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PSA Media Releases for January 2010

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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 phone 0419 260 827

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January 29, 2010

PHARMACISTS SUPPORT SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Emergency Contraception – its safety, effectiveness and availability is the theme of this year’s Sexual Health Awareness Week.

Sexual Health Awareness Week (SHAW) will be held in South Australia from 14-21 February to encourage people to look at the social, cultural, environmental and behavioural factors that can influence their own health.

Sexual Health Awareness Week is an annual initiative of SHine SA (Sexual Health information networking and education SA). Targeting 18-30 year olds, this year’s campaign aims to increase knowledge in the South Australian community about the safety, effectiveness and availability of emergency contraception by providing accurate information and “busting the myths”.

Recognising the importance of this issue, the South Australian Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is supporting the event through activities and promotions. Acting National President of the PSA and President of the SA PSA, Grant Kardachi, said pharmacy was the most accessible source of advice and information on health matters, including emergency contraception, and consumers were encouraged to go to their pharmacist for relevant, timely and accurate facts.

“There are many urban myths circulating about emergency contraception and to help dispel these PSA is proud to be actively involved in Sexual Heath Awareness Week this year,” he said.

Activities PSA is conducting include:

· 2 February –CPD lecture by Neil Hotham, Senior Drug Information Pharmacist, Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital (Drugs in Breastfeeding and Pregnancy) to be held at Enterprise House, Unley. SHine SA staff will be on hand to promote SHAW and its focus on emergency contraception.

· 22 February – PSA SA President Grant Kardachi will be part of a panel of health professionals for an Emergency Contraception Forum; and

· 24 February – an Early Career Pharmacist educational event on Emergency Contraception will be held at the PSA SA Branch.

Recent research conducted at LaTrobe University suggests that the issues of stigma and privacy can be important barriers to Australian women approaching a pharmacist to ask about emergency contraception. Where there is no opportunity to speak to a pharmacist in a confidential manner about this sensitive matter, there can be a significant barrier for access to emergency contraception.

SHine SA has developed the “Emergency Contraception Wallet Card” which asks: “Can I talk to you about Emergency Contraception?” This can be handed over the pharmacy counter, helping to open a sensitive conversation. SHine SA will be working with the PSA to promote this resource amongst its members and in the wider community, during SHAW and throughout 2010.

 

25 January 2010

OSTEOPOROSIS TREATMENT UNDER SPOTLIGHT AT OFFSHORE CONFERENCE

Osteoporosis is a major public health issue in Australia today and will be the subject of a special presentation during the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s 2010 Annual Offshore Conference being held in Beijing and Shanghai from 28 April to 7 May this year.

The presentation will discuss the micro-architecture of bone, bone mineral density, the importance of calcium and vitamin D in bone health, and the place of bisphosphonates, strontium and parathyroid hormone analogues in the treatment of osteoporosis.

The session will be presented by Dr Michelle Tellus, a consultant rheumatologist who has been in private practice since 1996 and whose interests focus on the inflammatory diseases of the joints and muscles, and in the field of osteoporosis.

Dr Tellus has worked at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in the Bone and Mineral Unit as a Clinical Assistant, at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, as a Research and Clinical Assistant in the area of Juvenile Chronic Arthritis, and at the Essendon Hospital as part of the Bone and Metabolic Unit Outpatients Team.

She has published papers in the areas of Juvenile Chronic Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis.

Dr Tellus currently practises fulltime in Kew, Victoria, and has also held rheumatological training posts at St. Vincent's Public Hospital in Melbourne, the Austin and Repatriation Hospital and at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

She is a member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Australian Rheumatology Association. She has taught medical students through her training years, and has also taught post-graduate and overseas doctors in preparation for their exams.

Dr Tellus will also present a session on pain and pain management at the Offshore Conference describing the different pain pathways and discussing the differences between nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Targets of therapy will be discussed, and options given for the treatment of both nociceptive and neuropathic pain states including the use of analgesic adjuvants. The role of the pharmacist in the management of patients with chronic pain will also be addressed.

Attendance at the Offshore Conference provides the opportunity to achieve substantial CPD points ready for the new registration requirements.

For further details go to the 2010 Annual Offshore Conference website at http://www.psa.org.au/conference

 

24 January 2010

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD FOR PROMINENT QUEENSLAND PHARMACIST

Prominent Queensland pharmacist Karalyn Huxhagen has been honoured in the Australia Day awards with an Achievement Award for service to Queensland health and the community.

Ms Huxhagen was nominated by the Mackay Health Service District for outstanding dedication to improving the health, and health knowledge, of the community.

The citation with the award particularly noted Ms Huxhagen was being recognised for performing this service in her personal time.

Ms Huxhagen said she was greatly honoured by the award, which had been totally unexpected.

"It really was a surprise, but a very wonderful one and I am extremely pleased to receive this significant award," she said.

Acting President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Dr Lisa Nissen, congratulated Ms Huxhagen on being named a recipient of the Australia Day Achievement Award.

Dr Nissen, the first woman to head the PSA, said Ms Huxhagen had many areas of health specialty including community, Aboriginal and Island Health Services, primary health care, and diabetes.

"She also is prominent in many of the Community Pharmacy Agreement programs including Medication Reviews and quality use of medicine in Aboriginal health services," Dr Nissen said.

"She has a great depth of experience and is constantly looking to new ways to improve her ability to add to the wellbeing of the community she serves.

"At present, she practices in a community pharmacy that provides a very wide range of services including working with a qualified Naturopath."

 

20 January 2010

SPECIAL LECTURE ON ‘NEW DIRECTIONS IN DIABETES

The Queensland Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia will hold its inaugural evening lecture for 2010 on February 2 on the subject of New Directions in Diabetes.

 The lecture will be held at the Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE), the world-class research, education, clinical practice and industry precinct where the new headquarters of the Queensland Branch of PSA is co-located with the University of Queensland’s School of Pharmacy.

The lecture will be presented by Dr Gary Deed, President of Diabetes Australia.

 Having developed type 1 diabetes, Dr Deed became active in supporting diabetes charities in1995 and has been National President of Diabetes Australia since November 2006.

He is an Australian member to the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region and also a Board member of the Diabetes Australia Research Trust.

Dr Deed is a medical practitioner working in Brisbane and has worked in primary care for many years. He also has a background of study and qualification in herbal medicine and is the current President of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine.

He has been active in many educational forums to improve the knowledge and evidence base surrounding complimentary medicine.

The Inaugural Evening Lecture at PACE will held from 7.30-8.30pm and will be chaired by PSA Queensland Branch President Dr Lisa Nissen.

Dr Nissen said the lecture would give pharmacists the opportunity to learn about some of the important new developments in the treatment of diabetes.

“Pharmacists are at the front line in providing advice and professional services to treat diabetes and this lecture will give them an edge and also show them what they can expect in the future,” Dr Nissen said.

“I recommend this as a very valuable educational opportunity, presented by one of the foremost experts in this field.”

20 January 2010

PREVENTIVE HEALTH A KEY TO SOLVING WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION PROBLEM

A focus on pharmacists delivering preventive health programs will help to address anticipated workforce participation declines arising from the ageing population the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia says.

President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said Prime Minister Kevin Rudd pointed out this week that the Third Intergenerational Report, due to be released soon, showed that by 2050 there would be only 2.7 working-age Australians for every one aged 65 or more. There are now about five working-age Australians for each citizen over 65. Four decades ago there were 7.5.

The report predicts the proportion of the population aged 65 and over will jump from about 14 per cent now to about 23 per cent by 2050.

“Clearly preventive health is an area that can boost workforce participation and thus improve productivity in the future when there are fewer taxpayers supporting a much larger ageing population,” Mr Plunkett said.

“Having a population that is healthier and more able to contribute will greatly ease the burden on health costs.

“Medications also play a critical role in preventive health and improving the quality of life of ageing patients with pharmacists playing a pivotal role in ensuring their cost-effective use. It is time the Government gave meaningful support to extending remunerated medication management services by pharmacists.”

Mr Plunkett said total expenditure on health goods and services in Australia reached $104 billion (or $4874 per person) in 2007–08, with spending on public health programs and activities accounting for only $2.3 billion, or just over 2%, of total health expenditure.

“The National Preventative Health Taskforce reported that approximately 32% of Australia’s total burden of disease can be attributed to modifiable risk factors associated with obesity, tobacco and alcohol,” Mr Plunkett said. “It estimated that the cost to the health-care system alone associated with these three risk factors is in the order of almost $6 billion per year, while lost productivity is estimated to cost almost $13 billion.

“The implementation of targeted and effective preventive health programs through community pharmacy, the most accessible of all health professionals, will play a major role in addressing these issues and in helping the Government deal with the dynamics foreshadowed in the Third Intergenerational Report.

“In addition, a comparatively small investment by Government on an implementation framework for community pharmacies would facilitate the uptake and delivery of a number of preventive health programs through pharmacy. Programs in the areas of smoking cessation, weight management, health education and minor illness have already been successfully developed by PSA and trialled in pharmacy and shown excellent cost-effective results.”

14 January 2010

PSA MODULES PROVIDE QUALITY INFORMATION ON COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES AND THEIR USE

National Prescribing Service research has highlighted the need to improve the availability of information about complementary medicines with a view to raising awareness among Australian health professionals and consumers.

In line with this view, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is launching a series of online modules, presentations and podcasts to support pharmacists in helping their patients make better-informed decisions around the quality use of complementary medicines.

Responding to the demand for high-quality information about complementary medicines, PSA engaged experts at the Herbal Medicines Research and Education Centre at the University of Sydney to develop the modules.

From Friday 15 January, PSA members will have access online to the overarching modules on the quality use of complementary medicines.

After this, a new module will be released each month, addressing a different medicine.

January’s module focuses on glucosamine.

Assessments for pharmacists are associated with each module.

Following successful completion of the module, CPD credit points will be automatically captured on their member record.

This process will streamline efforts by pharmacists to meet the mandatory CPD requirements being introduced with national registration on 1 July 2010.

Members can access the modules via the Professional Development Materials area of the PSA Members website.

13 January 2010

PSA LOOKS FORWARD TO START OF NEGOTIATIONS.ON COMMUNITY PHARMACY AGREEMENT

The announcement by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia of a broad framework for the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement will provide a platform for negotiations to begin on the detailed structure of the Agreement, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia says.

President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said the Society would begin negotiations with the Guild shortly and would be looking to increased professional services forming a key part of the Agreement.

“It is essential that the Agreement delivers meaningful impetus and incentives for an increased number of professional services to ensure the ongoing viability of pharmacy,” Mr Plunkett said.

“It is disappointing that the announcement apparently excludes a range of existing professional services aimed at reducing the burden of chronic diseases.

“In addition, the PSA has long advocated an extension of patient-focussed professional services. This approach accords with the recommendations of the Government’s key reports which are behind its forthcoming health reform agenda.

“PSA welcomes the initiative of the inclusion of important programs such as Medications Use Reviews and will now work to ensure they are adequately funded.

“The Pharmacy Guild’s announcement relates to the broad framework of the Agreement and is a starting point for PSA-Guild negotiations on the detail. PSA will now be strongly advocating the inclusion of more professional services including clinical interventions to help improve the wellbeing of health consumers.

“The inclusion of such professional services with a sustainable and appropriate funding mix is pivotal to the success of the health reform agenda.”

Mr Plunkett said PSA supports previous comments made by the Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon indicating the Government’s desire for patient-focussed outcomes.

“The range of professional services sought by the PSA will help the Government achieve its aim. We look forward to their inclusion in the Agreement and the commitment by the Government to these programs through adequate and sustainable funding,” Mr Plunkett.

“The announcement highlights the Guild’s focus on the supply aspects of pharmacy in the Agreement and now PSA will be emphasising the professional side of the Agreement, particularly for the future of the profession and patients.”

13 January 2010

OFFSHORE CONFERENCE LOOKS AT DRUG INTERACTIONS

A session examining drug interactions, with particular reference to those which may occur in the community pharmacy setting including the "Triple Whammy" and the "Serotonin Syndrome", will be a feature of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s 2010 Annual Offshore Conference this year.

The session, presented by Professor Peter Carroll, will look at strategies to help pharmacists prevent these occurring, as well as addressing the differences between pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic drug interactions.

In another presentation at the Offshore Conference, Professor Carroll will give an update on gout and hyperuricaemia, with emphasis on the risk factors for developing gout and how these may be minimised.

He also will look at the current guidelines for the treatment of gout, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological options, and the role of the pharmacist in the management of a patient with both acute and chronic gout.

Professor Carroll is Honorary Professor, School of Medical Sciences, Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, and has been Education Director of the Offshore Conference for the past 16 years.

In addition, he has been a regular contributor to continuing professional education activities for pharmacists in Australia and overseas for the past 31 years and is highly regarded as a popular and practical lecturer who has the ability to present topics in a logical and easy-to-understand manner.

At present he works in community pharmacy and also teaches Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice at the University of Sydney.

Attendance at the Offshore Conference provides the opportunity to achieve substantial CPD points ready for the new registration requirements.

For further details go to the 2010 Annual Offshore Conference website at http://www.psa.org.au/conference

11 January 2010

STAR PERFORMANCE THEME FOR PAC 2010

The World Health Organisation believes that the appropriate, efficient and cost-effective use of resources should be the foundation of a pharmacist’s work, regardless of which sector of the profession the pharmacist is engaged in.

Arriving at this goal requires the ability to evaluate, synthesise and decide on the most appropriate action and to achieve this objective WHO decided that contemporary and future pharmacists must possess specific knowledge attitudes, skills and behaviours in support of their roles.

The roles behind the WHO drive are summarised in ‘the seven star pharmacist’ whose elements are:

* Care-giver - the pharmacist provides high quality caring services, integrated and continuous with the health care system.

* Decision-maker - the pharmacist should be able to make decisions to achieve appropriate, efficacious and cost effective use of resources.

* Communicator - the pharmacist’s ideal position between physician and patient requires them to be knowledgeable and confident while interacting with health professionals and the public

* Leader - the pharmacist is obligated to assume a leadership position in the overall welfare of the community.

* Manager - the pharmacist must effectively manage resources (human, physical and fiscal) and information.

* Life-long-learner - pharmacists should be committed to learning throughout their careers.

* Teacher - the pharmacist has a responsibility to assist with the education and training of future generations of pharmacists.

Recognising the importance of the application of these principles, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Pharmacy Australia Congress will use the Seven Star Pharmacy principles as the basis of its over-arching theme of Star Performance - the future for pharmacy at the event this year.

Being held in Melbourne from 29-31 October this year, PAC 2010 will feature a range of pharmacy and business specialist speakers, workshops, social functions, a trade exhibition as well as other activities which will ensure there is something to interest and educate all delegates.

It is an event not to be missed and for further details go to www.psa.org.au.

11 January 2010

PSA WELCOMES NEW MEDICINES AUSTRALIA CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The appointment of Dr Brendan Shaw as the new Chief Executive of Medicines Australia has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said Dr Shaw’s extensive experience would be a great asset to Medicines Australia and would be invaluable in the very challenging period that the health-care industry in Australia faces both in the near term and the long term.

“Dr Shaw has earned great respect over the past six years that he has led the Health Policy and Research area of Medicines Australia,” Mr Plunkett said.

“In this capacity he has worked closely with all stakeholders, including PSA, as well as the Government and bureaucracy.

“He has earned great respect and admiration for his work and his willingness to get across so much of the detail which is often crucial in securing outcomes in the health-care sector.”

Before joining Medicines Australia, Dr Shaw was an adviser to the then Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Trade, Dr Craig Emerson.

“He has also worked in academia, consulting and different areas of the Australian Government and so brings to the position extensive and diverse experience in many facets of industry, health care, and Government and how these different areas can work together,” Mr Plunkett said.

“I look forward to continuing the PSA’s close association with Medicines Australia and to working closely with Dr Shaw on areas of mutual benefit to the members of both our organisations, and to the Australian health consumer.”

11 January 2010

PSA VICTORIAN BRANCH LAUNCHES 2010 PHARMACY ASSISTANT PROGRAM

The pharmacy profession has been ranked by different independent research of the Australian public as being amongst the most highly respected and trusted professional groups by the Australian public.

This ranking over many consecutive years has been achieved through highly positive experiences the public encounters when dealing with pharmacists and their support teams.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia recognises the important roles pharmacy assistants play in the pharmacy teams and is determined to support and enhance their effectiveness.

In 2010, the Victorian Branch has organised a number of continuing professional development lectures to be held throughout the year, as well as a primary health-care weekend in August, for both pharmacists and pharmacy assistants so that the pharmacy team can learn and understand how to better work together effectively.

The Victorian Branch also offers a work place Pharmacy Assistant Certificate II and III program and many pharmacy assistants would qualify for full Government subsidy for doing the course.

The PSA Diploma of Management offers pharmacy managers and senior pharmacy assistants the opportunity to development relevant management skills, with the possibility to articulate into a Chifley Business School MBA, which would almost certainly open up vast range of career opportunities for those taking part.

Pharmacy assistants also are invited to join PSA as an affiliate member, not only to participate in activities, but to drive those activities that shape the future of pharmacy assistants.

Any pharmacy assistant who has, or in the process of acquiring a Certificate II or above, is eligible to join.

Information on PSA Victorian Branch pharmacy assistant activities is available on www.psa.org.au/site.php?id=5039

A free lecture for pharmacy assistants will be held on Tuesday 16 February at PSA Victorian Branch at 6:30pm to launch the exciting 2010 Pharmacy Assistant Program. All pharmacy assistants are invited. For details phone: (03) 9389 4000.

7 January 2010

EARLY CAREER PHARMACIST APPOINTED TO QUEENSLAND PSA COMMITTEE

Queensland early career pharmacist Lisa Goldsmith has been appointed to the Queensland Branch Committee of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Ms Goldsmith replaces Dr Geraldine Moses who has recently resigned from the Committee.

A graduate from Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Ms Goldsmith was the 2009 Pharmacy Graduate of the Year. She is also the chair of the Queensland Early Career Pharmacist Group of the PSA and is currently undertaking her internship at The Prince Charles Hospital.

Ms Goldsmith was also president of the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association and was Treasurer of the Griffith University Association of Pharmacy Students Committee.

Welcoming her to the Branch Committee, Queensland Branch President Dr Lisa Nissen said Ms Goldsmith would be a great asset, bringing with her as she did a voice for young pharmacists who were the future of the profession.

“Lisa’s demonstrated commitment to the profession and to her colleagues through her work with NAPSA and PSA will be greatly valued on the Branch Committee which is constantly looking to further the careers of PSA members,” Dr Nissen said.

“Being an early career pharmacist herself, Lisa is in a unique position to give voice to the needs, concerns and aspirations of this group who make up a very large proportion of the PSA membership.

“Her work at NAPSA and in other pharmacy bodies equips her well for her responsibilities as a Branch Committee member and her vision and enthusiasm will be greatly valued and appreciated.”

Dr Nissen also thanked Dr Moses for her work and commitment to the PSA.

“Geraldine Moses has made an outstanding contribution to the Queensland Branch, of the PSA, having served nine years as a Branch Councillor and Branch Committee member,” Dr Nissen said.

Ms Goldsmith said she was honoured and excited by the appointment.

“I am looking forward to my work on the Branch Committee and to being able to have input into decisions which will help direct the future of the profession for many of my colleagues who are early career pharmacists,” Ms Goldsmith said.

“It is important that this large group knows they have representation at the highest level and that they are not taken for granted. I hope that I can bring a younger voice to the Branch Committee while continuing to learn from the wealth of experience already at the table.”

 

4 January 2010

2010 GUIDE TO PSA PROGRAMS RELEASED 

A clear responsibility for pharmacists during their career is the need to continually maintain and grow their professional practice and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s extensive Professional Development and Practice Support programs are specifically designed to facilitate this.

To further help members of the PSA access the programs and plan their professional and business development activities for the year, the 2010 Guide to PSA programs has been released which details the wide range of activities and offerings under the PSA programs.

President of the PSA Warwick Plunkett said the responsibility for pharmacists to grow their careers was at the heart of the development of the PSA’s offerings which enable pharmacists to develop and improve their knowledge and skills base through activities tailored to their particular practice and professional needs.

“PSA has supported the development of pharmacists as health professionals for many years but 2010 sees these CPD and Practice Support programs re-launched with a national focus to meet the needs of today’s pharmacists,” he said.

Mr Plunkett said the publication brings together for the first time the entire scope of PSA’s professional development and practice support offerings in the one guide, giving members an easy-to-access reference of what is available, where it is available and when it is available.

“The pharmacy profession is constantly developing and changing to meet the needs of the environment in which it operates,” Mr Plunkett said.

“The PSA’s Professional Development and Practice Support programs have been developed to ensure Members have a professional and practice edge and are best able to meet the demands they face in their careers, regardless of which sector of the pharmacy profession they operate in.”

The new guide is available online under the “What’s New” section at www.psa.org.au

Members will receive a hard copy with their January edition of the PSA journal, Australian Pharmacist.

“I urge all pharmacists to go through the guide and plan their activities for the year to ensure they are well placed for the future,” Mr Plunkett said.

“Having the comprehensive listing of all that is on offer in the one guide makes it easy and accessible for all pharmacists.”

 

 

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