PSA21VIRTUAL: Tackling the opioid dilemma

A topic that has long been at the forefront of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) efforts, is Australia’s management of prescription opioids and the importance of Real Time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM).

 

During this morning’s opening session at PSA21VIRTUAL, conference delegates heard from internationally renowned pharmacist, Dan Schneider.

 

Renowned for his Netflix docu-series, The Pharmacist, Dan Schneider spoke at PSA21VIRTUAL today. In 1999, Mr Schneider’s son, Danny, was murdered during a drug deal gone wrong in New Orleans. After a prolonged investigation spanning over a year and a half, Mr Schneider eventually received closure regarding the circumstances of his son’s death – unearthing Danny’s addiction to opioids in the process.

 

After he came to terms with Danny’s addiction, he then realised that there was a new addiction problem affecting his community of St. Bernard Parish – the opioid epidemic. Schneider then focused his efforts on curtailing the flow of opioids into his town.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, expressed his gratitude to Mr Schneider and recognised the importance of effectively managing prescription opioids in Australia.

 

“I would personally like to thank Mr Schneider for taking part in this year’s national conference, PSA21. Inappropriate opioid use is one of the biggest challenges facing Australian society, one that PSA has long-advocated to address.

 

“Deaths from prescription medicines have outpaced deaths from illicit drugs in Australia, therefore, a mechanism for effectively capturing and monitoring medicines that cause the greatest harm through overuse, misuse or non-medicinal use is required.

 

“As leaders of the medicine safety conversation, PSA fully supports the national implementation of RTPM systems to combat the inappropriate use of opioids.

 

“RTPM is a tool that can reduce inappropriate prescribing, prescription shopping, adverse events, multiple-prescribing events, fraudulent prescribing, and improve quality of care by facilitating a patient-centred approach.

 

“During the session, we were privileged to hear from Deputy Director of the Monash Addiction Research Centre, Associate Professor Suzanne Nielsen on advances in opioid-harm reduction and the role Australian pharmacists can play in reducing opioid-related harm,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

Tomorrow, PSA21 delegates will also be able to hear from Associate Professor Nielsen on the role of pharmacists’ administration of buprenorphine – and on Sunday from Dr Jacinta Johnson on the use of Naloxone for opioid toxicity injection, two tangible examples of pharmacists taking leadership in reducing harm from opioids.

 

As the peak body representing pharmacists, PSA continues to work with governments to secure and support the roll-out of RTPM systems.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA21VIRTUAL: PSA welcomes appointments to National Medicines Policy Review Committee

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) was delighted to have the Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, officially open PSA21VIRTUAL this morning.

 

During an address to conference delegates, the Minister acknowledged the integral role that pharmacists play in Australia’s healthcare system, particularly their role through the COVID-19 pandemic and now in the vaccine rollout.

 

“You are the people who are trained in drawing up doses, making sure that medicines are safely administered – and so, I want to thank you and honour you for that work,” Minister Hunt said.

 

Minister Hunt went on to say that PSA’s recommendations in response to the Aged Care Royal Commission “will have a vital role in supporting and protecting older Australians”, by ensuring safe, quality use of medicines in residential aged care.

 

The Minister has also today announced the membership of the National Medicines Policy Review Committee. Professor Michael Kidd will Chair the expert advisory committee, which will include Professor Lloyd Sansom AO; Janette Donovan; Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin, and David Herd.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, thanked Minister Hunt for officially opening this year’s annual flagship conference, and congratulated PSA Life Fellow Professor Lloyd Sansom, and PSA Branch Committee Member Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin on their appointments.

 

“We are grateful to the Minister for Health and Aged Care for opening PSA21 and for his collaboration on matters such as the vaccine rollout, medicine safety, and the quality use of medicines.

 

“This Committee brings expertise in medicines policy, clinical practice, consumer engagement, and the pharmaceutical industry to the Review. PSA looks forward to working closely with the committee to ensure medicines safety and quality use of medicines are strengthened as a central pillar of the National Medicines Policy.

 

“I am incredibly excited for the next few days, and believe all those attending PSA’s state-of-the-art virtual conference will have an enjoyable and informative experience,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA supports the WHO’s 2030 hepatitis target

PSA21VIRTUAL: Not your ordinary Zoom!

 

Pharmacists empowering consumers to care for themselves

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) recognises International Self-Care Day (ISD) and acknowledges how pharmacists are helping consumers achieve optimal health outcomes.

 

Today, 24^th July, is an opportunity to raise awareness of healthy lifestyle programmes and practices that encourage consumers to be more conscious of their wellbeing.

 

PSA has been a promoter of self-care and an advocate for improved heath literacy for many years and supports the Australian Self-Care Alliance’s Self Care Policy Blueprint, which promotes self-care as a core element of a sustainable National Health and Care Policy for Australia.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, explained the crucial role of pharmacists in self-care.

 

“In everyday practice, pharmacists are passing on their extensive knowledge and expertise to consumers, helping to them to better understand and manage their health.

 

“Medicines are our most common health care intervention and consumers place a high degree of trust in the advice that pharmacists provide on a daily basis – empowering them not only to use medicines safely, but also educating them on the raft of non-medicine, lifestyle and self-care approaches to better health.

 

“Self-care is an approach that activates consumer engagement in health care, helping consumers to understand what keeps them healthy – ultimately allowing them to take informed action to avoid preventable poor health.

 

“If COVID-19 has shown us anything, it is the importance of improving health literacy amongst the Australian population, by encouraging individuals to take greater responsibility for the management of their physical and mental wellbeing.

 

“PSA has been supporting Australian pharmacists for decades through the provision of evidenced-based, consumer focused self-care fact cards. These fact cards continue to evolve to meet the emerging needs of consumers and now includes a digital format – so that up to date, evidence-based self-care advice is readily available from Australian pharmacists all over the country.” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

For more information on these products, please visit PSA’s Self Care website.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

More pharmacists to join the COVID-19 vaccine rollout nationwide.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes today’s announcement from the Prime Minister that all approved community pharmacists will finally be permitted to vaccinate against COVID-19.

 

This afternoon, Prime Minister Morrison announced that all approved community pharmacies will be able to request AstraZeneca vaccines from Monday 26^th July.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said pharmacists around the country will welcome this news.

 

“Today is the day that we have been waiting for and PSA is pleased that pharmacists will finally be able to fully contribute to the vaccine rollout.

 

“PSA has been working tirelessly with all governments to secure maximal pharmacist involvement since the vaccine rollout commenced.

 

“This is the patient-centric approach that Australia has been waiting for – and will expedite completion of the rollout.

 

“As we’ve seen in countries the UK and the United States, utilisation of local pharmacist immunisers has allowed them to reach their respective vaccination targets on schedule.

 

“The Federal Government’s indemnity scheme already covers pharmacists administering COVID-19 and they are fully equipped with the knowledge and resources to effectively deliver the vaccine to their communities.

 

“Pharmacists will be able to target those at-risk Australians, particularly the elderly, who remain unvaccinated – negating the need to queue at mass vaccination hubs for extended periods of time.

 

“Seeing that your local pharmacist is now offering vaccinations will normalise the vaccine itself and will help combat both hesitancy and complacency.

 

“PSA calls on all states and territories to update their regulations to ensure as many eligible Australians can access the vaccine as soon as possible.” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine both safely and effectively to the public, and pharmacists are ready to advance Australia out of the pandemic. If you require professional advice, please contact PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line between 8.30am and 5.00pm AEST on 1300 369 772 or visit our website.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Pharmacists administer 1M flu vaccines!

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) strengthens calls on governments to expand the activation of pharmacists in vaccinating against COVID-19, following their clear success in administering influenza vaccines.

 

As of Sunday, 18 July, pharmacists have administered over one million influenza vaccines to Australians, according to data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, commends pharmacists who continue to play a crucial role in protecting our community, helping Australians consistently achieve high influenza vaccination rates.

 

“Year-on-year local pharmacists are continuing to make a significant contribution to immunisation against seasonal influenza, protecting their communities against this potentially deadly disease.

 

“Recent data from the AIR shows that pharmacist-administered flu vaccinations have now surpassed the one million mark since the start of this season. I know how grateful the public is to conveniently receive their vaccination from their local pharmacist.

 

“It’s not too late to get your flu vaccination from your local pharmacist, particularly as we come into our second traditional peak for the season.”

 

A/Prof Freeman went on to renew calls for nationwide pharmacist involvement in the COVID-19 vaccination strategy.

 

“This data from the AIR is indicative of the impact that local pharmacists can have on achieving national immunity and provides concrete justification that community pharmacist involvement will expedite completion of the vaccine rollout.

 

“According to a report released by the McKell Institute on Monday, activation of 4,000 community pharmacies would allow Australia to reach its vaccination targets roughly two months faster than at the current rate.

 

“In NSW, Premier Berejiklian has confirmed that the vast majority of community pharmacists will be activated over the coming weeks to combat the escalating COVID-19 outbreak across the state.

 

“All jurisdictions must take action and allow all COVID-19 vaccines to be available through the entire vaccinating pharmacist network.

 

“All Australians should have the option to go to their local pharmacist for their recommended vaccine because it is so easy and convenient to do so.” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Excitement ahead of PSA21VIRTUAL!

Selected NSW pharmacies have started vaccinating against COVID-19!

Today, selected pharmacies across rural and remote NSW have commenced vaccinating their communities against COVID-19. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) commends these local pharmacies taking part in the regional NSW rollout, and applauds the Berejiklian Government for committing to maximising pharmacist involvement.

 

PSA has been working closely with the state government to secure pharmacist involvement in the strategy since the vaccine rollout commenced, and this follows Premier Berejiklian’s announcement last week that a further 1,250 pharmacies will soon be activated across NSW.

 

PSA NSW Branch President, Chelsea Felkai, and PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, thanked the NSW Government for taking action to increase access to vaccinations.

 

“Today marks an important day in the state’s response to COVID-19, particularly whilst many NSW residents remain under stay at home orders.” Ms Felkai said.

 

“We have almost 5,000 skilled, trusted and experienced pharmacist vaccinators across NSW, and when fully activated, they will make a substantial difference to the population’s uptake of the vaccine. Today’s on-boarding of these regional pharmacies is a great first step.

 

“Premier Berejiklian has made it clear that we cannot live with the delta variant unless a certain proportion of the population are vaccinated, so we need to make it as easy and convenient as possible for Australians to get vaccinated – and activating all 1,250 approved pharmacies enables this.

 

“According to a report released by the McKell Institute today, activation of 4,000 community pharmacies would allow Australia to reach its vaccination targets roughly two months faster than at the current rate.

 

“We are also pleased to see that pharmacists can now vaccinate in NSW regardless of practice setting. This means that pharmacists will be able to play a greater role in administering vaccinations in GP clinics, aged care facilities, and vaccination hubs.” Ms Felkai said.

 

A/Prof Chris Freeman added “Australia needs a unified, patient-centric approach that puts the community first. It is great to see NSW utilising its full vaccinator workforce. Pharmacists are the most obvious solution to increasing accessibility of vaccinations. We hope that more jurisdictions will follow NSW’s lead.”

 

PSA is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine both safely and effectively to the public, and pharmacists in the remaining jurisdictions are on standby to support the strategy.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Local pharmacists kick off in regional Victoria

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is pleased that 8 rural and remote community pharmacies in Victoria have been activated in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, but calls for state-wide involvement.

 

Today, local pharmacists in towns including Beechworth, Mansfield and Yackandandah commenced vaccinating their communities against COVID-19.

 

PSA is working closely with the Victorian Government to secure maximal pharmacist involvement in the vaccination strategy, and is pleased to see that first step has been taken.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, and PSA Victoria Branch President, John Jackson, acknowledged that more work is still required.

 

“Community pharmacists have been vaccinating against influenza since 2014, and PSA is glad to see that the same process is now being applied to combatting coronavirus,” Mr Jackson said.

 

“This is a start – but on-boarding less than a dozen local pharmacies in regional areas simply isn’t enough.

 

“The state is currently in the midst of yet another outbreak, therefore, utilising community pharmacists at this juncture is imperative to protecting Victorians. Activate the full pharmacist workforce now!” Mr Jackson said.

 

“After an incredibly challenging year and a half for Victorians, local pharmacist involvement in the rollout is welcomed news for the state that has been hit hardest by COVID-19, but 8 local pharmacies isn’t enough,” A/Prof Chris Freeman added.

 

“We need Victoria to follow New South Wales’ lead on this, by making all COVID 19 vaccines available through local pharmacies. All Australians should have the option to go to their local pharmacist for their vaccine because it is so easy and simple to do.”

 

PSA is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine both safely and effectively to the public, and pharmacists around the country remain ready and on standby to support the strategy.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463