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td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25543 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-27 09:47:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-26 22:47:56 [post_content] => March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. With a new treatment now available, here’s how pharmacists can help to detect the ‘missed disease’, provide appropriate treatment options and help to close the gender pain gap. Now that the Therapeutic Good Administration has approved Ryeqo to treat endometriosis, Australian Pharmacist examines how pharmacists can screen for the condition, discuss treatment options and appropriately refer on.Identifying endometriosis
Endometriosis is a difficult condition to diagnose, said Nicolette Ellis MPS, President of Chronic Pain Australia. [caption id="attachment_25549" align="alignright" width="262"] Nicolette Ellis MPS[/caption] ‘Many people with endometriosis go undiagnosed for years, with the condition taking an average of 7.5 years to diagnose,’ she said. According to Ms Ellis, most pharmacists are aware of the typical signs of endometriosis, including:
What is the government doing about women's pain and endometriosis?Chronic pain is reported more in women than in men, with a recent survey of more than 1,750 women in Victoria finding 40% live with chronic pain. Victoria is conducting a landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain to address the challenges faced by girls and women seeking care for pain. The PSA is formulating a submission, open to consumers, clinicians, and health service organisations from 30 January to 31 July 2024. As around one in seven South Australian women will experience endometriosis, the state is conducting an inquiry into how widespread the condition is, the barriers to treatment, and how healthcare professionals and employers can best support women living with endometriosis. |
‘People with endometriosis experience pain at different times during their cycle, particularly during ovulation.' nicolette ellis MPS‘Each person's pain experience is unique, and it's crucial to believe and validate their experiences and the impact on their lives,’ she said. ‘Listening attentively and validating their experiences is essential because pain can be an isolating experience.’ Reflective statements such as ‘I understand this must be distressing to not have answers for your ongoing pain’ can go a long way by showing empathy and support. Pharmacists also play a vital role in healthcare navigation and can guide individuals towards further support, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25554 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-27 09:00:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-26 22:00:23 [post_content] => The Easter long weekend is a notoriously busy time of year for pharmacists. But 2024 could be the busiest one yet, as a major policy change is set to occur. Easter Sunday (31 March 2024) will be the last day of the National Health (Continued Dispensing – Emergency Measure) Determination 2023. That means the number of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines available via Continued Dispensing will be dramatically slashed from 755 to 150 during a public holiday – when reports have indicated a jump in Easter travel from 2023. It’s ‘almost farcical’ for a change to Continued Dispensing to occur over any public holiday, let alone Easter, said Chris Campbell MPS, PSA General Manager Policy and Program Delivery. ‘We already know that pharmacies still remain open and GP access is reduced,’ he said. ‘A major change over that period of time is just not good policy.’What will the impacts be?
While Continued Dispensing legislation is critical during a natural disaster, there are many scenarios where the policy supports continuity of care where people are separated from their medicines and prescriptions, including:
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[post_content] => With additional vaping restrictions rolling out throughout 2024, pharmacists are more likely to encounter patients seeking therapeutic vaping products.
Many of these patients will be surprised by the restrictions. Here’s how to explain the reasons behind the rules.
Timeline for the federal government’s reforms to the regulation of vapes
|
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25491 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-20 11:32:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-20 00:32:48 [post_content] => Tomorrow is Thank Your Pharmacist Day (21 March 2024), when pharmacists from all areas of practice can come together and celebrate the profession with colleagues and patients alike. This year’s Thank Your Pharmacist Day theme is ‘More Than Ever’, recognising the increasingly important role pharmacists play across community health networks, from hospitals, to general practices, aged care facilities and various specialised practice areas. Through administering more vaccinations and providing a wider range of services to ensure healthcare access for all Australians, pharmacists are more important to the health of Australians than ever before, everywhere medicines are used. Every Australian has benefited from the expertise of pharmacists in all practice settings, said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS – who encouraged all Australians to say thanks to their local pharmacist tomorrow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwhOQwe1SqE PSA has produced a range of tools to help you celebrate Thank Your Pharmacist Day on Thursday. Here’s how pharmacists can get involved, and encourage their colleagues and patients to follow suit.1. Post #ThankYourPharmacistDay tiles on your pharmacy's social media page
Raise awareness about Thank Your Pharmacist Day among the community through your pharmacy’s social media channels. PSA has developed ready-to-post social media tiles to help pharmacists get the message across, available below. Don’t forget to tag PSA in your social posts!2. Engage your staff
Thank Your Pharmacist Day is also an opportunity for pharmacists to reflect on their own thoughts about the profession and what they’re most grateful for. Ask staff to jot their thoughts down on a post-it note to stick on the PSA printable Thank Your Pharmacist Day gratitude poster – where patients, community members and colleagues can leave a note of thanks for you and your team. Pharmacists can also involve ECPs in planning Thank Your Pharmacist Day activities, said PSA ECP Board Director Ayomide Ogundipe MPS. ‘ECPs can get involved by holding a ‘‘Thank Your Pharmacist’’ space at their workplace for patients and co-workers to share thank you notes, or host a morning tea with their co-workers to celebrate,’ she said.3. Ask pharmacy assistants to be Thank Your Pharmacist Day champions
When ringing up medicines and products at the register or manning the shop floor, pharmacy assistants are perfectly placed to raise awareness about Thank Your Pharmacist Day. Asking ‘would you like to fill out a note of appreciation for your pharmacist’ is sure to prompt patients to consider the important role pharmacists play in community health.4. Thank your fellow pharmacists
Remember pharmacists can thank pharmacists too, so don't forget to acknowledge your colleagues this Thank Your Pharmacist Day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVa3FDUOpoY From providing a supportive work environment to helping navigate a tricky patient interaction – now is the time to thank your colleagues for all that they do. ‘To every pharmacist – wherever you practise – Australia says thank you,’ added A/Prof Sim. Visit PSA’s Thank Your Pharmacist Day page to access more information and resources. [post_title] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [post_excerpt] => Thank Your Pharmacist Day (21 March 2024) allows all pharmacists to celebrate the profession with patients and colleagues alike. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => recognising-pharmacists-is-more-important-than-ever [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-03-20 15:00:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-03-20 04:00:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=25491 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [title] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/recognising-pharmacists-is-more-important-than-ever/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 25498 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 23793 [post_author] => 3387 [post_date] => 2024-03-19 10:21:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-18 23:21:08 [post_content] => Since 1 November 2023, almost 5 million Australians at risk of severe complications from shingles have had access to the SHINGRIX vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Herpes zoster (HZ), a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in patients who have had chicken pox previously, has a significant disease burden. Of all vaccine preventable diseases, HZ and its complications accounted for 7% of the overall burden in 2015. One of the most common complications from the virus is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), particularly among older and immunocompromised patients. Up to 5–30% of patients with HZ go on to develop PHN, with risks of this complication increasing with age. PHN, a type of nerve pain described as having a burning sensation that can persist long after acute HZ symptoms resolve, can be debilitating. One in three Australians will get shingles in their lifetime. Vaccination can reduce this likelihood.What’s changed and why?
SHINGRIX replaced Zostavax on the NIP following advice from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. SHINGRIX is administered as two doses, 2–6 months apart, at a current private market cost of approximately $560. The age limit for NIP shingles vaccination eligibility is now 65 years and older, down from 70 years. Patients eligible to receive SHINGRIX under the NIP include:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25543 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-27 09:47:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-26 22:47:56 [post_content] => March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. With a new treatment now available, here’s how pharmacists can help to detect the ‘missed disease’, provide appropriate treatment options and help to close the gender pain gap. Now that the Therapeutic Good Administration has approved Ryeqo to treat endometriosis, Australian Pharmacist examines how pharmacists can screen for the condition, discuss treatment options and appropriately refer on.Identifying endometriosis
Endometriosis is a difficult condition to diagnose, said Nicolette Ellis MPS, President of Chronic Pain Australia. [caption id="attachment_25549" align="alignright" width="262"] Nicolette Ellis MPS[/caption] ‘Many people with endometriosis go undiagnosed for years, with the condition taking an average of 7.5 years to diagnose,’ she said. According to Ms Ellis, most pharmacists are aware of the typical signs of endometriosis, including:
What is the government doing about women's pain and endometriosis?Chronic pain is reported more in women than in men, with a recent survey of more than 1,750 women in Victoria finding 40% live with chronic pain. Victoria is conducting a landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain to address the challenges faced by girls and women seeking care for pain. The PSA is formulating a submission, open to consumers, clinicians, and health service organisations from 30 January to 31 July 2024. As around one in seven South Australian women will experience endometriosis, the state is conducting an inquiry into how widespread the condition is, the barriers to treatment, and how healthcare professionals and employers can best support women living with endometriosis. |
‘People with endometriosis experience pain at different times during their cycle, particularly during ovulation.' nicolette ellis MPS‘Each person's pain experience is unique, and it's crucial to believe and validate their experiences and the impact on their lives,’ she said. ‘Listening attentively and validating their experiences is essential because pain can be an isolating experience.’ Reflective statements such as ‘I understand this must be distressing to not have answers for your ongoing pain’ can go a long way by showing empathy and support. Pharmacists also play a vital role in healthcare navigation and can guide individuals towards further support, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25554 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-27 09:00:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-26 22:00:23 [post_content] => The Easter long weekend is a notoriously busy time of year for pharmacists. But 2024 could be the busiest one yet, as a major policy change is set to occur. Easter Sunday (31 March 2024) will be the last day of the National Health (Continued Dispensing – Emergency Measure) Determination 2023. That means the number of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines available via Continued Dispensing will be dramatically slashed from 755 to 150 during a public holiday – when reports have indicated a jump in Easter travel from 2023. It’s ‘almost farcical’ for a change to Continued Dispensing to occur over any public holiday, let alone Easter, said Chris Campbell MPS, PSA General Manager Policy and Program Delivery. ‘We already know that pharmacies still remain open and GP access is reduced,’ he said. ‘A major change over that period of time is just not good policy.’What will the impacts be?
While Continued Dispensing legislation is critical during a natural disaster, there are many scenarios where the policy supports continuity of care where people are separated from their medicines and prescriptions, including:
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[post_date] => 2024-03-25 11:59:01
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[post_content] => With additional vaping restrictions rolling out throughout 2024, pharmacists are more likely to encounter patients seeking therapeutic vaping products.
Many of these patients will be surprised by the restrictions. Here’s how to explain the reasons behind the rules.
Timeline for the federal government’s reforms to the regulation of vapes
|
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25491 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-20 11:32:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-20 00:32:48 [post_content] => Tomorrow is Thank Your Pharmacist Day (21 March 2024), when pharmacists from all areas of practice can come together and celebrate the profession with colleagues and patients alike. This year’s Thank Your Pharmacist Day theme is ‘More Than Ever’, recognising the increasingly important role pharmacists play across community health networks, from hospitals, to general practices, aged care facilities and various specialised practice areas. Through administering more vaccinations and providing a wider range of services to ensure healthcare access for all Australians, pharmacists are more important to the health of Australians than ever before, everywhere medicines are used. Every Australian has benefited from the expertise of pharmacists in all practice settings, said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS – who encouraged all Australians to say thanks to their local pharmacist tomorrow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwhOQwe1SqE PSA has produced a range of tools to help you celebrate Thank Your Pharmacist Day on Thursday. Here’s how pharmacists can get involved, and encourage their colleagues and patients to follow suit.1. Post #ThankYourPharmacistDay tiles on your pharmacy's social media page
Raise awareness about Thank Your Pharmacist Day among the community through your pharmacy’s social media channels. PSA has developed ready-to-post social media tiles to help pharmacists get the message across, available below. Don’t forget to tag PSA in your social posts!2. Engage your staff
Thank Your Pharmacist Day is also an opportunity for pharmacists to reflect on their own thoughts about the profession and what they’re most grateful for. Ask staff to jot their thoughts down on a post-it note to stick on the PSA printable Thank Your Pharmacist Day gratitude poster – where patients, community members and colleagues can leave a note of thanks for you and your team. Pharmacists can also involve ECPs in planning Thank Your Pharmacist Day activities, said PSA ECP Board Director Ayomide Ogundipe MPS. ‘ECPs can get involved by holding a ‘‘Thank Your Pharmacist’’ space at their workplace for patients and co-workers to share thank you notes, or host a morning tea with their co-workers to celebrate,’ she said.3. Ask pharmacy assistants to be Thank Your Pharmacist Day champions
When ringing up medicines and products at the register or manning the shop floor, pharmacy assistants are perfectly placed to raise awareness about Thank Your Pharmacist Day. Asking ‘would you like to fill out a note of appreciation for your pharmacist’ is sure to prompt patients to consider the important role pharmacists play in community health.4. Thank your fellow pharmacists
Remember pharmacists can thank pharmacists too, so don't forget to acknowledge your colleagues this Thank Your Pharmacist Day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVa3FDUOpoY From providing a supportive work environment to helping navigate a tricky patient interaction – now is the time to thank your colleagues for all that they do. ‘To every pharmacist – wherever you practise – Australia says thank you,’ added A/Prof Sim. Visit PSA’s Thank Your Pharmacist Day page to access more information and resources. [post_title] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [post_excerpt] => Thank Your Pharmacist Day (21 March 2024) allows all pharmacists to celebrate the profession with patients and colleagues alike. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => recognising-pharmacists-is-more-important-than-ever [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-03-20 15:00:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-03-20 04:00:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=25491 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [title] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/recognising-pharmacists-is-more-important-than-ever/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 25498 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 23793 [post_author] => 3387 [post_date] => 2024-03-19 10:21:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-18 23:21:08 [post_content] => Since 1 November 2023, almost 5 million Australians at risk of severe complications from shingles have had access to the SHINGRIX vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Herpes zoster (HZ), a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in patients who have had chicken pox previously, has a significant disease burden. Of all vaccine preventable diseases, HZ and its complications accounted for 7% of the overall burden in 2015. One of the most common complications from the virus is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), particularly among older and immunocompromised patients. Up to 5–30% of patients with HZ go on to develop PHN, with risks of this complication increasing with age. PHN, a type of nerve pain described as having a burning sensation that can persist long after acute HZ symptoms resolve, can be debilitating. One in three Australians will get shingles in their lifetime. Vaccination can reduce this likelihood.What’s changed and why?
SHINGRIX replaced Zostavax on the NIP following advice from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. SHINGRIX is administered as two doses, 2–6 months apart, at a current private market cost of approximately $560. The age limit for NIP shingles vaccination eligibility is now 65 years and older, down from 70 years. Patients eligible to receive SHINGRIX under the NIP include:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25543 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-27 09:47:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-26 22:47:56 [post_content] => March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. With a new treatment now available, here’s how pharmacists can help to detect the ‘missed disease’, provide appropriate treatment options and help to close the gender pain gap. Now that the Therapeutic Good Administration has approved Ryeqo to treat endometriosis, Australian Pharmacist examines how pharmacists can screen for the condition, discuss treatment options and appropriately refer on.Identifying endometriosis
Endometriosis is a difficult condition to diagnose, said Nicolette Ellis MPS, President of Chronic Pain Australia. [caption id="attachment_25549" align="alignright" width="262"] Nicolette Ellis MPS[/caption] ‘Many people with endometriosis go undiagnosed for years, with the condition taking an average of 7.5 years to diagnose,’ she said. According to Ms Ellis, most pharmacists are aware of the typical signs of endometriosis, including:
What is the government doing about women's pain and endometriosis?Chronic pain is reported more in women than in men, with a recent survey of more than 1,750 women in Victoria finding 40% live with chronic pain. Victoria is conducting a landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain to address the challenges faced by girls and women seeking care for pain. The PSA is formulating a submission, open to consumers, clinicians, and health service organisations from 30 January to 31 July 2024. As around one in seven South Australian women will experience endometriosis, the state is conducting an inquiry into how widespread the condition is, the barriers to treatment, and how healthcare professionals and employers can best support women living with endometriosis. |
‘People with endometriosis experience pain at different times during their cycle, particularly during ovulation.' nicolette ellis MPS‘Each person's pain experience is unique, and it's crucial to believe and validate their experiences and the impact on their lives,’ she said. ‘Listening attentively and validating their experiences is essential because pain can be an isolating experience.’ Reflective statements such as ‘I understand this must be distressing to not have answers for your ongoing pain’ can go a long way by showing empathy and support. Pharmacists also play a vital role in healthcare navigation and can guide individuals towards further support, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25554 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-27 09:00:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-26 22:00:23 [post_content] => The Easter long weekend is a notoriously busy time of year for pharmacists. But 2024 could be the busiest one yet, as a major policy change is set to occur. Easter Sunday (31 March 2024) will be the last day of the National Health (Continued Dispensing – Emergency Measure) Determination 2023. That means the number of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines available via Continued Dispensing will be dramatically slashed from 755 to 150 during a public holiday – when reports have indicated a jump in Easter travel from 2023. It’s ‘almost farcical’ for a change to Continued Dispensing to occur over any public holiday, let alone Easter, said Chris Campbell MPS, PSA General Manager Policy and Program Delivery. ‘We already know that pharmacies still remain open and GP access is reduced,’ he said. ‘A major change over that period of time is just not good policy.’What will the impacts be?
While Continued Dispensing legislation is critical during a natural disaster, there are many scenarios where the policy supports continuity of care where people are separated from their medicines and prescriptions, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object
(
[authorType] =>
[post] => WP_Post Object
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[ID] => 25527
[post_author] => 6501
[post_date] => 2024-03-25 11:59:01
[post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-25 00:59:01
[post_content] => With additional vaping restrictions rolling out throughout 2024, pharmacists are more likely to encounter patients seeking therapeutic vaping products.
Many of these patients will be surprised by the restrictions. Here’s how to explain the reasons behind the rules.
Timeline for the federal government’s reforms to the regulation of vapes
|
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25491 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-20 11:32:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-20 00:32:48 [post_content] => Tomorrow is Thank Your Pharmacist Day (21 March 2024), when pharmacists from all areas of practice can come together and celebrate the profession with colleagues and patients alike. This year’s Thank Your Pharmacist Day theme is ‘More Than Ever’, recognising the increasingly important role pharmacists play across community health networks, from hospitals, to general practices, aged care facilities and various specialised practice areas. Through administering more vaccinations and providing a wider range of services to ensure healthcare access for all Australians, pharmacists are more important to the health of Australians than ever before, everywhere medicines are used. Every Australian has benefited from the expertise of pharmacists in all practice settings, said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS – who encouraged all Australians to say thanks to their local pharmacist tomorrow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwhOQwe1SqE PSA has produced a range of tools to help you celebrate Thank Your Pharmacist Day on Thursday. Here’s how pharmacists can get involved, and encourage their colleagues and patients to follow suit.1. Post #ThankYourPharmacistDay tiles on your pharmacy's social media page
Raise awareness about Thank Your Pharmacist Day among the community through your pharmacy’s social media channels. PSA has developed ready-to-post social media tiles to help pharmacists get the message across, available below. Don’t forget to tag PSA in your social posts!2. Engage your staff
Thank Your Pharmacist Day is also an opportunity for pharmacists to reflect on their own thoughts about the profession and what they’re most grateful for. Ask staff to jot their thoughts down on a post-it note to stick on the PSA printable Thank Your Pharmacist Day gratitude poster – where patients, community members and colleagues can leave a note of thanks for you and your team. Pharmacists can also involve ECPs in planning Thank Your Pharmacist Day activities, said PSA ECP Board Director Ayomide Ogundipe MPS. ‘ECPs can get involved by holding a ‘‘Thank Your Pharmacist’’ space at their workplace for patients and co-workers to share thank you notes, or host a morning tea with their co-workers to celebrate,’ she said.3. Ask pharmacy assistants to be Thank Your Pharmacist Day champions
When ringing up medicines and products at the register or manning the shop floor, pharmacy assistants are perfectly placed to raise awareness about Thank Your Pharmacist Day. Asking ‘would you like to fill out a note of appreciation for your pharmacist’ is sure to prompt patients to consider the important role pharmacists play in community health.4. Thank your fellow pharmacists
Remember pharmacists can thank pharmacists too, so don't forget to acknowledge your colleagues this Thank Your Pharmacist Day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVa3FDUOpoY From providing a supportive work environment to helping navigate a tricky patient interaction – now is the time to thank your colleagues for all that they do. ‘To every pharmacist – wherever you practise – Australia says thank you,’ added A/Prof Sim. Visit PSA’s Thank Your Pharmacist Day page to access more information and resources. [post_title] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [post_excerpt] => Thank Your Pharmacist Day (21 March 2024) allows all pharmacists to celebrate the profession with patients and colleagues alike. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => recognising-pharmacists-is-more-important-than-ever [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-03-20 15:00:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-03-20 04:00:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=25491 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [title] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/recognising-pharmacists-is-more-important-than-ever/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 25498 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 23793 [post_author] => 3387 [post_date] => 2024-03-19 10:21:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-18 23:21:08 [post_content] => Since 1 November 2023, almost 5 million Australians at risk of severe complications from shingles have had access to the SHINGRIX vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Herpes zoster (HZ), a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in patients who have had chicken pox previously, has a significant disease burden. Of all vaccine preventable diseases, HZ and its complications accounted for 7% of the overall burden in 2015. One of the most common complications from the virus is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), particularly among older and immunocompromised patients. Up to 5–30% of patients with HZ go on to develop PHN, with risks of this complication increasing with age. PHN, a type of nerve pain described as having a burning sensation that can persist long after acute HZ symptoms resolve, can be debilitating. One in three Australians will get shingles in their lifetime. Vaccination can reduce this likelihood.What’s changed and why?
SHINGRIX replaced Zostavax on the NIP following advice from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. SHINGRIX is administered as two doses, 2–6 months apart, at a current private market cost of approximately $560. The age limit for NIP shingles vaccination eligibility is now 65 years and older, down from 70 years. Patients eligible to receive SHINGRIX under the NIP include:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25543 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-27 09:47:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-26 22:47:56 [post_content] => March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. With a new treatment now available, here’s how pharmacists can help to detect the ‘missed disease’, provide appropriate treatment options and help to close the gender pain gap. Now that the Therapeutic Good Administration has approved Ryeqo to treat endometriosis, Australian Pharmacist examines how pharmacists can screen for the condition, discuss treatment options and appropriately refer on.Identifying endometriosis
Endometriosis is a difficult condition to diagnose, said Nicolette Ellis MPS, President of Chronic Pain Australia. [caption id="attachment_25549" align="alignright" width="262"] Nicolette Ellis MPS[/caption] ‘Many people with endometriosis go undiagnosed for years, with the condition taking an average of 7.5 years to diagnose,’ she said. According to Ms Ellis, most pharmacists are aware of the typical signs of endometriosis, including:
What is the government doing about women's pain and endometriosis?Chronic pain is reported more in women than in men, with a recent survey of more than 1,750 women in Victoria finding 40% live with chronic pain. Victoria is conducting a landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain to address the challenges faced by girls and women seeking care for pain. The PSA is formulating a submission, open to consumers, clinicians, and health service organisations from 30 January to 31 July 2024. As around one in seven South Australian women will experience endometriosis, the state is conducting an inquiry into how widespread the condition is, the barriers to treatment, and how healthcare professionals and employers can best support women living with endometriosis. |
‘People with endometriosis experience pain at different times during their cycle, particularly during ovulation.' nicolette ellis MPS‘Each person's pain experience is unique, and it's crucial to believe and validate their experiences and the impact on their lives,’ she said. ‘Listening attentively and validating their experiences is essential because pain can be an isolating experience.’ Reflective statements such as ‘I understand this must be distressing to not have answers for your ongoing pain’ can go a long way by showing empathy and support. Pharmacists also play a vital role in healthcare navigation and can guide individuals towards further support, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25554 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-27 09:00:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-26 22:00:23 [post_content] => The Easter long weekend is a notoriously busy time of year for pharmacists. But 2024 could be the busiest one yet, as a major policy change is set to occur. Easter Sunday (31 March 2024) will be the last day of the National Health (Continued Dispensing – Emergency Measure) Determination 2023. That means the number of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines available via Continued Dispensing will be dramatically slashed from 755 to 150 during a public holiday – when reports have indicated a jump in Easter travel from 2023. It’s ‘almost farcical’ for a change to Continued Dispensing to occur over any public holiday, let alone Easter, said Chris Campbell MPS, PSA General Manager Policy and Program Delivery. ‘We already know that pharmacies still remain open and GP access is reduced,’ he said. ‘A major change over that period of time is just not good policy.’What will the impacts be?
While Continued Dispensing legislation is critical during a natural disaster, there are many scenarios where the policy supports continuity of care where people are separated from their medicines and prescriptions, including:
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[post_content] => With additional vaping restrictions rolling out throughout 2024, pharmacists are more likely to encounter patients seeking therapeutic vaping products.
Many of these patients will be surprised by the restrictions. Here’s how to explain the reasons behind the rules.
Timeline for the federal government’s reforms to the regulation of vapes
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td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 25491 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2024-03-20 11:32:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-20 00:32:48 [post_content] => Tomorrow is Thank Your Pharmacist Day (21 March 2024), when pharmacists from all areas of practice can come together and celebrate the profession with colleagues and patients alike. This year’s Thank Your Pharmacist Day theme is ‘More Than Ever’, recognising the increasingly important role pharmacists play across community health networks, from hospitals, to general practices, aged care facilities and various specialised practice areas. Through administering more vaccinations and providing a wider range of services to ensure healthcare access for all Australians, pharmacists are more important to the health of Australians than ever before, everywhere medicines are used. Every Australian has benefited from the expertise of pharmacists in all practice settings, said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS – who encouraged all Australians to say thanks to their local pharmacist tomorrow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwhOQwe1SqE PSA has produced a range of tools to help you celebrate Thank Your Pharmacist Day on Thursday. Here’s how pharmacists can get involved, and encourage their colleagues and patients to follow suit.1. Post #ThankYourPharmacistDay tiles on your pharmacy's social media page
Raise awareness about Thank Your Pharmacist Day among the community through your pharmacy’s social media channels. PSA has developed ready-to-post social media tiles to help pharmacists get the message across, available below. Don’t forget to tag PSA in your social posts!2. Engage your staff
Thank Your Pharmacist Day is also an opportunity for pharmacists to reflect on their own thoughts about the profession and what they’re most grateful for. Ask staff to jot their thoughts down on a post-it note to stick on the PSA printable Thank Your Pharmacist Day gratitude poster – where patients, community members and colleagues can leave a note of thanks for you and your team. Pharmacists can also involve ECPs in planning Thank Your Pharmacist Day activities, said PSA ECP Board Director Ayomide Ogundipe MPS. ‘ECPs can get involved by holding a ‘‘Thank Your Pharmacist’’ space at their workplace for patients and co-workers to share thank you notes, or host a morning tea with their co-workers to celebrate,’ she said.3. Ask pharmacy assistants to be Thank Your Pharmacist Day champions
When ringing up medicines and products at the register or manning the shop floor, pharmacy assistants are perfectly placed to raise awareness about Thank Your Pharmacist Day. Asking ‘would you like to fill out a note of appreciation for your pharmacist’ is sure to prompt patients to consider the important role pharmacists play in community health.4. Thank your fellow pharmacists
Remember pharmacists can thank pharmacists too, so don't forget to acknowledge your colleagues this Thank Your Pharmacist Day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVa3FDUOpoY From providing a supportive work environment to helping navigate a tricky patient interaction – now is the time to thank your colleagues for all that they do. ‘To every pharmacist – wherever you practise – Australia says thank you,’ added A/Prof Sim. Visit PSA’s Thank Your Pharmacist Day page to access more information and resources. [post_title] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [post_excerpt] => Thank Your Pharmacist Day (21 March 2024) allows all pharmacists to celebrate the profession with patients and colleagues alike. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => recognising-pharmacists-is-more-important-than-ever [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-03-20 15:00:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-03-20 04:00:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=25491 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [title] => Recognising pharmacists is more important than ever [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/recognising-pharmacists-is-more-important-than-ever/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 25498 )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [authorType] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 23793 [post_author] => 3387 [post_date] => 2024-03-19 10:21:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-18 23:21:08 [post_content] => Since 1 November 2023, almost 5 million Australians at risk of severe complications from shingles have had access to the SHINGRIX vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Herpes zoster (HZ), a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in patients who have had chicken pox previously, has a significant disease burden. Of all vaccine preventable diseases, HZ and its complications accounted for 7% of the overall burden in 2015. One of the most common complications from the virus is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), particularly among older and immunocompromised patients. Up to 5–30% of patients with HZ go on to develop PHN, with risks of this complication increasing with age. PHN, a type of nerve pain described as having a burning sensation that can persist long after acute HZ symptoms resolve, can be debilitating. One in three Australians will get shingles in their lifetime. Vaccination can reduce this likelihood.What’s changed and why?
SHINGRIX replaced Zostavax on the NIP following advice from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. SHINGRIX is administered as two doses, 2–6 months apart, at a current private market cost of approximately $560. The age limit for NIP shingles vaccination eligibility is now 65 years and older, down from 70 years. Patients eligible to receive SHINGRIX under the NIP include:
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Australian Pharmacist is the official journal for Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.