Pharmacy Catalyst’s Post

Managing #medications in aged care is complex and requires extensive clinical knowledge and experience. Despite the narrative that the aged care onsite pharmacist will 'solve' the issues, those who work on the front line know first-hand that the #ACOP will add benefit to the residents, their families and the RACF however it will not provide the clinical safety net that residents and RACFs need, at least during the transition, which is advanced pharmacy. Medication in aged care is more than #polypharmacy, #deprescribing and #restrictivepractice. Medication management in aged are requires robust clinical governance systems and processes to support clinical quality and safety. Only when these systems exist, can safe and quality use of medications commence. To achieve person centred care and safety, you cannot have one without the other. We are now 10 weeks into the commencement of the program and it appears to be creating a hunger games type of scenario - community pharmacies fighting to keep their business, experienced clinical pharmacists desperate to retain their agreements, large groups identifying a funding opportunity and RACFs who are trying to navigate a way out of the dark. From my perspective, the solution is quite simple - concurrent funding for the #ACOP and #RMMR and #QUM. If the question, 'aren't they the same role and will there be overlap?' is posed, my response is no. They are very different roles and necessarily so. Removing the scaffolding of experienced advanced pharmacy and replacing with a new, and in many cases inexperienced pharmacist, without a transition phase at the very minimum, simply isn't in the best interest of the residents or their families. Mark Butler Anika Wells Ged Kearney The Hon. Peter Dutton MP Anne Ruston Tom Symondson Craig Gear OAM Elizabeth Deveny Older Persons Advocacy Network Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) Aged & Community Care Providers Association #agedcare #agedcareaustralia #medicationsafety #embeddedpharmacist #qualityuseofmedicines #onsitepharmacist #advancedpharmacy #clinical

Remember the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot Queensland Service Evaluation Report, approved in April 2023? Key Takeaways: 1. Only 28.9% (2,973 out of 10,270) of patients were available for a follow-up consultation. 2. Multiple instances of protocol deviation occurred during the trial, with reasons including: “pharmacists were not alerted that individuals did not meet the eligibility criteria” and “pharmacists did not accurately record previous treatments.” 3. A patient in the trial was admitted to the hospital with appendicitis four days after commencing her initial three-day treatment with trimethoprim. 4. One patient in the trial was diagnosed with a “superbug,” and another required intravenous nitrofurantoin. 5. Only two hours of online training (via an online training module) and a subsequent multiple-choice examination were required to prescribe medicines to patients. 6. A significant number of women accessing the service more than once met criteria for recurrent infection or relapse, a clinical situation that should have triggered a referral to a GP. Pharmacy and Nurse Practitioner lobby groups continue to advocate for profoundly misguided initiatives that threaten the very foundation of our healthcare system. Their audacious encroachment into the domain of medical practice endangers patient safety and diminishes the quality of care provided. In rural areas, where access to healthcare is already limited, the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment is significantly heightened when these responsibilities are shifted to less qualified professionals. The current educational and regulatory frameworks are grossly inadequate to support this expanded role for Pharmacists and Nurse Practitioners. Without rigorous oversight and comprehensive training, the incidence of medication errors and adverse drug reactions will undoubtedly escalate, posing a grave threat to patient safety. Pharmacy and Nurse Practitioner lobbyists might excel in political collusion, but they fail miserably when it comes to ensuring patient safety. Urban-centric groups, such as Pharmacy and Nurse Practitioner lobbies, often propose solutions that are disconnected from the realities of regional and rural life. These proposals typically result in lower quality and lower value services for those actually living in these areas. Essentially, this is urban narcissism. Urban lobbyists, ensconced in their city-centric bubbles, frequently propose healthcare models that overlook the distinct needs of rural populations. Driven by a desire to expand their influence and market share, community pharmacy-led “solutions” result in lower quality and less effective healthcare being provided to vulnerable rural communities. Low-quality, low-value healthcare initiatives must be resolutely opposed to protect the high standards of medical care that Australians rightfully expect and deserve. Professors ought to know better. Patients ought to think twice.

During the recent PSA24 Conference, the PSA unveiled Pharmacists in 2030, their roadmap for the future of pharmacy practice in Australia, in collaboration with the Federal Health Minister, the Hon. Mark Butler MP. The following actions are key to achieving their vision for pharmacists reaching their full potential in 2030: 1. Medicine safety: Empower and support pharmacists to reduce risks and minimise harm by advancing medicine safety in practice. 2. Medicines stewardship: Support pharmacists to actively lead and influence effective and judicious medicine use. 3. Access to care: Provide all consumers greater access to care by leveraging pharmacists. 4. Equity: Support pharmacists to meet the unique needs of vulnerable individuals and priority populations to address the disparity of health status. 5. Workforce development: Grow the pharmacist workforce to address existing and emerging health challenges. 6. Sustainability: Drive practice changes which increases the sustainability of the pharmacist workforce, increase social contribution and limit environmental impact. #PharmacistsIn2030 #PSA24SYD #LocumFind #pharmacy #locumjobs #hospital #locumpharmacist #healthcare #pharmajobs Ref: https://buff.ly/3yBRBgq

Dear Pharmacists, Today, June 16, is Commonwealth Pharmacists Day. The theme for this year is, "Pharmacists Developing Resilient and Sustainable Health Systems for all." With this theme, the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) aims to emphasise the crucial role that our profession and National Pharmacy Associations have in supporting governments and policy-makers to develop solutions to emerging healthcare challenges, and to highlight the services pharmacists render that are crucial to building resilience. Create your personalised flyer and share your experiences as a pharmacist using the hashtags #CommonwealthPharmacistsDay and #ResilientPharmacist. https://lnkd.in/dVgMVH3p

Celebrating World Pharmacy Day with Pharmacy Direct: Delivering Healthcare Solutions to Millions Yesterday, 25 September 2024 was World Pharmacy Day and we proudly acknowledged the critical role pharmacists play in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our communities. Pharmacy Direct, an AfroCentric Group Company are not just medication dispensers, they are a caring, reliable and affordable partner in ensuring patient safety, managing chronic conditions and improving access to essential healthcare services for millions of South Africans. Did you know? · Pharmacists are key in ensuring patient safety by reviewing prescriptions, advising on medication use and helping patients manage long-term health conditions. This attention to detail is at the heart of what Pharmacy Direct does. · We serve over 400,000 patients across the country through our Chronic Medicine Delivery program, providing convenient access to medication, delivered straight to their home, workplace or nearest collection point. · Pharmacy Direct makes healthcare more accessible by offering home delivery services and expert medical advice to help patients effectively manage chronic conditions, ensuring they receive the ongoing support they need. In recognition of World Pharmacy Day yesterday, we honour the incredible dedication of pharmacists and healthcare professionals at Pharmacy Direct who work tirelessly to make healthcare safer, more accessible and more affordable. Their commitment to improving patient outcomes and collaborating with healthcare providers is the driving force behind our mission to deliver sustainable health solutions. Let’s take a moment to appreciate pharmacists who are at the heart of patient care – today and every day. #WorldPharmacyDay #PharmacistsCare #PharmacyDirect #HealthcareExcellence #ChronicMedication #PatientSafety #AccessibleHealthcare

Celebrating the 63rd National Pharmacy Week (NPW) – 17th to 23rd November 2024 This year, we embrace the theme: ‘Together for Your Well-being; Your Pharmacist Cares!’. It is a celebration of the invaluable contributions pharmacists make to healthcare and the well-being of communities worldwide. Pharmacists are the cornerstone of healthcare systems, ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines, promoting health education, and supporting patients in their journey toward better health. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion serve as a reminder that healthcare is incomplete without their vital role. As we observe this special week, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of the pharmacy profession and its commitment to the well-being of all. This week isn’t just about acknowledging pharmacists; it’s about recognizing their efforts to ensure healthier, safer, and happier lives for everyone. Let’s stand united in spreading awareness about the significance of pharmacists in healthcare and continue to advocate for their role in shaping a healthier future. Think Health! Think Pharmacy! Together, let’s honor the commitment of pharmacists who work tirelessly to make healthcare accessible and effective for everyone. #NPW2024 #ThinkPharmacy #PharmacistsCare #HealthcareProfessionals #PharmacyMatters

"Community pharmacists and parliamentarians come together in this video to highlight the importance of the sector in being a key solution to many of the NHS challenges. We would like to see community pharmacy be invested in and have a prominent role as part of the NHS 10-Year plan. " - Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) Watch the full video below and #Fight4Pharmacies! https://lnkd.in/eKtFZ_KJ #Pharmacy #CommunityPharmacy #Primarycare

Yesterday, Community Pharmacy England provided an insightful update on Pharmacy First! We're thrilled to see the industry adapting and evolving to meet the demands of the ever-changing healthcare landscape. The article provides a valuable overview of the opportunities and challenges faced during the initial rollout. We're particularly excited about the positive feedback from pharmacy teams. It's essential to highlight the tangible ways in which the Pharmacy First service is enhancing patient care and community pharmacy impact. As the NHS PR campaign launches next week, showcasing the incredible work of community pharmacies, we recognise the pivotal role pharmacy professionals play in the healthcare ecosystem. The innovative approach outlined in the article, along with the continuous effort to answer FAQs, provides clarity and sets the stage for a successful Pharmacy First service. From a recruitment perspective, we're enthusiastic about the opportunities this evolution brings to the pharmacy workforce. The commitment to ongoing learning and adaptation is a testament to the resilience and professionalism of the pharmacy community. Let's continue this collaborative journey, driving positive change in patient care and creating an environment that attracts and retains top talent in the pharmacy industry. Read more at https://lnkd.in/e3P2JVnd #PharmacyFirst #HealthcareEvolution #CommunityPharmacy #PharmacyRecruitment #HealthcareInnovation

The #VotePharmacy manifesto for community pharmacy calls for the expansion of the #PharmacyFirst service in England CCA modelling shows that a fully-funded service would free up 30m+ GP appointments annually. We’ve undertaken extensive analyses on the rollout of Pharmacy First which show that the service is consistently meeting patient needs. In the first month: 👉 92% of eligible patients receive the care they needed without the need for further referral. 👉 One-third of consultations have occurred out of hours (9-6pm), allowing patients to access care at convenient times. 👉 Two and half more consultations took place in areas of higher deprivation. Indeed, CCA members recently hit a milestone of 200,000. However, there is still much that can be done to increase public awareness and drive GP referrals. Read more here:

The Commonwealth of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia have signed a transformative Strategic Agreement, marking a new era for pharmacy practice. This partnership will strengthen the role of pharmacists in primary healthcare, elevate professional standards, and establish a solid foundation for the future. It's great to see this initiative driving towards a more effective and patient-centered healthcare system in Australia. #Pharmacy #Healthcare #Pharmacists #PharmX #HealthCareAustralia