Asthma is increasingly recognised as a heterogeneous disease, with several phenotypes defined by clinical and inflammatory characteristics. Common phenotypes include allergic (eosinophilic, IgE-mediated), non-allergic (often neutrophilic or paucigranulocytic), late-onset adult asthma, obesity-associated asthma, and asthma with persistent airflow limitation.14 Identifying phenotypes supports individualised treatment strategies, particularly in those with severe asthma, and better long-term outcomes.
Steps 2 and 3: Maintenance and reliever therapy (MART)
Comorbid conditions can complicate asthma management. Assess for and help address factors such as allergic rhinitis, which affects up to 80% of people with asthma,24 as well as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), anxiety, depression, obstructive sleep apnoea and smoking.
PSA has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy, marking a significant step for expanding education offerings and professional and practice support for members and the pharmacy profession.
PSA’s Board announced negotiations had successfully concluded. While there are still steps to be completed before the settlement, PSA is focused on how the acquisition will strengthen its leadership in education and training for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians.
The acquisition allows PSA to grow its industry-leading education and workforce development programs. The PSA Board is confident this is the right path forward for PSA, its members and the broader profession.
National President and Chair of the PSA Board Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the agreement was a transformational opportunity for the future of pharmacy education.
‘This agreement is a major milestone in our journey to strengthen and unify pharmacy education in Australia,’ A/Prof Sim said.
‘As the custodian for standards and guidelines for professional practice, the acquisition of the College by the PSA is a further strategic step toward building scale, capability, and capacity for pharmacy education in Australia, amidst the fast-evolving practice landscape.
‘This agreement reflects our shared intent and commitment to invest in the future of the profession and ensure pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians are supported at every stage of their careers. The acquisition aligns with PSA’s broader strategy to support the profession through a period of significant transformation, including the expansion of scope of practice and increasing demands on the healthcare system.
‘This is about building a stronger, more sustainable future for pharmacy education, so we can do more for our members. As the peak body representing all pharmacists in Australia, PSA continues to represent pharmacists across the profession and their interests, while continuing our commitment to uphold and support high standards of practice.
‘We are proud to lead this work and look forward to continuing to support our members with the highest quality education and professional development.’
PSA will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout the transition process, with a focus on continuity, quality and innovation in education delivery.
