A new practice support and education package to help pharmacists understand their professional responsibilities has been released by the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Under the recently released Professional Practice Standards Version 5 (PPS V5), the package with new tools has been developed to help pharmacists implement the standards in practice.

PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said: “All pharmacists across the profession should familiarise themselves with these standards and use them to assess and guide their practice to optimise their contribution to improve the health of all Australians.

“PSA also urges all pharmacists to access these new resources, especially in terms of biosimilar medicines.”

The new support package includes:

• An interactive, online self-assessment tool, which enables pharmacists to create their own ‘practice standard profile’ (a set of practice standards which are relevant to the professional activities they undertake and professional services they provide) to assess compliance with relevant standards and create an action plan for meeting development needs.
• A recorded webinar titled Practical considerations associated with biosimilar medicines, and an online module titled Biosimilar medicines.
• Six case studies covering a range of topics to support the broader implementation of PPS V5 in practice.

PSA’s Practice Support and Education Committee Chair Grant Kardachi said: “Pharmacists should note the new standard around biosimilar medicines currently approved for use in Australia, including seven listed on the PBS.

“It’s vital for pharmacists to have an understanding of biosimilar medicines and the benefits they bring to Australia’s healthcare system.”

All tools are accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at: www.psa.org.au/practice-support-and-tools/psa-professional-practice-standards

PSA acknowledges the Federal Department of Health for providing funding for this work as part of the PBS Access and Sustainability Package including the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement.