td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26326 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-29 11:16:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-29 01:16:02 [post_content] =>The Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, which kicked off on 24 April 2024, is a game changer for pharmacist prescribing, allowing trained pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe treatment for 17 different conditions.
There are currently 12 North Queensland pharmacies offering the prescribing service, set to expand to hundreds after pharmacists complete the 12-month higher education training course –delivered by James Cook University (JCU) and Queensland University of Technology.
[caption id="attachment_26332" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Dr Peta-Ann Teague[/caption]Dr Peta-Ann Teague, co-designer of JCU’s training program, explains why pharmacists are integral to filling healthcare gaps and what it takes to be a pharmacist prescriber.
Becoming a pharmacist prescriber
When considering how to design the pharmacist prescribing course, Dr Teague spent an evening observing the happenings in a busy community pharmacy.
She was left astonished at the number and type of issues people brought to their pharmacist, and the rapidity with which a decision needed to be made about how to best support and/or direct the patient.
‘One of the things this pilot can do is equip pharmacists with the skills to adequately and appropriately manage some of these conditions,’ she said.
‘Because if the default position is always “Oh, you need to see your GP for that”, but you can't get in to see the GP, it’s not using these highly skilled professionals adequately.’
The Queensland pilot is different to other pharmacist prescribing trials and programs, such as those addressing urinary tract infections – where a patient comes in with symptoms of frequent urination, for example.
‘Although the specified conditions [in the QLD pilot] have very good evidence-based protocols around them, a patient doesn’t come in and say, “I've got mild to moderate psoriasis”,’ said Dr Teague.
‘It's up to the pharmacist to do the appropriate assessment, make a clinical decision as to whether the patient does indeed have psoriasis, how much of it falls within their scope, and at what [point] do they need to involve others.’
With that in mind, a key focus of the training’s clinical components entailed ensuring pharmacists understand the biopsychosocial model of patient care.
‘When a patient comes in with a symptom, pharmacists in the pilot have been trained to assess them holistically,’ she said.
‘They learned how to take a history, perform an appropriate and adequate patient assessment, then come to a decision about the next step in managing the patient – which could involve motivational interviewing for smoking cessation or referring the patient on.’
To avoid fragmentation of care, one of the big learning points for pharmacists involved how to approach collaborative co-management with a person's usual GP.
‘Some of the questions pharmacists will ask a patient as part of the biopsychosocial assessment is, “who do you usually see for your healthcare?” and “have you seen them recently?”said Dr Teague.
‘It’s about really understanding where the patient is at that time in their presentation to the pharmacist.’
More prescribers urgently needed
After working as a GP in regional and rural Australia for two decades, Dr Teague is well versed in the pressures on primary care to provide health services to patients.
Regional and remote communities face longer waiting times to see GPs and specialists, resulting in higher rates of preventable hospitalisations, with potentially avoidable deaths increasing in prevalence the further away people live from metropolitan areas.
Many small communities are ‘one or two resignations away’ from not being able to provide health services, thinks Dr Teague.
‘Locum services are also extremely expensive and they don’t usually know these communities,’ she added.
It’s not only regional, rural and remote areas that are short staffed. ‘There are some parts of outer Metro areas that could also benefit from a workforce injection into primary care,’ said Dr Teague.
Looking at innovative ways of extending scope of practice for health professionals already in those communities was therefore a key driver for Dr Teague’s involvement in the Queensland scope of practice pilot.
‘Community pharmacists embedded in regional and remote areas understand their communities,’ she said. ‘They’re not forced conscripts. They want to be there and provide a service.’
But it was Dr Teague’s ‘enormous’ professional regard for colleague Associate Professor John Smithson, Head of Pharmacy at JCU and lead designer of the pilot course, that propelled her to prepare pharmacists to deliver a high-quality, cost-effective health service to those in need.
‘He came to talk to me about this possibility, some years ago now,’ she said. ‘And I thought, “yes, I'll definitely lean into this and help him wherever I can”.’
New horizons for health care
The pharmacists who successfully completed the training experienced a ‘big lift’ in their practice skills, thinks Dr Teague.
‘I'm full of admiration for them,’ she said. ‘We really pressed them hard to understand and master competence in these skills, and then practise them.’
Those who have embraced the new model of care will contribute a great deal to patient care in their community, Dr Teague believes.
‘We already know that for many patients, the community pharmacist is someone they see more than their GP, and they have a really trusting relationship with them,’ she said.
‘Many patients will be comfortable receiving treatment from a pharmacist if they can’t get in to see their GP, or they think the pharmacist is the right person to talk to.
‘The trick here is for prescribing pharmacists to develop the skills to know what’s within their scope and what isn't, which will come with time.’
When the pilot draws to a close, Dr Teague hopes the outcome is an evidence-based, collaborative model of patient-centred care.
‘My impression of these pharmacists is that they are smart, conscientious and caring, and they don't want to be doctors,’ she said. ‘They want to continue being pharmacists, providing the best care they can.’
For GPs who are sceptical about the pilot, she advises them to find a prescribing pharmacist in their area and have a cup of tea with them.
‘Sit down, find out how to work together in the best possible way and approach it with a collaborative spirit,’ she said. ‘Because that way, we will be more likely to get good patient outcomes.’
[post_title] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [post_excerpt] => The urgent need to train pharmacists as autonomous prescribers to fill healthcare gaps under the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => why-this-gp-trained-pharmacists-for-the-qld-scope-of-practice-pilot [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-31 12:15:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-31 02:15:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26326 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [title] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/why-this-gp-trained-pharmacists-for-the-qld-scope-of-practice-pilot/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26335 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26294 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-27 12:07:47 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-27 02:07:47 [post_content] => After much media scrutiny, the federal Department of Health and Aged Care has announced a ban on compounded Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. The ban follows advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), after a Consultation to remove GLP-1RAs from the pharmacist extemporaneous compounding exemption, and a high-profile raid on a Melbourne compounding pharmacy earlier this year. Here’s what pharmacists need to know.What are the reasons for the ban?
The government has expressed concerns that compounded GLP-1RAs are not identical to TGA-approved products – such as Ozempic and Mounjaro – and are not clinically evaluated by the TGA for safety or efficacy. There are also concerns that the ‘replica’ medicines are being produced and supplied on a ‘commercial-like scale’ that is not in line with quality standards. This is refuted by telehealth start-up Eucalyptus, which said that none of its patients reported unexpected serious adverse outcomes in the 6 months it has been selling compounded Ozempic.When does it come into effect?
The ban on compounded GLP-1RAs will be introduced on 1 October 2024, giving patients and prescribers 4 months to consider a new management plan.What does the ban mean for patients?
The government has estimated that 20,000 patients are using compounded GLP-1RAs, predominantly for off-label weight loss use. However, recognising low visibility of the volume of compounded GLP-1RAs being supplied, the government has acknowledged uncertainty about the number of patients who use these medicines. Someplace the number significantly higher, with NIB-owned online script service Midnight Health purporting to have 10,000 patients who use compounded Mounjaro alone. ‘We think about 70,000 people use compounded weight loss medications,’ said NIB CEO Mark Fitzgibbon. This means tens of thousands of patients, and their prescribers, will need to plan for alternative therapy. Stock of the following GLP-1RAs approved by the TGA are expected to be replenished on:
Compounding is a long-standing clinical competency of pharmacy practice, giving patients access to medicines where there is a gap in commercial product suitability or availability. It is a necessary practice to support the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Compounding should only occur where appropriate standards of safety and quality can be met. As the peak body for pharmacists, PSA produces guidance for pharmacists on how to achieve this.
The compounding of sterile formulations, including all injections, can only be safely done in sophisticated sterile suite facilities which meet high standards for product integrity and avoiding contamination.
PSA recognises the TGA’s concerns that there have been cases of high-volume of semaglutide compounding which are alleged to have fallen well short of these expected standards. PSA recognises the government's announcement as a pragmatic measure to manage risks associated with these alleged rouge operators.
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26251 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-22 11:07:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-22 01:07:32 [post_content] => There’s just over 10 weeks to go until PSA24, when pharmacists across Australia converge for 3 days of networking, evidence-based education and fun.This year’s event – held in Sydney from 2-4 August 2024 – will be bigger and better than ever, with the move to the mammoth International Convention Centre (ICC).
To gear up for the conference, Australian Pharmacist spoke with two members of the ECP Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) about what they are planning to get out of PSA24.
Attending masterclasses on a range of conditions
Friday at PSA24 is officially ‘Masterclass day’, with three in-depth sessions to choose between, led by experts who will take attendees on a deep dive into the most up-to-date evidence and what it means for patient care.
With ADHD diagnoses increasing in prevalence, Pharmacy Partner at LiveLife Pharmacy Port Douglas, James Buckley MPS is hoping to learn more about the neurodevelopmental condition in the Focus forward: empowering pharmacists in ADHD care masterclass.
[caption id="attachment_26262" align="alignright" width="200"] James Buckley MPS[/caption]‘We're seeing more and more adults diagnosed with ADHD, so it will be interesting to learn more about helping patients manage the condition,’ he said.
Because trends in ADHD diagnosis and treatment are evolving, Mr Buckley is eager to demystify uncertainties about the condition in order to provide holistic care.
‘I think this will help me to develop more of an understanding of patients with ADHD and their stories,’ he said. ‘Putting yourself in their shoes and trying to understand what they're going through can help to better tailor counselling.’
As a newly credentialed pharmacist who now provides Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), Adelaide-based Raymond Truong MPS is keen to catch the Fighting kidney disease together; managing the intersection of CKD, HF & DM masterclass.
‘The three topics the masterclass covers – heart failure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus – are common in Australia, especially in our older population,’ he said.
[caption id="attachment_26267" align="alignright" width="281"] Raymond Truong MPS[/caption]Because the early stages of kidney disease can go undetected, knowing the red flags is key – particularly among patients who have diabetes and/or heart failure.
‘I’ve also noticed CKD is often labelled, but some clinicians don't address it,’ said Mr Truong. ‘So I've had to highlight it to the doctors as well.’
The third masterclass, Making the most of living with COPD will help pharmacists to identify patients with COPD and provide support to optimise health outcomes.
Choosing from 40 education sessions
At this year’s conference, pharmacists can pick and choose between a range of different education sessions geared towards contemporary pharmacy practice.
As one of the first pharmacists to complete the training for the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, Mr Buckley is aiming to boost his knowledge on treating skin conditions via five back-to-back Saturday sessions on:
‘With many different grading systems and severity scores required to categorise a patient's condition, which entails knowing what questions to ask and taking a really good history, I'm looking to improve those skills.’
At PSA24, pharmacists will benefit from plenty of networking opportunities, including breakfast with PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS on Saturday morning, and the Gala Dinner – where pharmacists are encouraged to attend in their finest 'golden' attire – later that night.
At the renowned ECP party on Friday night, Mr Buckley said the CSI leadership team is designing ‘ice breaker games’ for pharmacists to partake in. ‘Look forward to interactive social events on the night,’ he added.
[caption id="attachment_26279" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The PSA23 Gala Dinner[/caption]For Mr Truong, catching up with interstate pharmacist colleagues will be a highlight, as well as strengthening in-person bonds with other ECP CSI leadership members.
‘I’m also looking forward to identifying other ECPs, seeing what they're up to, particularly if they don't already have a network of their own,’ he said.
At this year’s conference, pharmacists can expect to experience a raft of changes, including sessions on topics that have never been broached before.
An emerging area that Mr Truong is looking forward to exploring is artificial intelligence in the education session Is AI transforming Healthcare?
‘Now that digital healthcare has been established, automation and AI has been a prevalent focus within the last few years,’ he said.
‘It will be interesting to learn more about how that will work in terms of healthcare, whether in a community setting, or even HMRs in the future.’
Meanwhile, Mr Buckley is looking forward to all the possibilities a new larger venue will provide.
‘I’m excited to see what the setup will be, including the trade show, stalls, and sessions along with any meeting, areas, bars and lounges,’ he said.
Don’t miss your chance to register for PSA24 at a reduced rate via the Early Bird offer for the full conference, which has been extended until 11:59 pm on May 26, 2024.
[post_title] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [post_excerpt] => Two ECPs discuss the new additions to this year’s conference program and the improvements they expect to see in their practice. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => getting-the-most-out-of-psa24 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-23 11:45:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-23 01:45:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26251 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [title] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/getting-the-most-out-of-psa24/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26250 )td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26223 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-20 10:10:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-20 00:10:26 [post_content] =>How pharmacist-administered vaccination has tracked across the years, and where the profession has an opportunity to improve access. As we approach winter, a number of jurisdictions, including New South Wales and Victoria, have been afflicted by a ‘virus soup’. With influenza season already peaking earlier than expected, pharmacists have the opportunity to protect an increasing proportion of the community against the virus. These graphs map out the professions’ increasing share of the vaccination pie, why pharmacists should be able to vaccinate patients of all ages, and the reason influenza vaccination should be promoted throughout the season.1. Pharmacists are administering more vaccinations every year
There has been an increase in the number of influenza vaccinations administered by pharmacists for a multitude of reasons, said Chris Campbell MPS, PSA General Manager Policy and Program Delivery. [caption id="attachment_10788" align="alignright" width="300"] Chris Campbell MPS[/caption] ‘Firstly, people are seeing pharmacists as a viable preference,’ he said. ‘The funding mechanisms are also now there.’ Even though pharmacists have had the legislative authority to administer influenza vaccines across the country to patients aged 5 years and over for some time, they haven’t always had access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) stock. This, among other things, is beginning to change. For example, Queensland became the first jurisdiction to allow ‘universal access’ to the influenza vaccine last year, meaning patients of all ages can access funded vaccination in all settings – including community pharmacies. ‘Queensland has not only removed all cost barriers, it has also removed all legislative barriers,’ said Mr Campbell.2. While GPs still administer more influenza vaccinations, pharmacist vaccination continues to grow
While there has been ‘some talk’ between professions that vaccine fatigue is on the rise, pharmacy vaccination keeps on growing because of the opportunistic vaccinations the profession provides. ‘Pharmacist vaccination also provides a level of convenience, and being able to provide vaccines at a time and place where people are most comfortable,’ he said. With all the barriers to vaccination slowly starting to be removed, there’s tremendous growth opportunity in pharmacy. Once pharmacists tap into this potential, the profession still has work to do to ensure vaccination services are culturally safe, said Mr Campbell. ‘We must have systems in place to make sure there’s an “always on” opportunity for people who walk in,’ he said. ‘And in parallel, have seamless online booking processes.’3. Influenza vaccination rates are dropping in young children
Children under 5 years of age are at risk of developing severe complications from influenza, including hospitalisation and death. There are 1.52 million people under 5 years of age in Australia. Currently, only 165,331 influenza vaccines have been administered to people <5 years of age. This is only around 10% of this cohort recommended for influenza vaccination. While a small part of this cohort (people <6 months age) cannot be vaccinated, we are clearly a long way short of the protection rates needed.To increase uptake, PSA’s long-term position is that there should be ‘no wrong door for vaccination’. This means influenza vaccination should be able to be offered in pharmacies in parallel to other childhood vaccinations, said Mr Campbell. ‘Offering vaccinations in pharmacies doesn't take away the opportunity to get vaccinated elsewhere,’ he said. ‘What it does do is increase the convenience for someone to be able to get the vaccine at a time and place of their choosing. ‘There should be an increase in vaccine uptake in children under 5 years of age when there’s an opportunity for an entire family to come to the pharmacy and get vaccinated.’4. Influenza vaccination rates plummet when winter starts
While 2022 was an unusual year – with free flu programs in May and June in most states and territories – influenza vaccination consistently begins to drop off after the first week of June. It’s therefore important that pharmacists convey to patients that it’s never too late to receive protection against influenza through vaccination, said Mr Campbell. ‘We know that not everyone is immunised against influenza,’ he said. ‘So it's always a relevant question to ask patients about their [immunisation status], regardless of time of year.’ For more information, watch PSA's recorded webinar Influenza in 2024 – The Right Vaccine for the Right Patient. [post_title] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [post_excerpt] => How pharmacist-administered vaccination has tracked across the years, and where the profession has an opportunity to improve access. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 4-graphs-that-show-how-influenza-vaccination-is-going-this-season [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-20 16:53:13 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-20 06:53:13 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26223 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [title] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/4-graphs-that-show-how-influenza-vaccination-is-going-this-season/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26230 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26165 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-15 12:15:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-15 02:15:23 [post_content] => Cheaper medicines, expanded vaccination services and clarity on pharmacist programs and agreements were central to the 2024–25 federal budget handed down last night in Canberra. After several years of interest rate hikes and soaring inflation, the focus of the Albanese government’s 2024–25 budget – was on the cost-of-living, with the announcement of a $7.8 billion relief package. Central to this initiative, among others, is ensuring essential medicines are affordable, and healthcare services are accessible. Australian Pharmacist breaks down the key budget measures that impact pharmacists and patients.1. Cheaper medicines for all
A focal point of the government’s cost-of-living relief package is funding for a $469.1 million Cheaper Medicines initiative. This includes a freeze on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) indexation for at least 1 year so medicine prices stay stable as the cost of living continues to increase. First Nations Australians will also benefit from an expansion to the Closing the Gap PBS copayment, which will now include all PBS medicines dispensed by community pharmacies, hospital, or approved prescribers. This will ensure essential medicines are either free or cheaper for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with PSA long advocating for better access to medicines for First Nations Australians. Other medicine funding measure include investments of:
The Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program will benefit from $333.7 million in funding, allowing credentialed pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care facility (RACF) from 1 July 2024.
Pharmacists who wish to participate in the ACOP workforce will need an Aged Care residential and a Medication Management Reviews (MMR), should they wish to provide Residential Medication Management Reviews.
There will also be a a transition measure that allows pharmacists with only the MMR credential to work in a RACF.
More details on the MMR recognition of prior learning pathway, ACOP program participation and funding pathways is available on PSA’s Pharmacist Credentialing Page and the below explainer from Kerri Barwick, PSA General Manager of Education and Training.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD5DYjTZbNkFollowing the government’s announcement of a $3 billion investment in the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement in March 2024, there were some revelations on what that funding would go towards in last night’s budget, including a freeze on indexation of the PBS co-payment for:
This will see a phasing out of the optional $1.00 discount over time.
‘As negotiations on the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and other agreements continue, PSA is highlighting the importance of funding for the delivery and quality improvement of pharmacist programs to further support patient safety,’ said A/Prof Sim.
With primary care services stretched and hospitals under pressure, the government announced a host of measures to improve healthcare access, including:
While PSA’s welcomed the cost of living measures and expanded pharmacy programs to ensure more accessible healthcare, there were some missed opportunities to better service those in need, as outlined in PSA’s 2024–25 budget submission. This includes funding for:
The PSA will continue to advocate for funded programs to optimise the role of pharmacists across specialisations and practice areas.
‘We continue to highlight that pharmacists are key to improving Australians’ access to care and quality use of medicines and medicine safety,’ said A/Prof Sim.
‘This is only the start of the journey, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the government, the Department and other stakeholders on this important work.
‘On behalf of PSA and Australia’s 37,000 pharmacists, I commend Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP on a budget addressing cost of living pressures of Australians.’
[post_title] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [post_excerpt] => Cheaper medicines, expanded vaccination services and clarity on pharmacist programs and agreements were central to the 2024–25 budget. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => what-do-pharmacists-need-to-know-about-this-years-budget [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-15 15:30:45 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-15 05:30:45 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26165 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [title] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/what-do-pharmacists-need-to-know-about-this-years-budget/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26167 )td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26326 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-29 11:16:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-29 01:16:02 [post_content] =>The Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, which kicked off on 24 April 2024, is a game changer for pharmacist prescribing, allowing trained pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe treatment for 17 different conditions.
There are currently 12 North Queensland pharmacies offering the prescribing service, set to expand to hundreds after pharmacists complete the 12-month higher education training course –delivered by James Cook University (JCU) and Queensland University of Technology.
[caption id="attachment_26332" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Dr Peta-Ann Teague[/caption]Dr Peta-Ann Teague, co-designer of JCU’s training program, explains why pharmacists are integral to filling healthcare gaps and what it takes to be a pharmacist prescriber.
Becoming a pharmacist prescriber
When considering how to design the pharmacist prescribing course, Dr Teague spent an evening observing the happenings in a busy community pharmacy.
She was left astonished at the number and type of issues people brought to their pharmacist, and the rapidity with which a decision needed to be made about how to best support and/or direct the patient.
‘One of the things this pilot can do is equip pharmacists with the skills to adequately and appropriately manage some of these conditions,’ she said.
‘Because if the default position is always “Oh, you need to see your GP for that”, but you can't get in to see the GP, it’s not using these highly skilled professionals adequately.’
The Queensland pilot is different to other pharmacist prescribing trials and programs, such as those addressing urinary tract infections – where a patient comes in with symptoms of frequent urination, for example.
‘Although the specified conditions [in the QLD pilot] have very good evidence-based protocols around them, a patient doesn’t come in and say, “I've got mild to moderate psoriasis”,’ said Dr Teague.
‘It's up to the pharmacist to do the appropriate assessment, make a clinical decision as to whether the patient does indeed have psoriasis, how much of it falls within their scope, and at what [point] do they need to involve others.’
With that in mind, a key focus of the training’s clinical components entailed ensuring pharmacists understand the biopsychosocial model of patient care.
‘When a patient comes in with a symptom, pharmacists in the pilot have been trained to assess them holistically,’ she said.
‘They learned how to take a history, perform an appropriate and adequate patient assessment, then come to a decision about the next step in managing the patient – which could involve motivational interviewing for smoking cessation or referring the patient on.’
To avoid fragmentation of care, one of the big learning points for pharmacists involved how to approach collaborative co-management with a person's usual GP.
‘Some of the questions pharmacists will ask a patient as part of the biopsychosocial assessment is, “who do you usually see for your healthcare?” and “have you seen them recently?”said Dr Teague.
‘It’s about really understanding where the patient is at that time in their presentation to the pharmacist.’
More prescribers urgently needed
After working as a GP in regional and rural Australia for two decades, Dr Teague is well versed in the pressures on primary care to provide health services to patients.
Regional and remote communities face longer waiting times to see GPs and specialists, resulting in higher rates of preventable hospitalisations, with potentially avoidable deaths increasing in prevalence the further away people live from metropolitan areas.
Many small communities are ‘one or two resignations away’ from not being able to provide health services, thinks Dr Teague.
‘Locum services are also extremely expensive and they don’t usually know these communities,’ she added.
It’s not only regional, rural and remote areas that are short staffed. ‘There are some parts of outer Metro areas that could also benefit from a workforce injection into primary care,’ said Dr Teague.
Looking at innovative ways of extending scope of practice for health professionals already in those communities was therefore a key driver for Dr Teague’s involvement in the Queensland scope of practice pilot.
‘Community pharmacists embedded in regional and remote areas understand their communities,’ she said. ‘They’re not forced conscripts. They want to be there and provide a service.’
But it was Dr Teague’s ‘enormous’ professional regard for colleague Associate Professor John Smithson, Head of Pharmacy at JCU and lead designer of the pilot course, that propelled her to prepare pharmacists to deliver a high-quality, cost-effective health service to those in need.
‘He came to talk to me about this possibility, some years ago now,’ she said. ‘And I thought, “yes, I'll definitely lean into this and help him wherever I can”.’
New horizons for health care
The pharmacists who successfully completed the training experienced a ‘big lift’ in their practice skills, thinks Dr Teague.
‘I'm full of admiration for them,’ she said. ‘We really pressed them hard to understand and master competence in these skills, and then practise them.’
Those who have embraced the new model of care will contribute a great deal to patient care in their community, Dr Teague believes.
‘We already know that for many patients, the community pharmacist is someone they see more than their GP, and they have a really trusting relationship with them,’ she said.
‘Many patients will be comfortable receiving treatment from a pharmacist if they can’t get in to see their GP, or they think the pharmacist is the right person to talk to.
‘The trick here is for prescribing pharmacists to develop the skills to know what’s within their scope and what isn't, which will come with time.’
When the pilot draws to a close, Dr Teague hopes the outcome is an evidence-based, collaborative model of patient-centred care.
‘My impression of these pharmacists is that they are smart, conscientious and caring, and they don't want to be doctors,’ she said. ‘They want to continue being pharmacists, providing the best care they can.’
For GPs who are sceptical about the pilot, she advises them to find a prescribing pharmacist in their area and have a cup of tea with them.
‘Sit down, find out how to work together in the best possible way and approach it with a collaborative spirit,’ she said. ‘Because that way, we will be more likely to get good patient outcomes.’
[post_title] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [post_excerpt] => The urgent need to train pharmacists as autonomous prescribers to fill healthcare gaps under the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => why-this-gp-trained-pharmacists-for-the-qld-scope-of-practice-pilot [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-31 12:15:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-31 02:15:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26326 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [title] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/why-this-gp-trained-pharmacists-for-the-qld-scope-of-practice-pilot/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26335 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26294 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-27 12:07:47 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-27 02:07:47 [post_content] => After much media scrutiny, the federal Department of Health and Aged Care has announced a ban on compounded Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. The ban follows advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), after a Consultation to remove GLP-1RAs from the pharmacist extemporaneous compounding exemption, and a high-profile raid on a Melbourne compounding pharmacy earlier this year. Here’s what pharmacists need to know.What are the reasons for the ban?
The government has expressed concerns that compounded GLP-1RAs are not identical to TGA-approved products – such as Ozempic and Mounjaro – and are not clinically evaluated by the TGA for safety or efficacy. There are also concerns that the ‘replica’ medicines are being produced and supplied on a ‘commercial-like scale’ that is not in line with quality standards. This is refuted by telehealth start-up Eucalyptus, which said that none of its patients reported unexpected serious adverse outcomes in the 6 months it has been selling compounded Ozempic.When does it come into effect?
The ban on compounded GLP-1RAs will be introduced on 1 October 2024, giving patients and prescribers 4 months to consider a new management plan.What does the ban mean for patients?
The government has estimated that 20,000 patients are using compounded GLP-1RAs, predominantly for off-label weight loss use. However, recognising low visibility of the volume of compounded GLP-1RAs being supplied, the government has acknowledged uncertainty about the number of patients who use these medicines. Someplace the number significantly higher, with NIB-owned online script service Midnight Health purporting to have 10,000 patients who use compounded Mounjaro alone. ‘We think about 70,000 people use compounded weight loss medications,’ said NIB CEO Mark Fitzgibbon. This means tens of thousands of patients, and their prescribers, will need to plan for alternative therapy. Stock of the following GLP-1RAs approved by the TGA are expected to be replenished on:
Compounding is a long-standing clinical competency of pharmacy practice, giving patients access to medicines where there is a gap in commercial product suitability or availability. It is a necessary practice to support the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Compounding should only occur where appropriate standards of safety and quality can be met. As the peak body for pharmacists, PSA produces guidance for pharmacists on how to achieve this.
The compounding of sterile formulations, including all injections, can only be safely done in sophisticated sterile suite facilities which meet high standards for product integrity and avoiding contamination.
PSA recognises the TGA’s concerns that there have been cases of high-volume of semaglutide compounding which are alleged to have fallen well short of these expected standards. PSA recognises the government's announcement as a pragmatic measure to manage risks associated with these alleged rouge operators.
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26251 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-22 11:07:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-22 01:07:32 [post_content] => There’s just over 10 weeks to go until PSA24, when pharmacists across Australia converge for 3 days of networking, evidence-based education and fun.This year’s event – held in Sydney from 2-4 August 2024 – will be bigger and better than ever, with the move to the mammoth International Convention Centre (ICC).
To gear up for the conference, Australian Pharmacist spoke with two members of the ECP Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) about what they are planning to get out of PSA24.
Attending masterclasses on a range of conditions
Friday at PSA24 is officially ‘Masterclass day’, with three in-depth sessions to choose between, led by experts who will take attendees on a deep dive into the most up-to-date evidence and what it means for patient care.
With ADHD diagnoses increasing in prevalence, Pharmacy Partner at LiveLife Pharmacy Port Douglas, James Buckley MPS is hoping to learn more about the neurodevelopmental condition in the Focus forward: empowering pharmacists in ADHD care masterclass.
[caption id="attachment_26262" align="alignright" width="200"] James Buckley MPS[/caption]‘We're seeing more and more adults diagnosed with ADHD, so it will be interesting to learn more about helping patients manage the condition,’ he said.
Because trends in ADHD diagnosis and treatment are evolving, Mr Buckley is eager to demystify uncertainties about the condition in order to provide holistic care.
‘I think this will help me to develop more of an understanding of patients with ADHD and their stories,’ he said. ‘Putting yourself in their shoes and trying to understand what they're going through can help to better tailor counselling.’
As a newly credentialed pharmacist who now provides Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), Adelaide-based Raymond Truong MPS is keen to catch the Fighting kidney disease together; managing the intersection of CKD, HF & DM masterclass.
‘The three topics the masterclass covers – heart failure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus – are common in Australia, especially in our older population,’ he said.
[caption id="attachment_26267" align="alignright" width="281"] Raymond Truong MPS[/caption]Because the early stages of kidney disease can go undetected, knowing the red flags is key – particularly among patients who have diabetes and/or heart failure.
‘I’ve also noticed CKD is often labelled, but some clinicians don't address it,’ said Mr Truong. ‘So I've had to highlight it to the doctors as well.’
The third masterclass, Making the most of living with COPD will help pharmacists to identify patients with COPD and provide support to optimise health outcomes.
Choosing from 40 education sessions
At this year’s conference, pharmacists can pick and choose between a range of different education sessions geared towards contemporary pharmacy practice.
As one of the first pharmacists to complete the training for the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, Mr Buckley is aiming to boost his knowledge on treating skin conditions via five back-to-back Saturday sessions on:
‘With many different grading systems and severity scores required to categorise a patient's condition, which entails knowing what questions to ask and taking a really good history, I'm looking to improve those skills.’
At PSA24, pharmacists will benefit from plenty of networking opportunities, including breakfast with PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS on Saturday morning, and the Gala Dinner – where pharmacists are encouraged to attend in their finest 'golden' attire – later that night.
At the renowned ECP party on Friday night, Mr Buckley said the CSI leadership team is designing ‘ice breaker games’ for pharmacists to partake in. ‘Look forward to interactive social events on the night,’ he added.
[caption id="attachment_26279" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The PSA23 Gala Dinner[/caption]For Mr Truong, catching up with interstate pharmacist colleagues will be a highlight, as well as strengthening in-person bonds with other ECP CSI leadership members.
‘I’m also looking forward to identifying other ECPs, seeing what they're up to, particularly if they don't already have a network of their own,’ he said.
At this year’s conference, pharmacists can expect to experience a raft of changes, including sessions on topics that have never been broached before.
An emerging area that Mr Truong is looking forward to exploring is artificial intelligence in the education session Is AI transforming Healthcare?
‘Now that digital healthcare has been established, automation and AI has been a prevalent focus within the last few years,’ he said.
‘It will be interesting to learn more about how that will work in terms of healthcare, whether in a community setting, or even HMRs in the future.’
Meanwhile, Mr Buckley is looking forward to all the possibilities a new larger venue will provide.
‘I’m excited to see what the setup will be, including the trade show, stalls, and sessions along with any meeting, areas, bars and lounges,’ he said.
Don’t miss your chance to register for PSA24 at a reduced rate via the Early Bird offer for the full conference, which has been extended until 11:59 pm on May 26, 2024.
[post_title] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [post_excerpt] => Two ECPs discuss the new additions to this year’s conference program and the improvements they expect to see in their practice. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => getting-the-most-out-of-psa24 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-23 11:45:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-23 01:45:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26251 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [title] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/getting-the-most-out-of-psa24/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26250 )td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26223 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-20 10:10:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-20 00:10:26 [post_content] =>How pharmacist-administered vaccination has tracked across the years, and where the profession has an opportunity to improve access. As we approach winter, a number of jurisdictions, including New South Wales and Victoria, have been afflicted by a ‘virus soup’. With influenza season already peaking earlier than expected, pharmacists have the opportunity to protect an increasing proportion of the community against the virus. These graphs map out the professions’ increasing share of the vaccination pie, why pharmacists should be able to vaccinate patients of all ages, and the reason influenza vaccination should be promoted throughout the season.1. Pharmacists are administering more vaccinations every year
There has been an increase in the number of influenza vaccinations administered by pharmacists for a multitude of reasons, said Chris Campbell MPS, PSA General Manager Policy and Program Delivery. [caption id="attachment_10788" align="alignright" width="300"] Chris Campbell MPS[/caption] ‘Firstly, people are seeing pharmacists as a viable preference,’ he said. ‘The funding mechanisms are also now there.’ Even though pharmacists have had the legislative authority to administer influenza vaccines across the country to patients aged 5 years and over for some time, they haven’t always had access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) stock. This, among other things, is beginning to change. For example, Queensland became the first jurisdiction to allow ‘universal access’ to the influenza vaccine last year, meaning patients of all ages can access funded vaccination in all settings – including community pharmacies. ‘Queensland has not only removed all cost barriers, it has also removed all legislative barriers,’ said Mr Campbell.2. While GPs still administer more influenza vaccinations, pharmacist vaccination continues to grow
While there has been ‘some talk’ between professions that vaccine fatigue is on the rise, pharmacy vaccination keeps on growing because of the opportunistic vaccinations the profession provides. ‘Pharmacist vaccination also provides a level of convenience, and being able to provide vaccines at a time and place where people are most comfortable,’ he said. With all the barriers to vaccination slowly starting to be removed, there’s tremendous growth opportunity in pharmacy. Once pharmacists tap into this potential, the profession still has work to do to ensure vaccination services are culturally safe, said Mr Campbell. ‘We must have systems in place to make sure there’s an “always on” opportunity for people who walk in,’ he said. ‘And in parallel, have seamless online booking processes.’3. Influenza vaccination rates are dropping in young children
Children under 5 years of age are at risk of developing severe complications from influenza, including hospitalisation and death. There are 1.52 million people under 5 years of age in Australia. Currently, only 165,331 influenza vaccines have been administered to people <5 years of age. This is only around 10% of this cohort recommended for influenza vaccination. While a small part of this cohort (people <6 months age) cannot be vaccinated, we are clearly a long way short of the protection rates needed.To increase uptake, PSA’s long-term position is that there should be ‘no wrong door for vaccination’. This means influenza vaccination should be able to be offered in pharmacies in parallel to other childhood vaccinations, said Mr Campbell. ‘Offering vaccinations in pharmacies doesn't take away the opportunity to get vaccinated elsewhere,’ he said. ‘What it does do is increase the convenience for someone to be able to get the vaccine at a time and place of their choosing. ‘There should be an increase in vaccine uptake in children under 5 years of age when there’s an opportunity for an entire family to come to the pharmacy and get vaccinated.’4. Influenza vaccination rates plummet when winter starts
While 2022 was an unusual year – with free flu programs in May and June in most states and territories – influenza vaccination consistently begins to drop off after the first week of June. It’s therefore important that pharmacists convey to patients that it’s never too late to receive protection against influenza through vaccination, said Mr Campbell. ‘We know that not everyone is immunised against influenza,’ he said. ‘So it's always a relevant question to ask patients about their [immunisation status], regardless of time of year.’ For more information, watch PSA's recorded webinar Influenza in 2024 – The Right Vaccine for the Right Patient. [post_title] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [post_excerpt] => How pharmacist-administered vaccination has tracked across the years, and where the profession has an opportunity to improve access. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 4-graphs-that-show-how-influenza-vaccination-is-going-this-season [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-20 16:53:13 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-20 06:53:13 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26223 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [title] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/4-graphs-that-show-how-influenza-vaccination-is-going-this-season/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26230 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26165 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-15 12:15:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-15 02:15:23 [post_content] => Cheaper medicines, expanded vaccination services and clarity on pharmacist programs and agreements were central to the 2024–25 federal budget handed down last night in Canberra. After several years of interest rate hikes and soaring inflation, the focus of the Albanese government’s 2024–25 budget – was on the cost-of-living, with the announcement of a $7.8 billion relief package. Central to this initiative, among others, is ensuring essential medicines are affordable, and healthcare services are accessible. Australian Pharmacist breaks down the key budget measures that impact pharmacists and patients.1. Cheaper medicines for all
A focal point of the government’s cost-of-living relief package is funding for a $469.1 million Cheaper Medicines initiative. This includes a freeze on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) indexation for at least 1 year so medicine prices stay stable as the cost of living continues to increase. First Nations Australians will also benefit from an expansion to the Closing the Gap PBS copayment, which will now include all PBS medicines dispensed by community pharmacies, hospital, or approved prescribers. This will ensure essential medicines are either free or cheaper for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with PSA long advocating for better access to medicines for First Nations Australians. Other medicine funding measure include investments of:
The Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program will benefit from $333.7 million in funding, allowing credentialed pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care facility (RACF) from 1 July 2024.
Pharmacists who wish to participate in the ACOP workforce will need an Aged Care residential and a Medication Management Reviews (MMR), should they wish to provide Residential Medication Management Reviews.
There will also be a a transition measure that allows pharmacists with only the MMR credential to work in a RACF.
More details on the MMR recognition of prior learning pathway, ACOP program participation and funding pathways is available on PSA’s Pharmacist Credentialing Page and the below explainer from Kerri Barwick, PSA General Manager of Education and Training.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD5DYjTZbNkFollowing the government’s announcement of a $3 billion investment in the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement in March 2024, there were some revelations on what that funding would go towards in last night’s budget, including a freeze on indexation of the PBS co-payment for:
This will see a phasing out of the optional $1.00 discount over time.
‘As negotiations on the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and other agreements continue, PSA is highlighting the importance of funding for the delivery and quality improvement of pharmacist programs to further support patient safety,’ said A/Prof Sim.
With primary care services stretched and hospitals under pressure, the government announced a host of measures to improve healthcare access, including:
While PSA’s welcomed the cost of living measures and expanded pharmacy programs to ensure more accessible healthcare, there were some missed opportunities to better service those in need, as outlined in PSA’s 2024–25 budget submission. This includes funding for:
The PSA will continue to advocate for funded programs to optimise the role of pharmacists across specialisations and practice areas.
‘We continue to highlight that pharmacists are key to improving Australians’ access to care and quality use of medicines and medicine safety,’ said A/Prof Sim.
‘This is only the start of the journey, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the government, the Department and other stakeholders on this important work.
‘On behalf of PSA and Australia’s 37,000 pharmacists, I commend Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP on a budget addressing cost of living pressures of Australians.’
[post_title] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [post_excerpt] => Cheaper medicines, expanded vaccination services and clarity on pharmacist programs and agreements were central to the 2024–25 budget. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => what-do-pharmacists-need-to-know-about-this-years-budget [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-15 15:30:45 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-15 05:30:45 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26165 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [title] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/what-do-pharmacists-need-to-know-about-this-years-budget/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26167 )td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26326 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-29 11:16:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-29 01:16:02 [post_content] =>The Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, which kicked off on 24 April 2024, is a game changer for pharmacist prescribing, allowing trained pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe treatment for 17 different conditions.
There are currently 12 North Queensland pharmacies offering the prescribing service, set to expand to hundreds after pharmacists complete the 12-month higher education training course –delivered by James Cook University (JCU) and Queensland University of Technology.
[caption id="attachment_26332" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Dr Peta-Ann Teague[/caption]Dr Peta-Ann Teague, co-designer of JCU’s training program, explains why pharmacists are integral to filling healthcare gaps and what it takes to be a pharmacist prescriber.
Becoming a pharmacist prescriber
When considering how to design the pharmacist prescribing course, Dr Teague spent an evening observing the happenings in a busy community pharmacy.
She was left astonished at the number and type of issues people brought to their pharmacist, and the rapidity with which a decision needed to be made about how to best support and/or direct the patient.
‘One of the things this pilot can do is equip pharmacists with the skills to adequately and appropriately manage some of these conditions,’ she said.
‘Because if the default position is always “Oh, you need to see your GP for that”, but you can't get in to see the GP, it’s not using these highly skilled professionals adequately.’
The Queensland pilot is different to other pharmacist prescribing trials and programs, such as those addressing urinary tract infections – where a patient comes in with symptoms of frequent urination, for example.
‘Although the specified conditions [in the QLD pilot] have very good evidence-based protocols around them, a patient doesn’t come in and say, “I've got mild to moderate psoriasis”,’ said Dr Teague.
‘It's up to the pharmacist to do the appropriate assessment, make a clinical decision as to whether the patient does indeed have psoriasis, how much of it falls within their scope, and at what [point] do they need to involve others.’
With that in mind, a key focus of the training’s clinical components entailed ensuring pharmacists understand the biopsychosocial model of patient care.
‘When a patient comes in with a symptom, pharmacists in the pilot have been trained to assess them holistically,’ she said.
‘They learned how to take a history, perform an appropriate and adequate patient assessment, then come to a decision about the next step in managing the patient – which could involve motivational interviewing for smoking cessation or referring the patient on.’
To avoid fragmentation of care, one of the big learning points for pharmacists involved how to approach collaborative co-management with a person's usual GP.
‘Some of the questions pharmacists will ask a patient as part of the biopsychosocial assessment is, “who do you usually see for your healthcare?” and “have you seen them recently?”said Dr Teague.
‘It’s about really understanding where the patient is at that time in their presentation to the pharmacist.’
More prescribers urgently needed
After working as a GP in regional and rural Australia for two decades, Dr Teague is well versed in the pressures on primary care to provide health services to patients.
Regional and remote communities face longer waiting times to see GPs and specialists, resulting in higher rates of preventable hospitalisations, with potentially avoidable deaths increasing in prevalence the further away people live from metropolitan areas.
Many small communities are ‘one or two resignations away’ from not being able to provide health services, thinks Dr Teague.
‘Locum services are also extremely expensive and they don’t usually know these communities,’ she added.
It’s not only regional, rural and remote areas that are short staffed. ‘There are some parts of outer Metro areas that could also benefit from a workforce injection into primary care,’ said Dr Teague.
Looking at innovative ways of extending scope of practice for health professionals already in those communities was therefore a key driver for Dr Teague’s involvement in the Queensland scope of practice pilot.
‘Community pharmacists embedded in regional and remote areas understand their communities,’ she said. ‘They’re not forced conscripts. They want to be there and provide a service.’
But it was Dr Teague’s ‘enormous’ professional regard for colleague Associate Professor John Smithson, Head of Pharmacy at JCU and lead designer of the pilot course, that propelled her to prepare pharmacists to deliver a high-quality, cost-effective health service to those in need.
‘He came to talk to me about this possibility, some years ago now,’ she said. ‘And I thought, “yes, I'll definitely lean into this and help him wherever I can”.’
New horizons for health care
The pharmacists who successfully completed the training experienced a ‘big lift’ in their practice skills, thinks Dr Teague.
‘I'm full of admiration for them,’ she said. ‘We really pressed them hard to understand and master competence in these skills, and then practise them.’
Those who have embraced the new model of care will contribute a great deal to patient care in their community, Dr Teague believes.
‘We already know that for many patients, the community pharmacist is someone they see more than their GP, and they have a really trusting relationship with them,’ she said.
‘Many patients will be comfortable receiving treatment from a pharmacist if they can’t get in to see their GP, or they think the pharmacist is the right person to talk to.
‘The trick here is for prescribing pharmacists to develop the skills to know what’s within their scope and what isn't, which will come with time.’
When the pilot draws to a close, Dr Teague hopes the outcome is an evidence-based, collaborative model of patient-centred care.
‘My impression of these pharmacists is that they are smart, conscientious and caring, and they don't want to be doctors,’ she said. ‘They want to continue being pharmacists, providing the best care they can.’
For GPs who are sceptical about the pilot, she advises them to find a prescribing pharmacist in their area and have a cup of tea with them.
‘Sit down, find out how to work together in the best possible way and approach it with a collaborative spirit,’ she said. ‘Because that way, we will be more likely to get good patient outcomes.’
[post_title] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [post_excerpt] => The urgent need to train pharmacists as autonomous prescribers to fill healthcare gaps under the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => why-this-gp-trained-pharmacists-for-the-qld-scope-of-practice-pilot [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-31 12:15:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-31 02:15:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26326 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [title] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/why-this-gp-trained-pharmacists-for-the-qld-scope-of-practice-pilot/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26335 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26294 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-27 12:07:47 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-27 02:07:47 [post_content] => After much media scrutiny, the federal Department of Health and Aged Care has announced a ban on compounded Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. The ban follows advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), after a Consultation to remove GLP-1RAs from the pharmacist extemporaneous compounding exemption, and a high-profile raid on a Melbourne compounding pharmacy earlier this year. Here’s what pharmacists need to know.What are the reasons for the ban?
The government has expressed concerns that compounded GLP-1RAs are not identical to TGA-approved products – such as Ozempic and Mounjaro – and are not clinically evaluated by the TGA for safety or efficacy. There are also concerns that the ‘replica’ medicines are being produced and supplied on a ‘commercial-like scale’ that is not in line with quality standards. This is refuted by telehealth start-up Eucalyptus, which said that none of its patients reported unexpected serious adverse outcomes in the 6 months it has been selling compounded Ozempic.When does it come into effect?
The ban on compounded GLP-1RAs will be introduced on 1 October 2024, giving patients and prescribers 4 months to consider a new management plan.What does the ban mean for patients?
The government has estimated that 20,000 patients are using compounded GLP-1RAs, predominantly for off-label weight loss use. However, recognising low visibility of the volume of compounded GLP-1RAs being supplied, the government has acknowledged uncertainty about the number of patients who use these medicines. Someplace the number significantly higher, with NIB-owned online script service Midnight Health purporting to have 10,000 patients who use compounded Mounjaro alone. ‘We think about 70,000 people use compounded weight loss medications,’ said NIB CEO Mark Fitzgibbon. This means tens of thousands of patients, and their prescribers, will need to plan for alternative therapy. Stock of the following GLP-1RAs approved by the TGA are expected to be replenished on:
Compounding is a long-standing clinical competency of pharmacy practice, giving patients access to medicines where there is a gap in commercial product suitability or availability. It is a necessary practice to support the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Compounding should only occur where appropriate standards of safety and quality can be met. As the peak body for pharmacists, PSA produces guidance for pharmacists on how to achieve this.
The compounding of sterile formulations, including all injections, can only be safely done in sophisticated sterile suite facilities which meet high standards for product integrity and avoiding contamination.
PSA recognises the TGA’s concerns that there have been cases of high-volume of semaglutide compounding which are alleged to have fallen well short of these expected standards. PSA recognises the government's announcement as a pragmatic measure to manage risks associated with these alleged rouge operators.
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26251 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-22 11:07:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-22 01:07:32 [post_content] => There’s just over 10 weeks to go until PSA24, when pharmacists across Australia converge for 3 days of networking, evidence-based education and fun.This year’s event – held in Sydney from 2-4 August 2024 – will be bigger and better than ever, with the move to the mammoth International Convention Centre (ICC).
To gear up for the conference, Australian Pharmacist spoke with two members of the ECP Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) about what they are planning to get out of PSA24.
Attending masterclasses on a range of conditions
Friday at PSA24 is officially ‘Masterclass day’, with three in-depth sessions to choose between, led by experts who will take attendees on a deep dive into the most up-to-date evidence and what it means for patient care.
With ADHD diagnoses increasing in prevalence, Pharmacy Partner at LiveLife Pharmacy Port Douglas, James Buckley MPS is hoping to learn more about the neurodevelopmental condition in the Focus forward: empowering pharmacists in ADHD care masterclass.
[caption id="attachment_26262" align="alignright" width="200"] James Buckley MPS[/caption]‘We're seeing more and more adults diagnosed with ADHD, so it will be interesting to learn more about helping patients manage the condition,’ he said.
Because trends in ADHD diagnosis and treatment are evolving, Mr Buckley is eager to demystify uncertainties about the condition in order to provide holistic care.
‘I think this will help me to develop more of an understanding of patients with ADHD and their stories,’ he said. ‘Putting yourself in their shoes and trying to understand what they're going through can help to better tailor counselling.’
As a newly credentialed pharmacist who now provides Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), Adelaide-based Raymond Truong MPS is keen to catch the Fighting kidney disease together; managing the intersection of CKD, HF & DM masterclass.
‘The three topics the masterclass covers – heart failure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus – are common in Australia, especially in our older population,’ he said.
[caption id="attachment_26267" align="alignright" width="281"] Raymond Truong MPS[/caption]Because the early stages of kidney disease can go undetected, knowing the red flags is key – particularly among patients who have diabetes and/or heart failure.
‘I’ve also noticed CKD is often labelled, but some clinicians don't address it,’ said Mr Truong. ‘So I've had to highlight it to the doctors as well.’
The third masterclass, Making the most of living with COPD will help pharmacists to identify patients with COPD and provide support to optimise health outcomes.
Choosing from 40 education sessions
At this year’s conference, pharmacists can pick and choose between a range of different education sessions geared towards contemporary pharmacy practice.
As one of the first pharmacists to complete the training for the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, Mr Buckley is aiming to boost his knowledge on treating skin conditions via five back-to-back Saturday sessions on:
‘With many different grading systems and severity scores required to categorise a patient's condition, which entails knowing what questions to ask and taking a really good history, I'm looking to improve those skills.’
At PSA24, pharmacists will benefit from plenty of networking opportunities, including breakfast with PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS on Saturday morning, and the Gala Dinner – where pharmacists are encouraged to attend in their finest 'golden' attire – later that night.
At the renowned ECP party on Friday night, Mr Buckley said the CSI leadership team is designing ‘ice breaker games’ for pharmacists to partake in. ‘Look forward to interactive social events on the night,’ he added.
[caption id="attachment_26279" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The PSA23 Gala Dinner[/caption]For Mr Truong, catching up with interstate pharmacist colleagues will be a highlight, as well as strengthening in-person bonds with other ECP CSI leadership members.
‘I’m also looking forward to identifying other ECPs, seeing what they're up to, particularly if they don't already have a network of their own,’ he said.
At this year’s conference, pharmacists can expect to experience a raft of changes, including sessions on topics that have never been broached before.
An emerging area that Mr Truong is looking forward to exploring is artificial intelligence in the education session Is AI transforming Healthcare?
‘Now that digital healthcare has been established, automation and AI has been a prevalent focus within the last few years,’ he said.
‘It will be interesting to learn more about how that will work in terms of healthcare, whether in a community setting, or even HMRs in the future.’
Meanwhile, Mr Buckley is looking forward to all the possibilities a new larger venue will provide.
‘I’m excited to see what the setup will be, including the trade show, stalls, and sessions along with any meeting, areas, bars and lounges,’ he said.
Don’t miss your chance to register for PSA24 at a reduced rate via the Early Bird offer for the full conference, which has been extended until 11:59 pm on May 26, 2024.
[post_title] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [post_excerpt] => Two ECPs discuss the new additions to this year’s conference program and the improvements they expect to see in their practice. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => getting-the-most-out-of-psa24 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-23 11:45:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-23 01:45:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26251 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [title] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/getting-the-most-out-of-psa24/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26250 )td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26223 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-20 10:10:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-20 00:10:26 [post_content] =>How pharmacist-administered vaccination has tracked across the years, and where the profession has an opportunity to improve access. As we approach winter, a number of jurisdictions, including New South Wales and Victoria, have been afflicted by a ‘virus soup’. With influenza season already peaking earlier than expected, pharmacists have the opportunity to protect an increasing proportion of the community against the virus. These graphs map out the professions’ increasing share of the vaccination pie, why pharmacists should be able to vaccinate patients of all ages, and the reason influenza vaccination should be promoted throughout the season.1. Pharmacists are administering more vaccinations every year
There has been an increase in the number of influenza vaccinations administered by pharmacists for a multitude of reasons, said Chris Campbell MPS, PSA General Manager Policy and Program Delivery. [caption id="attachment_10788" align="alignright" width="300"] Chris Campbell MPS[/caption] ‘Firstly, people are seeing pharmacists as a viable preference,’ he said. ‘The funding mechanisms are also now there.’ Even though pharmacists have had the legislative authority to administer influenza vaccines across the country to patients aged 5 years and over for some time, they haven’t always had access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) stock. This, among other things, is beginning to change. For example, Queensland became the first jurisdiction to allow ‘universal access’ to the influenza vaccine last year, meaning patients of all ages can access funded vaccination in all settings – including community pharmacies. ‘Queensland has not only removed all cost barriers, it has also removed all legislative barriers,’ said Mr Campbell.2. While GPs still administer more influenza vaccinations, pharmacist vaccination continues to grow
While there has been ‘some talk’ between professions that vaccine fatigue is on the rise, pharmacy vaccination keeps on growing because of the opportunistic vaccinations the profession provides. ‘Pharmacist vaccination also provides a level of convenience, and being able to provide vaccines at a time and place where people are most comfortable,’ he said. With all the barriers to vaccination slowly starting to be removed, there’s tremendous growth opportunity in pharmacy. Once pharmacists tap into this potential, the profession still has work to do to ensure vaccination services are culturally safe, said Mr Campbell. ‘We must have systems in place to make sure there’s an “always on” opportunity for people who walk in,’ he said. ‘And in parallel, have seamless online booking processes.’3. Influenza vaccination rates are dropping in young children
Children under 5 years of age are at risk of developing severe complications from influenza, including hospitalisation and death. There are 1.52 million people under 5 years of age in Australia. Currently, only 165,331 influenza vaccines have been administered to people <5 years of age. This is only around 10% of this cohort recommended for influenza vaccination. While a small part of this cohort (people <6 months age) cannot be vaccinated, we are clearly a long way short of the protection rates needed.To increase uptake, PSA’s long-term position is that there should be ‘no wrong door for vaccination’. This means influenza vaccination should be able to be offered in pharmacies in parallel to other childhood vaccinations, said Mr Campbell. ‘Offering vaccinations in pharmacies doesn't take away the opportunity to get vaccinated elsewhere,’ he said. ‘What it does do is increase the convenience for someone to be able to get the vaccine at a time and place of their choosing. ‘There should be an increase in vaccine uptake in children under 5 years of age when there’s an opportunity for an entire family to come to the pharmacy and get vaccinated.’4. Influenza vaccination rates plummet when winter starts
While 2022 was an unusual year – with free flu programs in May and June in most states and territories – influenza vaccination consistently begins to drop off after the first week of June. It’s therefore important that pharmacists convey to patients that it’s never too late to receive protection against influenza through vaccination, said Mr Campbell. ‘We know that not everyone is immunised against influenza,’ he said. ‘So it's always a relevant question to ask patients about their [immunisation status], regardless of time of year.’ For more information, watch PSA's recorded webinar Influenza in 2024 – The Right Vaccine for the Right Patient. [post_title] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [post_excerpt] => How pharmacist-administered vaccination has tracked across the years, and where the profession has an opportunity to improve access. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 4-graphs-that-show-how-influenza-vaccination-is-going-this-season [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-20 16:53:13 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-20 06:53:13 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26223 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [title] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/4-graphs-that-show-how-influenza-vaccination-is-going-this-season/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26230 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26165 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-15 12:15:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-15 02:15:23 [post_content] => Cheaper medicines, expanded vaccination services and clarity on pharmacist programs and agreements were central to the 2024–25 federal budget handed down last night in Canberra. After several years of interest rate hikes and soaring inflation, the focus of the Albanese government’s 2024–25 budget – was on the cost-of-living, with the announcement of a $7.8 billion relief package. Central to this initiative, among others, is ensuring essential medicines are affordable, and healthcare services are accessible. Australian Pharmacist breaks down the key budget measures that impact pharmacists and patients.1. Cheaper medicines for all
A focal point of the government’s cost-of-living relief package is funding for a $469.1 million Cheaper Medicines initiative. This includes a freeze on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) indexation for at least 1 year so medicine prices stay stable as the cost of living continues to increase. First Nations Australians will also benefit from an expansion to the Closing the Gap PBS copayment, which will now include all PBS medicines dispensed by community pharmacies, hospital, or approved prescribers. This will ensure essential medicines are either free or cheaper for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with PSA long advocating for better access to medicines for First Nations Australians. Other medicine funding measure include investments of:
The Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program will benefit from $333.7 million in funding, allowing credentialed pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care facility (RACF) from 1 July 2024.
Pharmacists who wish to participate in the ACOP workforce will need an Aged Care residential and a Medication Management Reviews (MMR), should they wish to provide Residential Medication Management Reviews.
There will also be a a transition measure that allows pharmacists with only the MMR credential to work in a RACF.
More details on the MMR recognition of prior learning pathway, ACOP program participation and funding pathways is available on PSA’s Pharmacist Credentialing Page and the below explainer from Kerri Barwick, PSA General Manager of Education and Training.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD5DYjTZbNkFollowing the government’s announcement of a $3 billion investment in the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement in March 2024, there were some revelations on what that funding would go towards in last night’s budget, including a freeze on indexation of the PBS co-payment for:
This will see a phasing out of the optional $1.00 discount over time.
‘As negotiations on the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and other agreements continue, PSA is highlighting the importance of funding for the delivery and quality improvement of pharmacist programs to further support patient safety,’ said A/Prof Sim.
With primary care services stretched and hospitals under pressure, the government announced a host of measures to improve healthcare access, including:
While PSA’s welcomed the cost of living measures and expanded pharmacy programs to ensure more accessible healthcare, there were some missed opportunities to better service those in need, as outlined in PSA’s 2024–25 budget submission. This includes funding for:
The PSA will continue to advocate for funded programs to optimise the role of pharmacists across specialisations and practice areas.
‘We continue to highlight that pharmacists are key to improving Australians’ access to care and quality use of medicines and medicine safety,’ said A/Prof Sim.
‘This is only the start of the journey, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the government, the Department and other stakeholders on this important work.
‘On behalf of PSA and Australia’s 37,000 pharmacists, I commend Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP on a budget addressing cost of living pressures of Australians.’
[post_title] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [post_excerpt] => Cheaper medicines, expanded vaccination services and clarity on pharmacist programs and agreements were central to the 2024–25 budget. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => what-do-pharmacists-need-to-know-about-this-years-budget [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-15 15:30:45 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-15 05:30:45 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26165 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [title] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/what-do-pharmacists-need-to-know-about-this-years-budget/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26167 )td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26326 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-29 11:16:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-29 01:16:02 [post_content] =>The Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, which kicked off on 24 April 2024, is a game changer for pharmacist prescribing, allowing trained pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe treatment for 17 different conditions.
There are currently 12 North Queensland pharmacies offering the prescribing service, set to expand to hundreds after pharmacists complete the 12-month higher education training course –delivered by James Cook University (JCU) and Queensland University of Technology.
[caption id="attachment_26332" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Dr Peta-Ann Teague[/caption]Dr Peta-Ann Teague, co-designer of JCU’s training program, explains why pharmacists are integral to filling healthcare gaps and what it takes to be a pharmacist prescriber.
Becoming a pharmacist prescriber
When considering how to design the pharmacist prescribing course, Dr Teague spent an evening observing the happenings in a busy community pharmacy.
She was left astonished at the number and type of issues people brought to their pharmacist, and the rapidity with which a decision needed to be made about how to best support and/or direct the patient.
‘One of the things this pilot can do is equip pharmacists with the skills to adequately and appropriately manage some of these conditions,’ she said.
‘Because if the default position is always “Oh, you need to see your GP for that”, but you can't get in to see the GP, it’s not using these highly skilled professionals adequately.’
The Queensland pilot is different to other pharmacist prescribing trials and programs, such as those addressing urinary tract infections – where a patient comes in with symptoms of frequent urination, for example.
‘Although the specified conditions [in the QLD pilot] have very good evidence-based protocols around them, a patient doesn’t come in and say, “I've got mild to moderate psoriasis”,’ said Dr Teague.
‘It's up to the pharmacist to do the appropriate assessment, make a clinical decision as to whether the patient does indeed have psoriasis, how much of it falls within their scope, and at what [point] do they need to involve others.’
With that in mind, a key focus of the training’s clinical components entailed ensuring pharmacists understand the biopsychosocial model of patient care.
‘When a patient comes in with a symptom, pharmacists in the pilot have been trained to assess them holistically,’ she said.
‘They learned how to take a history, perform an appropriate and adequate patient assessment, then come to a decision about the next step in managing the patient – which could involve motivational interviewing for smoking cessation or referring the patient on.’
To avoid fragmentation of care, one of the big learning points for pharmacists involved how to approach collaborative co-management with a person's usual GP.
‘Some of the questions pharmacists will ask a patient as part of the biopsychosocial assessment is, “who do you usually see for your healthcare?” and “have you seen them recently?”said Dr Teague.
‘It’s about really understanding where the patient is at that time in their presentation to the pharmacist.’
More prescribers urgently needed
After working as a GP in regional and rural Australia for two decades, Dr Teague is well versed in the pressures on primary care to provide health services to patients.
Regional and remote communities face longer waiting times to see GPs and specialists, resulting in higher rates of preventable hospitalisations, with potentially avoidable deaths increasing in prevalence the further away people live from metropolitan areas.
Many small communities are ‘one or two resignations away’ from not being able to provide health services, thinks Dr Teague.
‘Locum services are also extremely expensive and they don’t usually know these communities,’ she added.
It’s not only regional, rural and remote areas that are short staffed. ‘There are some parts of outer Metro areas that could also benefit from a workforce injection into primary care,’ said Dr Teague.
Looking at innovative ways of extending scope of practice for health professionals already in those communities was therefore a key driver for Dr Teague’s involvement in the Queensland scope of practice pilot.
‘Community pharmacists embedded in regional and remote areas understand their communities,’ she said. ‘They’re not forced conscripts. They want to be there and provide a service.’
But it was Dr Teague’s ‘enormous’ professional regard for colleague Associate Professor John Smithson, Head of Pharmacy at JCU and lead designer of the pilot course, that propelled her to prepare pharmacists to deliver a high-quality, cost-effective health service to those in need.
‘He came to talk to me about this possibility, some years ago now,’ she said. ‘And I thought, “yes, I'll definitely lean into this and help him wherever I can”.’
New horizons for health care
The pharmacists who successfully completed the training experienced a ‘big lift’ in their practice skills, thinks Dr Teague.
‘I'm full of admiration for them,’ she said. ‘We really pressed them hard to understand and master competence in these skills, and then practise them.’
Those who have embraced the new model of care will contribute a great deal to patient care in their community, Dr Teague believes.
‘We already know that for many patients, the community pharmacist is someone they see more than their GP, and they have a really trusting relationship with them,’ she said.
‘Many patients will be comfortable receiving treatment from a pharmacist if they can’t get in to see their GP, or they think the pharmacist is the right person to talk to.
‘The trick here is for prescribing pharmacists to develop the skills to know what’s within their scope and what isn't, which will come with time.’
When the pilot draws to a close, Dr Teague hopes the outcome is an evidence-based, collaborative model of patient-centred care.
‘My impression of these pharmacists is that they are smart, conscientious and caring, and they don't want to be doctors,’ she said. ‘They want to continue being pharmacists, providing the best care they can.’
For GPs who are sceptical about the pilot, she advises them to find a prescribing pharmacist in their area and have a cup of tea with them.
‘Sit down, find out how to work together in the best possible way and approach it with a collaborative spirit,’ she said. ‘Because that way, we will be more likely to get good patient outcomes.’
[post_title] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [post_excerpt] => The urgent need to train pharmacists as autonomous prescribers to fill healthcare gaps under the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => why-this-gp-trained-pharmacists-for-the-qld-scope-of-practice-pilot [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-31 12:15:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-31 02:15:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26326 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [title] => Why this GP trained pharmacists for the QLD prescribing pilot [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/why-this-gp-trained-pharmacists-for-the-qld-scope-of-practice-pilot/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26335 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26294 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-27 12:07:47 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-27 02:07:47 [post_content] => After much media scrutiny, the federal Department of Health and Aged Care has announced a ban on compounded Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. The ban follows advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), after a Consultation to remove GLP-1RAs from the pharmacist extemporaneous compounding exemption, and a high-profile raid on a Melbourne compounding pharmacy earlier this year. Here’s what pharmacists need to know.What are the reasons for the ban?
The government has expressed concerns that compounded GLP-1RAs are not identical to TGA-approved products – such as Ozempic and Mounjaro – and are not clinically evaluated by the TGA for safety or efficacy. There are also concerns that the ‘replica’ medicines are being produced and supplied on a ‘commercial-like scale’ that is not in line with quality standards. This is refuted by telehealth start-up Eucalyptus, which said that none of its patients reported unexpected serious adverse outcomes in the 6 months it has been selling compounded Ozempic.When does it come into effect?
The ban on compounded GLP-1RAs will be introduced on 1 October 2024, giving patients and prescribers 4 months to consider a new management plan.What does the ban mean for patients?
The government has estimated that 20,000 patients are using compounded GLP-1RAs, predominantly for off-label weight loss use. However, recognising low visibility of the volume of compounded GLP-1RAs being supplied, the government has acknowledged uncertainty about the number of patients who use these medicines. Someplace the number significantly higher, with NIB-owned online script service Midnight Health purporting to have 10,000 patients who use compounded Mounjaro alone. ‘We think about 70,000 people use compounded weight loss medications,’ said NIB CEO Mark Fitzgibbon. This means tens of thousands of patients, and their prescribers, will need to plan for alternative therapy. Stock of the following GLP-1RAs approved by the TGA are expected to be replenished on:
Compounding is a long-standing clinical competency of pharmacy practice, giving patients access to medicines where there is a gap in commercial product suitability or availability. It is a necessary practice to support the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Compounding should only occur where appropriate standards of safety and quality can be met. As the peak body for pharmacists, PSA produces guidance for pharmacists on how to achieve this.
The compounding of sterile formulations, including all injections, can only be safely done in sophisticated sterile suite facilities which meet high standards for product integrity and avoiding contamination.
PSA recognises the TGA’s concerns that there have been cases of high-volume of semaglutide compounding which are alleged to have fallen well short of these expected standards. PSA recognises the government's announcement as a pragmatic measure to manage risks associated with these alleged rouge operators.
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26251 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-22 11:07:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-22 01:07:32 [post_content] => There’s just over 10 weeks to go until PSA24, when pharmacists across Australia converge for 3 days of networking, evidence-based education and fun.This year’s event – held in Sydney from 2-4 August 2024 – will be bigger and better than ever, with the move to the mammoth International Convention Centre (ICC).
To gear up for the conference, Australian Pharmacist spoke with two members of the ECP Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) about what they are planning to get out of PSA24.
Attending masterclasses on a range of conditions
Friday at PSA24 is officially ‘Masterclass day’, with three in-depth sessions to choose between, led by experts who will take attendees on a deep dive into the most up-to-date evidence and what it means for patient care.
With ADHD diagnoses increasing in prevalence, Pharmacy Partner at LiveLife Pharmacy Port Douglas, James Buckley MPS is hoping to learn more about the neurodevelopmental condition in the Focus forward: empowering pharmacists in ADHD care masterclass.
[caption id="attachment_26262" align="alignright" width="200"] James Buckley MPS[/caption]‘We're seeing more and more adults diagnosed with ADHD, so it will be interesting to learn more about helping patients manage the condition,’ he said.
Because trends in ADHD diagnosis and treatment are evolving, Mr Buckley is eager to demystify uncertainties about the condition in order to provide holistic care.
‘I think this will help me to develop more of an understanding of patients with ADHD and their stories,’ he said. ‘Putting yourself in their shoes and trying to understand what they're going through can help to better tailor counselling.’
As a newly credentialed pharmacist who now provides Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), Adelaide-based Raymond Truong MPS is keen to catch the Fighting kidney disease together; managing the intersection of CKD, HF & DM masterclass.
‘The three topics the masterclass covers – heart failure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus – are common in Australia, especially in our older population,’ he said.
[caption id="attachment_26267" align="alignright" width="281"] Raymond Truong MPS[/caption]Because the early stages of kidney disease can go undetected, knowing the red flags is key – particularly among patients who have diabetes and/or heart failure.
‘I’ve also noticed CKD is often labelled, but some clinicians don't address it,’ said Mr Truong. ‘So I've had to highlight it to the doctors as well.’
The third masterclass, Making the most of living with COPD will help pharmacists to identify patients with COPD and provide support to optimise health outcomes.
Choosing from 40 education sessions
At this year’s conference, pharmacists can pick and choose between a range of different education sessions geared towards contemporary pharmacy practice.
As one of the first pharmacists to complete the training for the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, Mr Buckley is aiming to boost his knowledge on treating skin conditions via five back-to-back Saturday sessions on:
‘With many different grading systems and severity scores required to categorise a patient's condition, which entails knowing what questions to ask and taking a really good history, I'm looking to improve those skills.’
At PSA24, pharmacists will benefit from plenty of networking opportunities, including breakfast with PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS on Saturday morning, and the Gala Dinner – where pharmacists are encouraged to attend in their finest 'golden' attire – later that night.
At the renowned ECP party on Friday night, Mr Buckley said the CSI leadership team is designing ‘ice breaker games’ for pharmacists to partake in. ‘Look forward to interactive social events on the night,’ he added.
[caption id="attachment_26279" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The PSA23 Gala Dinner[/caption]For Mr Truong, catching up with interstate pharmacist colleagues will be a highlight, as well as strengthening in-person bonds with other ECP CSI leadership members.
‘I’m also looking forward to identifying other ECPs, seeing what they're up to, particularly if they don't already have a network of their own,’ he said.
At this year’s conference, pharmacists can expect to experience a raft of changes, including sessions on topics that have never been broached before.
An emerging area that Mr Truong is looking forward to exploring is artificial intelligence in the education session Is AI transforming Healthcare?
‘Now that digital healthcare has been established, automation and AI has been a prevalent focus within the last few years,’ he said.
‘It will be interesting to learn more about how that will work in terms of healthcare, whether in a community setting, or even HMRs in the future.’
Meanwhile, Mr Buckley is looking forward to all the possibilities a new larger venue will provide.
‘I’m excited to see what the setup will be, including the trade show, stalls, and sessions along with any meeting, areas, bars and lounges,’ he said.
Don’t miss your chance to register for PSA24 at a reduced rate via the Early Bird offer for the full conference, which has been extended until 11:59 pm on May 26, 2024.
[post_title] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [post_excerpt] => Two ECPs discuss the new additions to this year’s conference program and the improvements they expect to see in their practice. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => getting-the-most-out-of-psa24 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-23 11:45:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-23 01:45:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26251 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [title] => Getting the most out of PSA24 [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/getting-the-most-out-of-psa24/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26250 )td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26223 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-20 10:10:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-20 00:10:26 [post_content] =>How pharmacist-administered vaccination has tracked across the years, and where the profession has an opportunity to improve access. As we approach winter, a number of jurisdictions, including New South Wales and Victoria, have been afflicted by a ‘virus soup’. With influenza season already peaking earlier than expected, pharmacists have the opportunity to protect an increasing proportion of the community against the virus. These graphs map out the professions’ increasing share of the vaccination pie, why pharmacists should be able to vaccinate patients of all ages, and the reason influenza vaccination should be promoted throughout the season.1. Pharmacists are administering more vaccinations every year
There has been an increase in the number of influenza vaccinations administered by pharmacists for a multitude of reasons, said Chris Campbell MPS, PSA General Manager Policy and Program Delivery. [caption id="attachment_10788" align="alignright" width="300"] Chris Campbell MPS[/caption] ‘Firstly, people are seeing pharmacists as a viable preference,’ he said. ‘The funding mechanisms are also now there.’ Even though pharmacists have had the legislative authority to administer influenza vaccines across the country to patients aged 5 years and over for some time, they haven’t always had access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) stock. This, among other things, is beginning to change. For example, Queensland became the first jurisdiction to allow ‘universal access’ to the influenza vaccine last year, meaning patients of all ages can access funded vaccination in all settings – including community pharmacies. ‘Queensland has not only removed all cost barriers, it has also removed all legislative barriers,’ said Mr Campbell.2. While GPs still administer more influenza vaccinations, pharmacist vaccination continues to grow
While there has been ‘some talk’ between professions that vaccine fatigue is on the rise, pharmacy vaccination keeps on growing because of the opportunistic vaccinations the profession provides. ‘Pharmacist vaccination also provides a level of convenience, and being able to provide vaccines at a time and place where people are most comfortable,’ he said. With all the barriers to vaccination slowly starting to be removed, there’s tremendous growth opportunity in pharmacy. Once pharmacists tap into this potential, the profession still has work to do to ensure vaccination services are culturally safe, said Mr Campbell. ‘We must have systems in place to make sure there’s an “always on” opportunity for people who walk in,’ he said. ‘And in parallel, have seamless online booking processes.’3. Influenza vaccination rates are dropping in young children
Children under 5 years of age are at risk of developing severe complications from influenza, including hospitalisation and death. There are 1.52 million people under 5 years of age in Australia. Currently, only 165,331 influenza vaccines have been administered to people <5 years of age. This is only around 10% of this cohort recommended for influenza vaccination. While a small part of this cohort (people <6 months age) cannot be vaccinated, we are clearly a long way short of the protection rates needed.To increase uptake, PSA’s long-term position is that there should be ‘no wrong door for vaccination’. This means influenza vaccination should be able to be offered in pharmacies in parallel to other childhood vaccinations, said Mr Campbell. ‘Offering vaccinations in pharmacies doesn't take away the opportunity to get vaccinated elsewhere,’ he said. ‘What it does do is increase the convenience for someone to be able to get the vaccine at a time and place of their choosing. ‘There should be an increase in vaccine uptake in children under 5 years of age when there’s an opportunity for an entire family to come to the pharmacy and get vaccinated.’4. Influenza vaccination rates plummet when winter starts
While 2022 was an unusual year – with free flu programs in May and June in most states and territories – influenza vaccination consistently begins to drop off after the first week of June. It’s therefore important that pharmacists convey to patients that it’s never too late to receive protection against influenza through vaccination, said Mr Campbell. ‘We know that not everyone is immunised against influenza,’ he said. ‘So it's always a relevant question to ask patients about their [immunisation status], regardless of time of year.’ For more information, watch PSA's recorded webinar Influenza in 2024 – The Right Vaccine for the Right Patient. [post_title] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [post_excerpt] => How pharmacist-administered vaccination has tracked across the years, and where the profession has an opportunity to improve access. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 4-graphs-that-show-how-influenza-vaccination-is-going-this-season [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-20 16:53:13 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-20 06:53:13 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26223 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [title] => 4 graphs show how influenza vaccination is going this season [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/4-graphs-that-show-how-influenza-vaccination-is-going-this-season/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26230 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 26165 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-05-15 12:15:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-15 02:15:23 [post_content] => Cheaper medicines, expanded vaccination services and clarity on pharmacist programs and agreements were central to the 2024–25 federal budget handed down last night in Canberra. After several years of interest rate hikes and soaring inflation, the focus of the Albanese government’s 2024–25 budget – was on the cost-of-living, with the announcement of a $7.8 billion relief package. Central to this initiative, among others, is ensuring essential medicines are affordable, and healthcare services are accessible. Australian Pharmacist breaks down the key budget measures that impact pharmacists and patients.1. Cheaper medicines for all
A focal point of the government’s cost-of-living relief package is funding for a $469.1 million Cheaper Medicines initiative. This includes a freeze on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) indexation for at least 1 year so medicine prices stay stable as the cost of living continues to increase. First Nations Australians will also benefit from an expansion to the Closing the Gap PBS copayment, which will now include all PBS medicines dispensed by community pharmacies, hospital, or approved prescribers. This will ensure essential medicines are either free or cheaper for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with PSA long advocating for better access to medicines for First Nations Australians. Other medicine funding measure include investments of:
The Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program will benefit from $333.7 million in funding, allowing credentialed pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care facility (RACF) from 1 July 2024.
Pharmacists who wish to participate in the ACOP workforce will need an Aged Care residential and a Medication Management Reviews (MMR), should they wish to provide Residential Medication Management Reviews.
There will also be a a transition measure that allows pharmacists with only the MMR credential to work in a RACF.
More details on the MMR recognition of prior learning pathway, ACOP program participation and funding pathways is available on PSA’s Pharmacist Credentialing Page and the below explainer from Kerri Barwick, PSA General Manager of Education and Training.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD5DYjTZbNkFollowing the government’s announcement of a $3 billion investment in the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement in March 2024, there were some revelations on what that funding would go towards in last night’s budget, including a freeze on indexation of the PBS co-payment for:
This will see a phasing out of the optional $1.00 discount over time.
‘As negotiations on the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and other agreements continue, PSA is highlighting the importance of funding for the delivery and quality improvement of pharmacist programs to further support patient safety,’ said A/Prof Sim.
With primary care services stretched and hospitals under pressure, the government announced a host of measures to improve healthcare access, including:
While PSA’s welcomed the cost of living measures and expanded pharmacy programs to ensure more accessible healthcare, there were some missed opportunities to better service those in need, as outlined in PSA’s 2024–25 budget submission. This includes funding for:
The PSA will continue to advocate for funded programs to optimise the role of pharmacists across specialisations and practice areas.
‘We continue to highlight that pharmacists are key to improving Australians’ access to care and quality use of medicines and medicine safety,’ said A/Prof Sim.
‘This is only the start of the journey, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the government, the Department and other stakeholders on this important work.
‘On behalf of PSA and Australia’s 37,000 pharmacists, I commend Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP on a budget addressing cost of living pressures of Australians.’
[post_title] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [post_excerpt] => Cheaper medicines, expanded vaccination services and clarity on pharmacist programs and agreements were central to the 2024–25 budget. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => what-do-pharmacists-need-to-know-about-this-years-budget [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-15 15:30:45 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-15 05:30:45 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=26165 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [title] => What do pharmacists need to know about this year’s budget? [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/what-do-pharmacists-need-to-know-about-this-years-budget/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 26167 )Get your weekly dose of the news and research you need to help advance your practice.
Australian Pharmacist is the official journal for Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.