 

“Pharmacists are accessible, skilled healthcare professionals that can work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure all patients can access the care they need, when they need it.”

 

Mr Jackson also said that the community has demonstrated their confidence in pharmacist-administered vaccines throughout the pandemic, with pharmacists now firmly entrenched as part of Australia’s immuniser workforce.

 

“Pharmacists have now delivered more than 9 million COVID-19 vaccinations alongside a range of other vaccines. We have proven how valuable we are to improving vaccination accessibility, so we are excited to be able to help patients with their travel vaccinations too.

 

“While the world has re-opened to travel, the health system remains under significant pressure. Providing patients with more options to access travel vaccinations just makes sense.

 

“It’s fantastic to see the Victorian Labor Party agree that pharmacists can and should be playing a greater role in primary healthcare.”

 

Mr Jackson urged all parties standing at the state election this weekend to support the commitment, saying that the outcome of the upcoming state election should not impact the availability of care for Victorians.

 

“Improving access to basic healthcare is above politics. Patients across Victoria deserve certainty that they will have the same access regardless of who the Premier is in a few weeks’ time.

 

“I encourage all major parties and all candidates to put the health of Victorians first and commit to improving healthcare access this election.”

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0410 505 315     E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Equitable access to basic healthcare must be priority for ACT Government

14 November 2022

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has urged the ACT Government to follow New South Wales’ lead to allow pharmacists to do more amidst ongoing GP shortages.

 

The NSW Government announced yesterday (13 November 2022) that pharmacists who undergo further training will be able to participate in a 12-month trial to prescribe medication for urinary tract infections (UTIs), as well as a pilot to prescribe oral contraception and medications for minor skin conditions and ear infections.

 

PSA ACT President Olivia Collenette says that Canberrans deserve the same access to basic healthcare as residents living over the border.

 

“In the ACT we have patients waiting up to three weeks for an appointment with a GP, leaving significant gaps in care,” Ms Collenette said.

 

“Canberrans deserve better access to medicines, whether it’s anti-biotics for an infection or oral contraceptives.

 

“Forcing a patient who has been on oral contraception for years, for example, to wait for a GP appointment to get their script renewed significantly limits the accessibility of contraception and basic healthcare.

 

“Pharmacists are Canberra’s most accessible health care providers, we are ideally placed to support patients to access to contraception and basic healthcare.

 

Ms Collenette added that allowing pharmacists to treat minor ailments would bridge the access gap caused by GP shortages.

 

“When a patient has a painful infection and can’t see their GP, they’re going to go to the emergency department to seek treatment. This is only putting more pressure on our already stretched hospitals.

 

“We know that GP shortages are not going to be fixed overnight, so it’s vital that the healthcare sector work together to ensure patients can access the treatment and medicines they need.

 

“The ACT Government should take immediate action to allow pharmacists to support community health. The government must put patients first.”

 

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0410 505 315     E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Pharmacists mark MedSafety Week

9 November 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is this week marking the seventh annual Med Safety Week, running from 7 – 13 November 2022.

 

Med Safety Week brings together regulators from 81 countries worldwide to focus on the important role that every healthcare professional, patient and carer has in reporting suspected side effects and contributing to medicine safety.

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim said that Med Safety Week was a timely reminder of the importance of medicine safety in preventing hospitalisations and improving quality of life.

 

“The use of medicines is the most common intervention in health care. The safe and appropriate use of medicines transforms people’s health for the better,” Dr Sim said.

 

“PSA landmark Medicine Safety: Take Care report found 250,000 Australians are hospitalised each year and another 400,000 present to emergency departments as a result of medicine-related problems. At least half of this harm could have been prevented.

 

“Pharmacists already play an important role in medicine safety, but there are opportunities for us to do more.

 

“Pharmacists, as medicine safety experts, should be embedded wherever medicines are used to reduce the risk of medicine-related problems.

 

“All pharmacists, regardless of their practice setting, continue to play an increasingly important role in ensuring the Quality Use of Medicines.”

 

Dr Sim said that ensuring pharmacist services are available relied heavily on managing workforce capacity.

 

“As pharmacist services continue to expand, we need to ensure that consultations are appropriately funded based on time and complexity, possibly through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

 

“This is something that PSA has been calling on the Federal Government to explore to ensure that access to expert pharmacist advice remains available to all Australians,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0410 505 315     E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

RADIO INTERVIEW: Future Proofing the PBS

Dr Fei Sim, PSA National President on ABC Radio Adelaide

1 November 2022

 

PRESENTER: Dr Fei Sim is the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, good morning Dr Sim.

 

DR FEI SIM: Good morning.

 

PRESENTER: When you see the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, do you think ‘this is great and God bless the person who came up with this’ or do you think it could do with some tweaking?

 

DR FEI SIM: I think you brought up a good point, the PBS is definitely one of the best health initiatives in the country, so I think we should all wake up every day and be thankful that the PBS is actually in Australia.

 

PRESENTER: Do you want to change it in any way?

 

DR FEI SIM: Look, I think the PBS is really good but there is always room for improvement. The key is that the PBS has to be sustainable and it has to be flexible because we live in an era where there’s constantly new medicines coming on the market, so the PBS in order to continue serving Australians I really believe that it needs to be more sustainable and flexible. The previous speaker talked about the presence of the PBAC – which is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee – so the government does actually have a very rigorous process, and I would consider a rather flexible process as well, to continue to evaluate whether a medicine is cost effective and whether it should be on the PBS.

 

PRESENTER: It must be really difficult knowing that, because you know you hear these stories about people who’ve got some horrible disease and the only thing that’s keeping them alive is some rare medication that costs a gazillion dollars to buy, but if you put it on the PBS they can suddenly buy… they can afford to live. Making those decisions must be very hard.

 

DR FEI SIM: Absolutely you’ve brought up another good point which is why I think the government has this rigorous process in place and the role of the PBAC is really not easy because in order to consider whether a medicine should be on the PBS there needs to be a lot of research but also economic modelling. And really it needs to be assessed on a medicine-by-medicine basis to consider if the health benefit, whether its to the few people or to the masses of Australians, whether the benefits justify the costs of subsidising the medication over and above what’s already available. So it’s definitely not an easy process.

 

PRESENTER: Who applied to the governing body to have a drug? Is the pharmaceutical companies or is it the medical profession?

 

DR FEI SIM: It often is the pharmaceutical companies, so the pharmaceutical manufacturers are often the sponsors if you like. They would have put a lot of money into research and development, and they may be researching hundreds of molecules at the one time, but often there will be a few that actually make it to the market. At the same time they actually have to apply to the TGA, to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, to actually have the medicine approved or registered to be used. Through that process they have to justify that it is safe and effective and at the same time they have to apply to have the medicine listed on the PBS from a subsidy perspective so that the Australian people can actually access the medicine in a cost effective manner.

 

PRESENTER: This is Dr Fei Sim, the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

 

 

PRESENTER: Dr Fei Sim let’s come back to you, any final comment you want to make?

 

DR FEI SIM: I think it’s important to highlight that it is the responsibility of every one of us living in Australia, benefitting from the PBS, to protect . For instance from the public’s perspective it’s important that we all understand that we shouldn’t be stockpiling medicines because if we actually get medicines and have them subsidized but then stockpile them at home we are actually using up the resources of the PBS when it can actually benefit others that might actually need them. At the same time, Dr Melanie Smith highlighted the importance of GP in prescribing and that is something all health professional work together . Pharmacists when we’re dispensing are using, for Trulicity as you used as an example, you know pharmacists would be actually checking the medicines that are on and through medication reviews pharmacists can also help to deprescribe, which means suggest to the GP what medicines should not be taking. All this would help to improve the judicious use of medicines which will actually help to preserve the sustainability of the PBS moving forward.