Editorial

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Welcome to the May 2012 homepage edition of i2P-Information to Pharmacists. Rollo Manning has been having some time out having staples removed from the site of his open heart surgery.He is now at home recuperating in Darwin, having arrived home last Friday, beating a cold and hasty retreat from Canberra.We all wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully, he will be fit enough to contribute by next month.
This month, Pharmedia discusses the toll that is taken when someone complains about you to an authority without good cause. Well, the good news is that you can now take action to protect yourself if such a complaint is made, and that may even include action for defamation. Read about a recent case involving two doctors, with Mark Coleman drawing on personal experience to illustrate.

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PSA Media Releases for April 2012

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	Peter Waterman articles by this author...
Keeping you up to date with PSA activities.

Information made available from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia by Peter Waterman.
Peter Waterman is the Public Affairs Manager for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
He may be contacted by telephone(02)62834782, or on mobile phone0487 922 176.

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27 April 2012

INTERN TRAINING PROGRAM – 2012 SECOND INTAKE NOW OPEN

A solid foundation for a successful career begins with exceptional intern training.

The second intake of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) National Intern Training Program (NITP) opens today (Friday 27).

The PSA NITP is a high-quality, practically focused program designed to embed the knowledge and skills required to equip students for their working career after years of study.

The program enables interns to reach their full potential, graduating as the best pharmacist they could be.

PSA is the national market leader and has delivered successful intern training for more than 20 years.

PSA’s experience and expertise ensures the PSA NITP is in tune with the needs of today’s working environment and supports young pharmacists in achieving their goals.   

Among the many benefits of the PSA NITP are:

·         tailored support for interns from a local NITP Coordinator;

·         oral and written exam modules to help intern’s pass exams;

·         content and connections to get the intern’s career off to a flying start; and

·         the convenience of a one-stop shop for CPD.

 

The PSA NITP is delivered in a flexible manner, allowing interns to work at their own pace to complete assessments via a mix of online and face to face education sessions.

The PSA NITP is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council in all States and Territories so if interns relocate during their internship they can continue with the PSA NITP without disruption.

To enrol visit http://www.psa.org.au/education/intern/course-information

 

20 April 2012

PAC12 REGISTRATIONS OPEN

Registrations are now open for Australia’s premier pharmacy education event, PAC12, being held in Melbourne from19-21 October this year.  Registrations can be completed online by going to psa.org.au/pac

PAC12’s theme of From Vision to Reality will focus on the changing nature of the pharmacy profession, and help pharmacists prepare to meet and make the most of the challenges and opportunities these changes present.

As the pharmacy profession moves beyond talking about the need to change and focus on defining what role pharmacists  can play in the future, PAC12 will help to equip pharmacists  with the skills and tools they need to move forward.

PAC12 provides  an unprecedented opportunity to broaden skills and learn from researchers, practitioners and consumers about   developments that will help shape the future of the profession and its part in the changing health-care environment.

From Vision to Reality  will look to the future of pharmacy as this relies upon the profession's ability to discover new practice knowledge, develop new skills and systems to improve practice, and to diversify into new practice areas to better the health and wellbeing of the population.

PAC 12 will continue the Congress’s rich tradition of providing a topical and comprehensive program covering a wide range of therapeutics, management and practice subjects which will increase delegates’ specific knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviours in support of their expanding roles as pivotal professionals in the multi-disciplinary health-care model towards which Australia is rapidly moving.

PAC12 program nowl includes the annual AACP Consultant Pharmacist clinical program, , the now hugely popular Great Debate and the PSA National Forum.

The Congress will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from  Friday 19 October 2012 to Sunday 21 October 2012

To register, go to psa.org.au/pac

 

19 April 2012

DELIVERING AND GROWING PHARMACY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

With ongoing pressure from government to contain health costs especially the PBS, pharmacy faces significant business and professional challenges to remain a strong and viable component of the Australian health sector into the future.  By connecting pharmacy practice to patient outcomes, the profession can not only survive but thrive.

The PSA’s Clinical and Practice Expo (CPExpo) will be at the forefront in preparing and supporting the profession deliver and grow professional services that will produce new and/or expanded income streams, business differentiation as well as provide individual pharmacists even greater levels of professional satisfaction.

More than just education, CPExpo will provide the profession with the knowledge, skills, understanding and resources needed to negotiate the difficult economic and financial circumstances confronting pharmacy today.  CPExpo will enhance the educational and practice experience through incorporating an integrated learning space as part of the event.

A feature of this year’s CPExpo is The Future of Pharmacy stream.  One of the sessions is Pharmacy Issues of Today: impact of price disclosure where the extent of the effects of price disclosure on pharmacists will be detailed and examined.

Presented by Norman Thurecht, Partner of Johnston Rorke Pharmacy Services Division, the session breaks down and clearly explains price disclosure.  Also hear from pharmacy owners first-hand about their short-term experiences and predicted long-term impact on their business of products going off patent, swapping to generics and price disclosure.

Another part of the CPExpo that is a must attend will be The Professional Services session.  Led by Dr Alison Roberts, this session will provide an overview of the professional programs in the 5th Community Pharmacy Agreement, with a focus on the implementation process.  Discover the linkages between programs and services already offered by pharmacies, and the eligibility for Professional Practice Incentive payments.

CPExpo gives pharmacists the opportunity to join and lead an exciting new era in pharmacy professional development and practice support, in an event that moves away from the traditional trade exhibit model.

CPExpo will be held at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney from 25-27 May 2102.  Special deals are available for pharmacy students and interns.  To register or obtain further details go to www.psa.org.au/education/conferences/cpexpo

 

13 April 2011

NEW FUNDING FOR VICTORIAN PHARMACISTS TO SCREEN AND REFER HIGH RISK TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS

Mark Feldschuh, Victorian Branch President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has welcomed Diabetes Australia-Vic’s  latest initiative to engage pharmacists in the holistic management of diabetes in Victoria.

Diabetes Australia–Vic has been funded for the roll-out of a type 2 diabetes prevention program – Life!  

The Life! program aims to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by encouraging participants to set behavioural goals and make lifestyle changes based on the adoption of an active lifestyle and healthy diet.  

The Life! program supports participants to work towards achieving their goals through a group based program, modelled on similar successful evidence based programs tested in Australia and other countries.

In addition, the program supports those with limited access to the program by offering telephone health coaching as an alternative to the standard face to face workshops. 

In recognising that pharmacists are in an excellent position to screen and refer high risk patients,  DA-Vic is offering a referral funding agreement, to engage pharmacists to encourage these referrals into the Life! program.

The referral funding is available to all registered pharmacists practicing in Victoria.  While community pharmacies are the primary sites for screening, other non – premises based practitioners such as accredited pharmacists conducting HMRs are encouraged to participate.

Visit the Life! website at www.diabetesrisk.org.au

12 April 2012

ROLE OF PHARMACISTS IN MEN’S HEALTH

The crucial role pharmacists play in helping men deal with health issues has been highlighted in the latest edition of the magazine Men’s Health.

The feature, titled Good Chemistry says:  “Your pharmacist could be the most underused player on your health team” and suggests ways men can better utilise the services of their pharmacist.

One area it suggests is with minor ailments and points out “your pharmacist should be your first point of contact for minor ailments”. It also explains that pharmacists “can help with compliance by advising you on how to fit a medicine into your routine”.

National President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, said the article was a valuable guide and explained to males the services available through their pharmacists.

“A Nielsen study released last year shows that some 71 per cent of Australians are willing to use the pharmacist as first point of contact for health concerns,” Mr Kardachi said.

“Men’s Health touches on a few of these and is very valuable in helping to explain the wider role of pharmacists in the healthcare sector.

“The National Male Health Policy highlights a number of priority areas including improved health for males at difference life stages and a focus on preventive health for males, particularly regarding chronic disease and injury.

“Pharmacists are the medicines experts as well as being the most accessible of health professionals and so are well placed to help meet these Male Health Policy priorities.

“Men may be more reluctant initially to talk about health issues, but the pharmacy setting with its accessibility and informality encourages the public to readily use the services of pharmacists.

“This article is an excellent   guide which highlights the many health services   available to everyone through their local pharmacist.”

4 April 2012 

RESPONBILE DISPENSING OF GENERIC MEDICINES

Reports that pharmacists may possibly be dispensing a ''pharmacy-preferred brand'' of generic drugs without proper consultation with the patient would be contravening the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Guidelines on Brand Substitution, guidelines which all pharmacists are expected to follow.

National President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, said that all dispensing of generic medicines, including any ''pharmacy-preferred brand'', had to comply with the PSA guidelines.

“These guidelines were set up to protect the best interests of consumers when non-brand medicines are dispensed,” Mr Kardachi said.

“The guidelines include two very important elements which are especially relevant to the current situation concerning a '’pharmacy-preferred brand'’.

“First, they state: Brand substitution may only occur after consultation with and agreement of the patient (or the carer), and if the prescriber has not indicated on the prescription, “no substitution or equivalent”.

“This means that pharmacists cannot just dispense a generic or ‘pharmacy-preferred brand’ without discussion with the consumer.  And that discussion on possibly dispensing a non-brand medicine can only begin if the doctor has not indicated otherwise on the prescription.”

Mr Kardachi said the second element of the guidelines which was particularly relevant to the current situation stated: “Where substitution is allowed and the patient is offered or enquires about alternate brands, the pharmacist and the patient should discuss the safety and suitability of alternate brands for that patient.”

"Quite clearly the role of the pharmacist is to help the patient and to ensure the best outcomes for the patient.

"The pharmacist will discuss if the generic brand is suitable, including taking into account colour, shape, size and cost.”

Pharmacists work hard to ensure patient compliance which is still a significant problem in our community, and are vigilant about ensuring that medicines are taken correctly.

“The pharmacist is there to help the patient, guide them, and clear up any confusion or issue they may have.  They are committed to ensuring the best possible health outcomes for the patient.

“The PSA Guidelines help to ensure the dispensing of generics is undertaken   ethically and responsibly.”

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