More time on the ground for pharmacists in general practice and aged care

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is delivering two new two-year projects integrating pharmacists into general practice and aged care to address healthcare in regional South Australia.
 
PSA President of South Australia/Northern Territory Branch, Robyn Johns, said that in South Australia around 48 people every day or about 17,500 people a year are admitted to hospital due to a medication-related problem at a cost of around $98 million annually.
 
PSA’s Medicine Safety report highlighted Australian research which uncovered a staggering 81% of aged care residents being exposed to at least one inappropriate medicine1. The study of 533 people living in residential aged care was conducted across facilities in four states, including South Australia.
 
“The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and Country SA PHN are working together to address this need through two projects integrating pharmacists into regional general practices and residential aged care facilities,” she said.
 
“Integrating pharmacists into residential aged care is the first project of its kind in regional South Australia.
 
“It will focus on ensuring quality use of medicines achieves better outcomes for aged care residents by reducing the use of high-risk medications, providing education and training to facility staff in the quality use of medicines and supporting facility staff to provide more effective medication delivery.
 
“The pharmacists will also undertake medication reviews for residents and support better transition into residential aged care for residents entering care from the community and/or hospital and for those returning to residential care from hospital.”
 
Integrating pharmacists into regional general practices commenced in 2018 and will continue and expand. Initial work has found that pharmacists have been able to successfully take part in many different types of activities including patient consultations, medication reconciliation and reviews, preventative health education, prescribing audits, MBS billing contribution, preventative healthcare, medicine information, and staff education.
 
“Importantly, pharmacists also demonstrated flexibility within their scope of practice in order to deliver value to general practices in ways that were not anticipated in the initial project scoping and which will be explored further through this expansion,” Ms Johns said.
 
Pharmacists interested in taking up the challenge of working more closely with general practice or in aged care are invited to register for a workshop at the PSA SA Office on 23 November 2019. Inquiries should be directed to Helen Stone on 08 8272 1211 or at helen.stone@psa.org.au .
 
Media contact: PSA Media 0487 922 176

Preparing pharmacists to work in general practice

New training to educate and equip pharmacists to work in general practice and improve health outcomes for patients is now available from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
PSA has long advocated for pharmacists to be embedded wherever medicines are used, particularly in general practice.
 
PSA National President A/Prof Chris Freeman, one of the first pharmacists to work in a general practice in Australia, said PSA was committed to unlocking this opportunity for pharmacists.
 
“PSA’s Pharmacists in 2023 report states that by 2023, pharmacists should be embedded within healthcare teams to improve decision making for the safe and effective use of medicines,” A/Prof Freeman said.
“Pharmacists are already working successfully in general practice as part of PHN Trial Programs supported by PSA in North Western Melbourne, South Australia and Western Australia.
 
“The Government Workforce Incentive Program has been expanded to include pharmacists from January 2020, supporting general practices to employ pharmacists. This expansion will give pharmacists more opportunities to work in general practice.”
 
A/Prof Freemen said general practice pharmacists collaborate with GPs and other health professionals to improve medicine safety and manage patients with chronic illness.
 
“They improve health outcomes for patients by undertaking consultations with patients on the safe and quality use of medicines providing medication advice, conducting clinical audits and providing education to GPs and other practice staff,” he said.
 
PSA recommends that all pharmacists who want to work in general practice complete the PSA General Practice Pharmacist: Foundation Stage Training Program as a minimum training requirement.
 
PSA also provides a wide range of practice support tools including the Guidelines for General Practice Pharmacists, which are being released today, activity checklists and needs assessment for General Practice Pharmacists.
 
“As more pharmacists are embedded in inter-professional healthcare teams, PSA will support them to advance in their chosen career paths and provide the best possible care,” A/Prof Freeman said.
Further information about training and other practice support for pharmacists working in general practice can be found at www-dev/gppharmacist.
 
Media contact: PSA Media Phone 0487 922 176

Expansion of Tasmanian pharmacist vaccination services

Moves by the Tasmanian Government to expand the scope of pharmacist-administered services in Tasmania has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

PSA has long championed a consistent approach in all states and territories for pharmacists to administer vaccines.

 

The announcement by Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney MP to expand the schedule of vaccines brings Tasmania in line with other states and territories.

 

Tasmanian PSA Branch President Dr Ella Van Tienen said the range of vaccinations available through pharmacist immunisers now included dTpa and state-funded MMR for 16 years and older.

 

This is in addition to providing influenza vaccine to individuals aged 10 years and over.

 

“These vaccines targeting measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus are vital in saving lives and protecting the community from the spread of these potentially life-threatening diseases,” she said.

 

“We thank the Tasmanian Government for acting to protect our community by providing access to these vaccines for Tasmanians, and in particular for vulnerable people.

 

“Less than 40 per cent of at risk people over 18 years are considered to be fully vaccinated. The availability of these vaccines through pharmacist immunisers benefits consumers due to the accessibility of community pharmacy and the convenience, it also benefits the health system through higher vaccination rates and cost savings.”

 

PSA has worked with the Tasmanian government to update its pharmacist training course to reflect the expanded scope. Trained pharmacists will start offering these additional vaccination services over the coming weeks.

 

For further information please contact PSA media on 0487 922 176

 

New eLearning modules outlining the therapeutic goods regulatory framework and advertising requirements

Pharmacists will be able to increase their knowledge of the regulatory requirements that apply to complementary medicines and the advertising of therapeutic goods, through new online learning
modules.

 

Two eLearning modules have been developed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Guild), in partnership with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

 

PSA President Dr Chris Freeman said the two online modules would support pharmacists in understanding the legislation and the prerequisites for advertising therapeutic goods.
“We are pleased to partner with the TGA and the Guild to produce these modules. I encourage pharmacists, at a time when social media and advertising is so predominant in today’s society, to stay
up-to-date on how medicines are regulated in Australia and the rules and requirements for advertising”.

 

Both modules are available to all pharmacists on the PSA and Pharmacy Guild of Australia websites.

 

TGA: Complementary medicines regulation

 

In Australia, therapeutic goods are regulated under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). Unless exempt, all products presented as therapeutic goods must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before being imported into, supplied in, or exported from Australia.

 

The module TGA: Complementary medicines regulation will allow pharmacists to understand:

 

1. The difference between listed and registered medicines
2. The difference between listed and assessed listed medicines
3. What the TGA assessed claim/symbol means
4. How to read a medicine label and determine if the medicine is registered, listed or assessed listed.

 

TGA: Complementary medicines regulation has been accredited for 1 hour of Group 1 CPD (or 1 CPD credits), suitable for inclusion in an individual pharmacist’s CPD plan, which can be converted to 1 hour of Group 2 CPD (or 2 CPD credits) upon successful completion of relevant assessment activities (CONL19038)

 

Advertising therapeutic goods: A guide for pharmacists

 

In order to protect consumers, therapeutic goods are subject to special advertising requirements beyond those required for everyday consumer goods. The new module will allow pharmacists to
increase their awareness of the rules which apply to advertising therapeutic goods.

 

The module, Advertising therapeutic goods: A guide for pharmacists, provides information on:

 

1. Therapeutic goods advertising requirements, including the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No.2) 2018 (the Code)
2. Information about the Code, including an overview of recent changes
3. Location of resources available to pharmacists regarding advertising
4. Pharmacy responsibilities in advertising with their own or supplied advertising
5. Possible consequences of not complying with the advertising requirements.

 

Advertising therapeutic goods: A guide for pharmacists has been accredited for 1.25 hours of Group 1 CPD (or 1.25 CPD credits), suitable for inclusion in an individual pharmacist’s CPD plan, which can be converted to 1.25 hours of Group 2 CPD (or 2.5 CPD credits) upon successful completion of relevant assessment activities (G2019031).

Pharmacists protecting Australians from the deadly flu virus

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia flatly rejects unsubstantiated claims from AMA president Dr Tony Bartone that pharmacist immunisers have used expired influenza vaccines – an action that would be unethical, unprofessional and illegal.

 

PSA, the peak national body for pharmacists, calls on Dr Bartone to retract his comments, apologise to pharmacist immunisers for the error, and release a statement reassuring all people who have received a vaccination from a pharmacist that their treatment is safe and effective.

 

PSA president Dr Chris Freeman said there was no evidence an expired vaccine had been used by a pharmacist, as was claimed by Dr Bartone earlier this week.

 

“Pharmacists take seriously their essential role in providing safe and appropriate medicines,” he said.

 

“All pharmacist immunisers are trained to the same standard as other immunisers in Australia, and pharmacists have stringent quality controls that prevent the use of expired or superseded stock, including influenza vaccines

 

“In 2018, more than 1 million Australians safely received their flu vaccinations from a pharmacist.

 

“Vaccination against preventable diseases is one of the most effective and safe health interventions available to Australians. The use of fear or doubt about vaccination safety as a tool to ignite fear needs to stop immediately for the benefit of all Australians.”

 

Dr Freeman said PSA will be working with all stakeholders to address the damage these comments by the AMA president have caused to the perception of vaccination as a safe and effective method of preventing influenza.

 

For further comment please contact PSA Media on 0487 922 176

PSA continues to show leadership on ensuring the safe and quality use of medicines

Monday 26 August 2019

 

As part of its ongoing commitment to the safe and quality use of medicines, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) recently convened meetings to discuss improvements in the labelling and counselling for antibiotics and opioids by pharmacists.

 

Attended by medical, government, pharmacy and consumer stakeholders, and chaired by Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO, the meetings focused on reviewing cautionary advisory labels (CALs) and their associated advice. CALs are a convenient and effective way for pharmacists to reinforce verbal communication with patients about the safe and effective use and storage of medicines.

 

PSA National President Dr Chris Freeman said the meetings were important in continuing to address the issues of antimicrobial resistance and opioid-related harm.

 

“Actions three and five of our Pharmacists in 2023 report, look at embedding pharmacists within healthcare teams to improve medicine-related decision making; and advancing pharmacist stewardship of medicine management to improve outcomes at transition of care,” he said.

 

“Through these measures pharmacists will be empowered to not only play a greater role in addressing antimicrobial resistance and opioid-related harm, but improving the overall safe and quality use of medicines in Australia’s healthcare system.

 

“This builds on PSA’s position on antibiotics as shown through our Choosing Wisely recommendation 3 – do not dispense a repeat prescription for an antibiotic without first clarifying clinical appropriateness.”

 

The Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF), published by PSA, includes wording for a range of standard CALs and provides guidance on their use for specific medicines. By providing CALs and other written information alongside their professional advice, pharmacists can ensure patients are fully aware of why they are taking a medicine, understand how to take their medicine safely, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

 

 

Media contact:   Carly Lusk, Public Affairs Officer – 0487 922 176

A tailored approach needed for rural pharmacy

Wednesday 21 August 2019

 

In response to the National Rural Health Commissioner’s Discussion Paper for Consultation: Rural Allied Health Quality, Access and Distribution, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has called for a number of actions to address the unique needs of the rural pharmacy workforce.

 

PSA National President Dr Chris Freeman said that rural pharmacy needed to be considered as a distinct entity and its specific challenges and required support structures were not adequately addressed within the discussion paper. There is a unique opportunity to support innovative practice within rural Australia through community pharmacy, and flexible integrated services should be developed as a matter of priority.

 

“Rural pharmacists are faced with unique challenges and PSA is calling for a tailored solution to ensure they are able to practise to their full scope and best manage the healthcare needs of their communities,” he said.

 

As a matter of urgency, PSA has asked the Commissioner to develop a discussion paper on ‘Rural Pharmacy Quality, Access and Distribution’. The current discussion paper is not fit for purpose for rural pharmacy and for the pharmacists that work in rural Australia. Unless we prioritise the supports that are available to our rural practitioners, we will potentially lose our rural community pharmacies, our rural pharmacists and a level of service delivery that will only further increase the gap between the outcomes for rural patients and their urban counterparts.

 

As the most accessible healthcare provider, pharmacists are well-placed to perform a much greater role in Australia’s rural and remote communities, however they urgently need more support. PSA members in rural and remote Australia report that workforce maldistribution, higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage and lack of rural medical practitioners put further pressure on an already strained community pharmacy workforce.

 

“PSA holds great fears about the sustainability of, and therefore access to, pharmacy services within rural communities and now is the time for action,” Dr Freeman said.

 

“Community pharmacies in rural and remote Australia are unique because they represent a private investment in health infrastructure that is generally not present through other allied health practitioners.”

 

PSA made a number of other recommendations to the Commissioner, including:

• identifying rural pharmacy workforce distribution, needs and opportunities
• reviewing rural health workforce support programs and initiatives to ensure equity of access to appropriate support for pharmacists, similar to the medical and nursing professions
• fully utilising the infrastructure of community pharmacy through the delivery of a rural pharmacy strategic framework
• investing in trials to implement innovative rural-based models of care by allowing greater flexibility in funding and delivery of pharmacist care tailored to rural and remote communities’ needs.

 

PSA is urgently seeking to address these issues with the National Rural Health Commissioner and the Minister responsible for rural health to progress these actions for the benefit of rural and remote pharmacists and the communities they serve.

 

PSA’s full submission is available on our website.

 

Media contact:      Carly Lusk, Public Affairs Officer – 0487 922 176

Pharmacists – experts in the language of medicines

Monday 19 August 2019

 

Be Medicinewise Week 2019 is about getting to know the language of medicines – and pharmacists are best placed to assist patients gain this knowledge.

 

As part of NPS Medicinewise’s Be Medicinewise Week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is encouraging people to talk to their pharmacist to increase their understanding of their medicines.

 

PSA National President Dr Chris Freeman said pharmacists’ first priority was the health and wellbeing of patients and they were committed to supporting patients through every step of their care.

 

“As medicine experts, pharmacists speak the language of medicines and can help patients not only increase their health literacy, but empower them to be active participants in their health care,” he said.

 

“This, in turn, will help reduce medicine-related problems and improve patient health outcomes.”

 

PSA’s Medicine Safety: Take Care report revealed that medicine-related problems cause 250,000 hospital admissions and 400,000 emergency department presentations in Australia each year, costing the healthcare system $1.4 billion annually. At least half of this harm is avoidable, and pharmacists are the key to improving the safe and quality use of medicines.

 

“PSA encourages people to speak to their pharmacist whenever there is a change in their medicines or health circumstances, or anytime they have concerns,” Dr Freeman said.

 

“Pharmacists are uniquely placed within the healthcare system and the frequency with which they interact with patients means they are best equipped to identify a medicine-related issue and resolve it immediately.”

 

PSA is proud to support Be Medicinewise Week and NPS Medicinewise’s ongoing work to increase the safe and quality use of medicines.

 

PSA echoes NPS Medicinewise’s call for patients to know all the medicines they are taking and why they are taking them, understand the instructions on how to take their medicines, and ask pharmacists any questions they have about their medicines.

 

Be MedicinewiseWeek 2019 runs from 19-25 August. To learn more visit: nps.org.au/bemedicinewise.

 

 

Media contact:   Carly Lusk, Public Affairs Officer – 0487 922 176

WA expands scope of pharmacist-administered vaccinations

NSW Health Minister officially opens PSA office