Time is running out to register for the flagship conference PSA17, the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) announced today.

With limited tickets available and social events nearing sell out, PSA invites all pharmacists, industry leaders and health professionals to visit www.PSA17.com and choose from a variety of registration options before they miss out.

PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said PSA17’s unique and engaging program is an ideal opportunity to discuss key issues and network with pharmacists and industry partners from across the globe.

“This year’s conference will be our biggest yet, with a broader education program and more networking opportunities than ever,” said Dr Jackson. “With a record number of delegates, we urge all pharmacists in Australia to avoid disappointment and register now.”

Dr Jackson said he was delighted to welcome Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt as a keynote speaker to officially open PSA17 on Friday, July 28.

Federal Shadow Health Minister Catherine King MP will also deliver a keynote address highlighting Labor’s National Health platform and the party’s “vision for the pharmacy sector” ahead of the next Federal election.

Other highlights not to be missed include international expert Dr Tim Hanlon’s keynote address on innovative solutions to increasing pharmaceutical needs around the world, a panel session on international antimicrobial resistance headlined by Professor Sabiha Essack, and a presentation on introducing change programs by former Australian Comic of the Year Marty Wilson.

Dr Jackson said: “In addition to PSA17’s innovative education program, the social program features events for every budget, which are already starting to sell out. This is a great chance to connect with fellow pharmacists and build new relationships in a relaxed environment.”

The Gala Dinner on Saturday 29 July will have a Golden Globes theme with a touch of Hollywood glamour. PSA student and intern delegates will also receive free entry to the Early Career Pharmacists Party, while the Fellows Dinner will provide the chance to forge new connections with others in the industry.

PSA is partnering with the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) to jointly host PSA17 at one of Sydney’s most exciting convention spaces, the newly refurbished Hyatt Regency Sydney at Darling Harbour from July 28–30, 2017.

To register or find out more, visit www.PSA17.com

2.  Work collaboratively to deliver better care for consumers, pharmacists say to GPs
July 12, 2017

Having GPs and pharmacists working together on collaborative models of care is better for consumers and the health system as a whole, the peak body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) said today.

Responding to comments made in Australian Doctor and Medical Observer highlighting missed opportunities for referrals to GPs by pharmacy staff, PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said the time for criticism is over. “What we need to be doing is working together to support evidence-based practices that improve the quality of care consumers receive.”

Acknowledging that the report documented some behaviours that fall short of the standards expected of the pharmacy profession, Dr Jackson said that there is a need for practice support to enable pharmacists to have the majority of these consultations, and better training for pharmacy staff as a whole.

“While the majority do this well, PSA is working hard to support the profession through a range of resources to improve these practices, and has urged the Government to allocate funding to develop quality indicators for pharmacist practice,” Dr Jackson said.

“We should also note, however, that this kind of challenge is not limited to pharmacists. Just this week we had reports of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing by GPs – at up to nine times the recommended rates – contributing to the problem of antimicrobial resistance and even deaths. The response from GP groups was to encourage better education and protocols. Pharmacists are supportive of this and expect the same in response from our GP colleagues where the need for improvement is identified.”

Dr Jackson said there are many positive outcomes for Australia by optimising the role of pharmacists, especially within collaborative healthcare frameworks.

“Internationally, we see GPs and pharmacists working together to build shared protocols and improved communication pathways, with evidence this improves outcomes for consumers, particularly those with chronic diseases. With all the reform happening in primary care at the moment, let’s not miss the opportunity to realise these benefits in Australia,” Dr Jackson said.

Australia’s 5,500 community pharmacies are visited by approximately 300 million consumers each year. Building on successful models of care in the UK, Canada and Europe, PSA has sought to develop protocols for a more structured triage, referral and minor ailments service – in collaboration with GPs and consumers.

“Australians will continue to seek health advice from pharmacists, given their expertise and the great accessibility that community pharmacies provide as a key part of our primary care infrastructure,” Dr Jackson said.

“At PSA, our door continues to be open to RACGP and other GP groups to develop collaborative protocols that avoid the type of problems highlighted today, and deliver cost-effective health outcomes to consumers.”