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PSA News Releases - October 2009

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

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29 October 2009
PSA SUPPORTS DRAFT NATIONAL PAIN STRATEGY

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the release of the initial draft of the National Pain Strategy.

PSA National Vice President and the only pharmacy representative on to the National Pain Summit Leaders’ Meeting, Dr Lisa Nissen, said that PSA supported the intent of the draft strategy and looked forward to seeing the strategy finalised.

The Strategy aims to have pain management addressed as part of the Rudd Government’s national health reforms. The draft strategy, the result of thousands of hours’ work by more than 70 pain medicine specialists, other health professionals and consumers is now open for community and expert input.

Dr Nissen said, ‘the meeting acknowledged that pharmacy has a key role in chronic pain management in the primary care setting, and that pharmacists need support in that role. By support I mean training to get the skills and tools they need to better manage people suffering chronic pain who live in the community.’

‘It is pharmacists who see people who are in pain but cannot get an appointment to see a GP for days, or to see a pain specialist for weeks, or months. I was able to get this important point across at the meeting.’

‘I believe the strategy has the capacity to lead to a collaborative approach being adopted, and that is a good thing. It was also good to see that the need for Quality use of Medicines in prescribing permeated the draft strategy,’ she said

The National Pain Strategy will be finalised at the National Pain Summit being held in Canberra on March 11, 2010.

Included in the draft strategy’s recommendations are that:

* Chronic pain be recognised as a disease in its own right.

* Pain be given a diagnostic code along with other chronic diseases to document its prevalence, outcomes and costs.

* When monitoring patients, pain be included as the fifth vital sign (with blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and breathing rate).

* More effort be made to de-stigmatise pain (similar to the successful campaigns to de-stigmatise depression).

Chronic pain – defined as, constant daily pain for a period of three months or more – costs the economy an estimated $34.4 billion per annum or $10,847 per person affected, according to the MBF Foundation report The High Price of Pain conducted by Access Economics.

The report also found that more than 36.5 million working days were lost each year due to chronic pain, costing the economy and employers $11.7 billion annually in productivity losses.

The National Pain Summit is being organised by a Steering Committee with professional and consumer representation, under the leadership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM), the Australian Pain Society (APS) and consumer group, Chronic Pain Australia (CPA), in collaboration with the MBF Foundation and the Pain Management Research Institute.

 

23 October 2009
PSA WELCOMES PROGRESS ON PREVENTIVE HEALTH

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed passage of legislation through the House of Representatives yesterday that marks a large step forward in improving the health of Australians.  Pending consideration of the legislation in the Senate, Australia should have its first National Preventive Health Agency ready to commence activities from 1 January 2010.

PSA’s National President, Mr Warwick Plunkett, said the establishment of this long-overdue national agency was a key recommendation of the final report of the Preventative Health Taskforce and is strongly supported by PSA.   

“PSA has focussed considerable activity over the past 20 years in providing resources and training to enable pharmacists and pharmacy assistants to deliver effective preventive health care services for patients.  Pharmacists are the most accessible and one of the most trusted health professionals and are very well placed to work with the new agency in delivering new and enhanced preventive health care programs” Mr Plunkett said.

“Through its Professional Development, Practice Support and Pharmacy Self Care programs, PSA has national infrastructure in place and a considerable body of expertise that can be utilised to develop and deliver cost-effective, evidence-based preventive health programs across the country.

PSA and the pharmacy profession look forward to working in partnership with the Government and, following its establishment, with the Australian National Preventive Health Agency in improving the health of the Australian community, particularly those patients with chronic conditions.”

17 October 2009
PHARMACY STUDENT OF THE YEAR NAMED OF THE YEAR NAMED

Simeon Ngweso from Curtin University has been named the Alphapharm Pharmacy Student of the Year during a ceremony at the Pharmacy Australia Congress in Sydney.

National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Warwick Plunkett, congratulated Mr Ngweso and said the standard of the students who participated in the National Counselling event had been exceptionally high this year.

“The judges were really faced with a very difficult task as all the candidates displayed great talents and ability,” Mr Plunkett said.

“However, Simeon stood out and is certainly a worthy recipient of the title of Pharmacy Student of the Year.”

The eight finalists were:

Jo Higgins, Griffith University

Lloyd Smith, Charles Sturt University

Amy Pitchford, University of Canberra

Ed Anderson, University of Tasmania

Brooke Oxley, LaTrobe University

Alexandra Phillips, University of South Australia

Simeon Ngweso, Curtin University

Elise Taylor, Charles Sturt University


Mr Plunkett said the Alphapharm Pharmacy Student of the Year Awards were launched at PAC in 2004, and are now firmly entrenched as one of the highlights of the annual pharmacy conference.

”The PSA Alphapharm Pharmacy Student of the Year award recognises outstanding pharmacy students by showcasing their skills and abilities to the pharmacy profession,” he said,

“It is also a chance for students to apply their skills and be judged on them – thus learning from the experience and being able apply the new knowledge to their professional skills base.

”The award recognises the importance of communication and counselling skills in best pharmacy practice.

“And as we move towards a more professional service focussed pharmacy model, these communication and counselling skills will assume even greater importance and significance in the pharmacy of the future.”

16 October 2009
PSA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED

A career as a pharmacist spanning 49 years, during which he has excelled in applying professionalism in community service, pharmacy and industry practice innovation has seen Emil Dan being named recipient of the PSA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr Dan has committed his professional time to sharing his extensive knowledge and promoting the role of pharmacists in the community and multi-disciplinary practice, especially in asthma, allergy and respiratory education.

Announcing the award, National President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said Mr Dan’s work at the forefront of asthma and allergy research had resulted in the design and production of evidence-based products for allergy.

“His identification of the dust mite as a primary cause of asthma and allergy was a breakthrough, as was his development of protective products and asthma respiratory machines,” Mr Plunkett said.

 “Emil has also been a visionary in asthma and respiratory education.

“Emil’s commitment to keeping his developments in pharmacy led to the establishment of Allersearch to ensure his products were marketed through pharmacy and ethically.

“He was instrumental in the process to unifying state-based asthma bodies into a national body which is now able to coordinate and deliver asthma programs nationally.

 “He also developed a program called Standards of Asthma in Pharmacy Practice, a further example of his promotion of the role of pharmacists in this important practice area.”

Mr Plunkett said Mr Emil’s life-long support, commitment and involvement with asthma patients deserved recognition such as the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr Emil said it was an honour to have been chosen for the award.

“It is an award that will be treasured,” he said.

“But the real thanks go to the pharmacists and health-care professionals across Australia that have supported all these endeavours towards respiratory management and education, thanks for the encouragement and support of a lifetime of mentors.”

Patrick Davies, CEO of Symbion, sponsors of the awards for the fifth consecutive year, paid tribute to Mr Dan.

“The Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious recognition of the significant contribution that Emil has made to the Australian Pharmacy industry throughout his distinguished career.  Emil is a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award and he sets a fine example for others to follow.”

16 October 2009
YOUNG PHARMACIST OF THE YEAR NAMED

A commitment to pharmacy practice improvement through the delivery of high-quality, relevant continuing professional development and practice support has seen Queensland community pharmacist Bruce Elliot named the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Young Pharmacist of the Year

Mr Elliot, who works as a community pharmacist in Yeppoon, was announced as the recipient of this year’s prestigious award at the Pharmacy Australia Congress in Sydney today.

Announcing the award, National President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said Mr Elliot was an example that all young pharmacists could aspire to.

“Bruce, who is Vice-President of the Queensland Branch of the PSA as well as a National Board member of the Society, is an outstanding role model for our next generation of pharmacists and a future leader of our profession,” Mr Plunkett said.

Mr Elliot said he was very humbled to be the recipient of the award “particularly as I look back at previous winners who have been a personal inspiration to me and no doubt to many others in the profession.  I can only hope that I will contribute as much to the profession as they have.”

“I have been blessed over my career to work alongside many talented pharmacists who have inspired me to continually seek practice improvement.  As I reflect on my career to date, I can now see what a tremendous influence their mentoring has provided and I am so grateful for this,” he said.

“Pharmacy is a great profession to be a part of because of its increasing diversity.  The scope of practice is constantly being extended and there is no doubting the integral role pharmacists play in primary health care in Australia.  I look forward to continuing to contribute to the profession and working with pharmacists from across Australia to help shape our future role.”

Mr Elliot said opportunities from living and working in regional areas had helped in creating a rewarding career for him

“I am proud that my work in delivering quality continuing professional education has benefited other regional pharmacists whose tireless efforts in their communities should not be overlooked,” He said.

Patrick Davies, CEO of Symbion, sponsors of the awards for the fifth consecutive year, paid tribute to Mr Elliot.

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Awards recognise and reward innovation and excellence in pharmacy and they also play a vital role in encouraging and developing young Australian pharmacists,” Mr Davies said.

“Bruce’s effort in winning the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Young Pharmacist of the Year is a fantastic achievement and one that will continue to inspire all young pharmacists in the industry to strive for excellence in their profession.”

16 October 2009
PHARMACIST OF THE YEAR NAMED

A Sydney community pharmacist has won the prestigious Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Pharmacist of the Year award.

Nick Logan of Nick Logan Pharmacist Advice at Artarmon has built a successful practice which focuses on the development of an innovative professional model of pharmacy practice.

Announcing the awards at the Pharmacy Australia Congress in Sydney today, National President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett praised Mr Logan’s vision and commitment to the future of pharmacy.

“This award recognises in part how Mr Logan was one of the first pharmacists to adopt the ‘Forward Pharmacy’ model and how he has built on it,” Mr Plunkett said.

“In 2009 his contribution to the profession has been such that being named Pharmacist of the Year is an apt and fitting recognition of his ongoing work.

“This award gives Mr Logan a special standing and status among his many peers throughout the pharmacy profession, as well as among other health professionals across the country.”

He said that Mr Logan winning the Quality Care Pharmacy Program Pharmacy of the Year award this year gave his professional business model significant exposure and was an important factor in his selection.

Mr Logan praised his staff as being fundamental to his being named Pharmacist of the Year.

“I am absolutely honoured to be chosen as pharmacist of the year,” he said.

“I have been very lucky to have had a string of motivated and high achieving intern pharmacists who have gone on to become brilliant pharmacists in their own right who have keenly supported the development of my pharmacy as a professional model.

“They have relentlessly pursued the evolution of primary health care services and shown great loyalty and devotion to me and my business.

“My staff have always made me look special and I can’t thank them enough for that.

“What is important in 2009 is the recognition that there is an alternative to price-focused pharmacy and that commitment to professional service can be commercially successful and professionally rewarding.”

Patrick Davies, CEO of Symbion, sponsors of the awards for the fifth consecutive year, paid tribute to Mr Logan.

“These Awards inspire all pharmacists to continue to drive professional standards even higher and to further elevate the quality of health care provided through all pharmacies in Australia,” Mr Davies said.

“On behalf of everyone at Symbion, we’re delighted to recognise Nick’s achievement as the 2009 Pharmacist of the Year.”

 

16 October 2009
HISTORIC MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have entered into a historic Memorandum of Understanding to work collaboratively and cooperatively for the benefits of health consumers in Australia.

The MoU was signed in Sydney today by the President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, and the President of the RACGP, Dr Chris Mitchell, at a ceremony during the Pharmacy Australia Congress.

Mr Plunkett said the PSA and RACGP have a shared commitment to delivering the highest standards of care and improved health outcomes to the community and both organisations have a focus on training and continuing professional education.

“There are enormous benefits in the two organisations working together collaboratively and cooperatively,” he said.

“This historic MOU has established a framework for commitment and cooperation between the two organisations to help unite our professions in the context of primary health-care teams and the delivery of improved health outcomes.

“It also strengthens the two professions’ advocacy position when seeking mutually agreed objectives to enhance health-care outcomes.”

Dr Chris Mitchell, RACGP President, said: “As GPs we build trust by offering whole person, continuing, comprehensive and coordinated care. The skills of pharmacists are vitally needed to support the delivery of the basket of services our patients need and to help address the currently unmet health needs as we move from a hospital based to a community based system.

“The PSA represents some 80 per cent of pharmacists across Australia and this agreement is a clear indication that the RACGP wants a constructive relationship with pharmacy.

“This agreement will strengthen the important relationships between GPs and pharmacists, it will provide us with a great opportunity to jointly work on research and education projects and will help to deliver better health outcomes for our patients.”

11 October  2009
DMAS TRAINING PROGRAM AT PAC

Pharmacists looking to expand their knowledge about disease state management programs have an opportunity this week to attend a special two-day session at PAC in Sydney.

And an added bonus of the training is that for an additional $100 on top of the course fee, attendees get full access to PAC.

The importance of pharmacists acquiring additional knowledge is assuming even greater importance as the pharmacy profession becomes increasingly acknowledged as a frontline health service in the new multi-disciplinary model of health care evolving in Australia. 

Although pharmacy remains a private sector industry in the new health-care model, the additional responsibility it has developed in its provision of health-care services requires an increase in specialised knowledge and new implementation skills.

But because of the time-poor nature of pharmacists, such information often can be hard to obtain when trying to source it from a number of different and often divergent sources.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is actively supporting pharmacists in the transition to the new health-care model and the special program at PAC is one example of how the Society is acting for its members in this area.

PSA members can choose to attend the DMAS as a stand-alone program for $660 (including GST and credential).Or alternatively they can choose to pay an additional $100 which will give them full access to PAC.

The DMAS training runs on Thursday 15 (9am-5pm) and Saturday 17 (11am-5pm) October, leaving plenty of time for attendees  to take advantage of the PAC program on Friday and Sunday, as well as the Saturday morning plenary session.

12 October 2009
APESMA BOOST FOR PHARMACISTS’ SUPPORT SERVICE

A unique support and counseling service for pharmacists has been given financial support by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists & Managers, Australia, a not-for-profit industrial relations organisation representing employee pharmacists.

The Pharmacists’ Support Service, managed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria and soon to be available nationally, has been in operation for 14 years and offers support for pharmacists in times of stress and crisis.

Chair of the Pharmacists’ Support Service, Michael Scavone, said APESMA had donated $2500 to the PSS in recognition of the work the service conducts.

“The services PSS conducts are vital and the service is operated 24 hours a day by volunteer pharmacists who have been trained in telephone counselling,” Mr Scavone said.

“Our volunteers are trained to listen to any problem that pharmacists might encounter and to then help find the most appropriate advice or solution when it is needed.

“In addition, these volunteers are supported by an extensive network of professional counsellors and support groups to ensure the distressed caller gets the best advice and help available.”

Mr Scavone said the APESMA donation was important as it highlighted the growing recognition of the PSS and the work it conducts for all pharmacists, interns and pharmacy students.

“The service relies on donations like this and we are very grateful to APESMA for its generosity,” Mr Scavone said.

“To facilitate similar donations in the future, PSS has begun proceedings to move to an Incorporated Association and this will facilitate application to the ATO for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.

“Obtaining DGR status will facilitate the process of making donations to the service and also make such gifts more attractive to those wanting to make them.”

9 October 2009
THE GREAT DEBATE AT PAC

A new feature on 2009’s Pharmacy Australia Congress opening program is the "Great Debate" between Pharmacy experts with divergent views about the future direction for community pharmacy.

The subject to be debated is The answer to our future viability is increasing FOS sales not more professional services.

Renowned financial and business consultant to pharmacy, Bruce Annabel, will begin the debate for each side with an outline of the financial implications from following one direction or the other.  

Arguing for an expansion of the front-of-shop business will be Terry White, well known for the success of his franchise's health and beauty retail model, and well known Sydney pharmacist Terry Herfert. 

On the other side of the debate will be Professor Charlie Benrimoj, an expert on professional service implementation and a great critic of non-health related product categories in pharmacy, and Karen Peachey, former Queensland Guild Vice-President and strong advocate for the professional service model for community pharmacy.

The man in the middle is the now pharmacy business academic Phill Woods who will try to keep the passion and rhetoric to a minimum and facts to the forefront in what promises to be an absorbing contest between these industry heavyweights.  

National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Warwick Plunkett, said the debate promised to be one of the many highlights at PAC this year.

The results of the stimulating discussion may well determine the future direction for pharmacies so attendance should mandatory at 4pm on 16 Friday when the words will fly.

“Not only will it be a highlight but it is one which fits perfectly into the theme of PAC this year which is Securing Your Practice Advantage,” Mr Plunkett said.

“The outcome of this debate may well determine the future direction for your pharmacy so your presence should be mandatory at 4pm on Friday 16 October.”

8 October 2009
PRU GOWARD TO ADDRESS  WOMEN IN PHARMACY GROUP

Prominent NSW Member of Parliament Pru Goward, the State Shadow Minister for Community Services and Shadow Minister for Women, will address this year’s PAC Women in Pharmacy breakfast being held on Saturday 17 October. 

The breakfast is a feature of PAC that many won’t want to miss, offering as it does an unrivalled opportunity for mentoring and networking, as well as observing great role models of women in pharmacy.

Ms Goward brings to the breakfast a vast range of knowledge on women’s issues.

She has worked closely on issues of women's rights for many years, heading the Federal women's policy advisory unit, the Office of the Status of Women, from 1997 to 1999,  after having worked as a national affairs journalist and political commentator for 19 years.

At the Office of the Status of Women, Ms Goward presided over the introduction of the first national program for the prevention of domestic violence - the largest program run by OSW with a budget of $50 million.

She also oversaw the introduction of reform to superannuation laws for divorced couples.

Ms Goward also played a pivotal role in the promotion of the Sydney 2000 Games as the Commonwealth spokesperson for the Games in the year leading up to and during the event.

She was appointed Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner for a five-year term from 30 July 2001 before entering the NSW Parliament as Member for Goulburn in 2007.

National President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said having Ms Goward address the breakfast was a great honour.

“Ms Goward has vast expertise and experience in women’s issues and her knowledge in this area is second to none,” he said.

“I urge everyone who can to attend the breakfast as it will be one to member.”

Because of interest in the breakfast, PAC organisers have decided to allow special non-conference registration for the event.  The cost is $45 for non-delegates and $30 for delegates. Details are available by phoning: (08) 9389 1488.

6 October 2009

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH, MARK BUTLER, TO OPEN PAC09

The Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP, will officially open the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Pharmacy Australia Congress in Sydney on Friday 16 October.

The National President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said Mr Butler’s willingness and enthusiasm in agreeing to open the Congress was significant.

“During the year three major reports have already been released which have had, and will continue to have a major impact on health care and how it is delivered in Australia,” Mr Plunkett said.

“It is a great privilege for PAC09 to be opened by Mr Butler and I believe this reflects the value that the Government places on the pharmacy profession as being pivotal to health care in this country.

“Mr Butler was only appointed to the position this year and it has indeed been a very busy year with the rapidly escalating agenda for reform throughout the health-care sector.”

Mr Plunkett said Mr Butler had brought a wide range of experience to Parliament since being first elected in 2007.

Before entering parliament Mark worked in the South Australian Branch of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union where he led campaigns in industries including hospitals, cleaning, child care, aged care, the wine industry and hotels.

He served as the youngest President of the ALP in South Australia in 1997-98 and has been a member of the ALP National Executive and Executive Committee since 2000. Mr Butler holds a First Class Honours Law degree, an Arts degree from Adelaide University and a Masters Degree in International Relations.

“Mr Butler’s wide experience is certainly a great asset for someone holding his portfolio and I look forward to welcoming him at PAC09,” Mr Plunkett said.

This year PAC is being held from October 15-18 at the Sydney Hilton Hotel under the over-arching theme of Securing Your Practice Advantage.

Full details of PAC can be found at www.pac2009.com.au

2 October 2009

THE NEED TO KNOW — PAC EXAMINES HEART PATIENTS AND THEIR MEDICATIONS

The aftermath of a heart attack or the recovery from bypass surgery or percutaneous intervention can be confronting for many patients.

The reality is that many of these patients may have never taken medicines before and most will require at least four medications to reduce their risk of further adverse cardiovascular events, many of them for life.

This can present particular problems and challenges for pharmacists and these will be addressed in a presentation at the Pharmacy Australia Congress being held in Sydney from 15-18 October.

Under the overarching theme of Securing Your Practice Advantage., the Congress includes a Therapeutics Update stream which will feature a presentation by Dr Sasha Bennett entitled Acute coronary syndrome patients need to know about their medications

Dr Bennett, a pharmacist with experience in both hospital and community clinical practice, says patients who have been taking medications are often older and the addition of these medications may increase the complexity of the drug regimens.

“Smokers have often had multiple attempts to stop with no success. Furthermore risk factor modification using non-pharmacological interventions will also be necessary,” Dr Bennett points out.

“There is clear evidence that non-adherence to medications in this setting results in increased adverse events.

“How can the pharmacist help these patients?”

Dr Bennett’s presentation will discuss common concerns of cardiovascular patients as well as identifying barriers to QUM and strategies to help pharmacists overcome them.

“Barriers include cost of medications, fear of side effects, feelings of disempowerment, denial and the use of inappropriate settings and timing for education and counselling,” she says.

“Therapies which may do harm or interact with other medications will be also discussed as well as practical measures to optimize health outcomes.”

Full details of PAC can be found at www.pac2009.com.au

2 October 2009

CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The term Chronic Disease Management has now firmly entered the health-care vocabulary.

While nearly everyone ‘knows’ what it means, there are many different definitions and associated models of care.

At National and State/Territory levels, policies for improving the care of chronic conditions guide and/or drive capacity building and programmatic change have been developed

In response, the organisation of care, focused on patient-centred service delivery, is being redesigned within chronic disease management (CDM) programs to better meet the needs of people with chronic conditions.

To update pharmacists and delegates at the Pharmacy Australia Congress being held in Sydney from 15-18 October, a special presentation dealing with disease state management will be delivered by Dr Caroline Brand, Director, Clinical Epidemiology & Health Services at Melbourne Health.

Dr Brand says that while there is increasing evidence for the role of CDM programs to improve health outcomes for people with chronic disease, the evidence is limited by heterogeneity in study interventions, evaluation methods and choice of outcomes measures.

“In this presentation I will provide a background to the emergence of chronic disease management programs and an overview of the evidence for their effectiveness,” Dr Brand says.

“In addition I will examine issues that may influence effective and sustainable implementation.”

This year’s PAC in Sydney being held at the Sydney Hilton from 15-18 October under the overarching theme of Securing Your Practice Advantage.

Full details of PAC can be found at www.pac2009.com.au

 

 

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