Editorial

From the desk of the editor

Welcome to the first homepage edition of i2P for 2012.
In many ways it has been a slow start to the New Year because of having to deal with the “leftovers” from 2011.
One of those items for i2P was that a third-party provider to the site did not advise of a code change to the security section in our subscribe panel, creating a range of frustrated subscribers not able to get on board.
We apologise to all those potential subscribers who were unable to register with us in the second half of 2011, but if you try once more you should have no problem.

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This month in Pharmacy - October 2009

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	From the desk of the editor articles by this author...
Introducing current ideas, perspectives and issues, to the profession of pharmacy

Welcome to the October edition of i2P (Information to Pharmacists).
A lot has been written about our ageing population and what strains it may place on the health system. The National Seniors Agency report that our ageing population will have as big an impact on our society as will climate change (see article in Aged Care section).
Pharmacy must plan appropriate strategies for an ageing population dealing with chronic health problems and major shifts in climate change simultaneously (see article in Climate Change section).

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It is time for Australian community pharmacies to begin the planning and installation of senior/eco-friendly fixtures and fittings, signs and price tags, also IT systems and services that can take a pharmacy presence into a patient's home.
Major retailers have already been on the job and are redesigning their stores to accommodate the particular requirements of our seniors. Also, Woolworths recently appeared on "A Current Affair" demonstrating their online service and delivery to the kitchen bench using disposable nappies as the illustration. Disposable nappies have a high turnover online as young mothers appreciate the convenience and to not have to struggle with bulky packaging.
Shopping malls are losing significant market share to online retailers.

You are recommended to bookmark the article “Pharmacy Through a Senior's Eyes” in this i2P edition as a basic start to your preparations.

“Developments in US Pharmacy” is also recommended as a second reference article, because it relates to automated and other systems already developed and in place in the US (find it in the Pharmacy Practice section).

Make a comparison as to what should be, as outlined in the article, with Chris Wright's recent experience in getting a basic service from a local pharmacy. Again, relate his experience to the lack of IT infrastructure still being stuffed up by government (read Pat Gallagher and David More in the IT section) and then wonder why PSA is not being more assertive in developing and promoting clinical services through independent practitioners (read James Ellerson's opinion article on the PSA, and Linda Bryant's column from New Zealand - she is already providing a clinical advisory service external to a community pharmacy).

I should also introduce Linda Bryant at this point. Linda is a new writer for i2P. She has pioneered with John Dunlop, an independent clinical advisory service. You will find her listed in our "columns" section and will share the space with John Dunlop (and others as we are able to recruit suitable writers).

The Pharmedia Column picks up on dispensing errors this month, commenting on two specifically that created international attention. This is an area that needs to be looked at objectively from a dispenser's point of view and a corresponding pharmacy proprietor's point of view, with proper structures being developed and put in to place.
It is a sobering thought to think that you could be gaoled for an error that you might not have had any control over.
It is postulated that both sides need different indemnity insurance and different support services, including media management.
You are encouraged to enter comments at the foot of this editorial to ensure that a range of perspectives are covered.

Neil Retallick has provided us with a report on the Management Conference of 2009 - that of the Friendly Societies. Kerryn Phelps is his focus, and her comments make interesting reading.

i2P is progressively developing some valuable content through our writers and news gatherers.
Don't forget to have a look at our other columnists - Rollo Manning, Loretta Marron, Barry Urquhart, Harvey Mackay and Mark neuenschwander as well as Dr Andrew Byrne and his associates.
It really should keep you totally occupied for the entire month.

Neil Johnston
October 1, 2009

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