1. PSA expands training services
May 10, 2018
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today announced the launch of tailored workforce training as part of its commitment to the ongoing development of Australian pharmacy professionals.
Chemist Warehouse Group is the first national pharmacy group to implement PSA’s new training approach, after appointing PSA as its preferred training provider.
PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said: “Providing ongoing professional development and practice support is a crucial part of PSA’s role as the national peak body for pharmacists in Australia.
“The training that we will deliver for Chemist Warehouse Group will support the ongoing professional development of its 14,000 pharmacy assistants and pharmacists nationwide.
This in turn supports the delivery of care to millions of Australians.”
PSA has developed a new digital education hub to deliver these tailored training services.
The hub has the ability to host tailored content from multiple sources and has been developed using market-leading education and practice support systems.
Dr Jackson said the expansion of PSA’s training services builds on the national peak body’s strong history of providing training services to pharmacy professionals across Australia.
“Our team at PSA is having discussions with a number of different pharmacy groups about their training requirements. We look forward to providing these additional training services to the pharmacy workforce across Australia to support them in delivering high quality patient-centred care.”
For more information on PSA’s new tailored workforce training services, please contact: communications@psa.org.au
2. Budget supports general practice pharmacists
May 8, 2018
PSA welcomes the announcement in tonight’s 2018-19 Federal Budget for a new Workforce Incentive Program to strengthen multidisciplinary primary care through supporting general practices to engage allied health professionals including non-dispensing pharmacists.
“We welcome tonight’s Budget, and are particularly pleased to see the role of pharmacists is now being recognised through inclusion in this important program,” said Dr Shane Jackson, National President of the PSA.
“This outcome has been achieved through the continued parallel advocacy of the PSA and other organisations, primarily the Australian Medical Association.”
Pharmacists have clearly signalled a desire to have new and diverse career opportunities open to them allowing utilisation of their significant skills, training and experience.
“As the government-appointed peak body for pharmacists, we look forward to working with the government and our medical colleagues on the training, credentialing and standards of practice for pharmacists working in these practices; and ensuring these complement and align with the range of professional programs provided through community pharmacy,” said Dr Jackson.
This announcement signals a sustainable career pathway for pharmacists working collaboratively within the general practice team, according to Dr Chris Freeman, PSA National Vice-President and general practice pharmacist.
“This is a win for patients through improved quality use of medicine outcomes, a win for the pharmacy profession through a new sustainable career pathway, and a win for government through return on investment in primary care,” said Dr Freeman.
3. PSA18 Shark Tank brings pharmacy innovations to life
May 1, 2018
Delegates will have the opportunity to present their innovative pharmacy idea to a panel of experts during the new Shark Tank session at PSA18, the flagship annual conference for the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Delegates will pitch their ideas for a new product, program, process or technology to industry leaders and investors for a chance to share in the $10,000 prize pool.
PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said PSA invites pharmacists to submit their ideas and solutions for addressing unmet clinical needs and advancing patient care and pharmacy practice.
“The Shark Tank is a major new addition to PSA18, highlighting this year’s theme of Leading Pharmacy Future,” Dr Jackson said.
“This exciting event is a great example of how PSA18 will encourage pharmacists across all practice settings to think beyond the status quo and explore the issues shaping pharmacy practice on a global scale.”
The Shark Tank Review Committee will select three candidates to present their ideas to the ‘sharks’ in front of a live audience at PSA18.
All finalists are eligible to receive a complimentary registration to PSA18 to pitch their idea.
Their 10-minute presentation will be followed by five minutes of questions from the sharks and the audience.
Each shark will choose a pitch to invest in, and one lucky delegate will receive the People’s Choice Award.
Winners can use the prize money to bring their innovation a step closer to reality.
Submissions for the Shark Tank are now open until 5 pm on Friday 15 June 2018.
PSA18 will take place from 27 to 29 July 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Sydney.
A limited amount of Early Bird tickets are available until 20 May 2018 – register now at the conference website. Postal registration is coming soon.