Month: September 2024

Pharmacy Through the Decade – What Has Changed in 10 Years?

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

Over the last decade, the community pharmacy landscape has undergone significant innovations. These changes have been driven by technological advancements and evolving regulations – with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating this over the last 5 years. Let’s dive into the key shifts that have shaped the pharmacy landscape and consider what the future might hold.

Technological Innovations

Technology has revolutionised the way pharmacies operate, making processes more efficient and patient-centred. One notable advancement is eRx, which has streamlined the script-dispensing process. Patients now have access to greater flexibility with their prescriptions, thanks to systems like MySL that allow repeats to be dispensed without a physical script or QR code. This digital shift not only improves convenience but also enhances the transparency of patient history, aiding in safer healthcare delivery.

Another critical development is the introduction of the electronic S8 register, which simplifies the management of Schedule 8 medications. By digitising this process, pharmacies have been able to maintain better records and ensure compliance with regulations more efficiently.

Regulatory Changes

Regulations governing pharmacy practices have also seen significant updates. For instance, the implementation of the SafeScript program (also known as QScript, ScriptCheck and many more names depending on which state you’re from) has been a game-changer in managing high-risk medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines. Real-time prescription monitoring (RTPM) through SafeScript has enhanced transparency and helped pharmacists make safer clinical decisions for their patients.

The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) is another vital addition. In response to global medicine shortages, including common drugs like amoxicillin and metformin, the SSSI provides advice and recommendations for allowing pharmacists to supply substitutable medications during times of scarcity. This flexibility has been crucial in ensuring continued patient care amidst supply chain disruptions.

Expanding Roles and Responsibilities

Pharmacists’ roles have expanded beyond traditional dispensing functions. Continued Dispensing, particularly useful during COVID-19 when GP appointments were hard to come by, has now become essential for rural and regional patients who face geographic barriers to healthcare access.

Pharmacists have also stepped up as key players in public health, with vaccination services growing to include over 20 types of vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. This shift not only enhances community health outcomes but also cements the role of pharmacists as frontline healthcare providers.

In addition, Pharmacist Prescribing is now a reality, with pharmacists authorised to prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs. This change empowers pharmacists to provide more comprehensive care, though it comes with added responsibilities and the need for ongoing professional development.

Controversies and Challenges

Not all changes have been welcomed uniformly. The introduction of 60-day dispensing for certain PBS-listed medicines, aimed at reducing costs and doctor visits, has sparked debate. While it offers convenience for patients, many pharmacists are concerned about potential safety issues, such as the risk of medication hoarding, and have faced financial losses due to reduced dispensing fees.

Similarly, the rescheduling of codeine to S4 (prescription-only) from S3 (pharmacist-only) has stirred discussions. While the move aims to curb misuse and addiction, it also reflects a growing concern over pharmacists’ roles as gatekeepers for potentially harmful substances. 

Looking Ahead

The past decade has seen pharmacists in Australia embrace new roles, technologies, and regulations, all aimed at enhancing patient care and safety. But as the landscape continues to evolve, it raises an important question: What will the next ten years hold for community pharmacy?

Will we see even more integration of digital tools? How will ongoing regulatory changes shape the profession? One thing is certain: the role of the community pharmacist will continue to expand, requiring adaptability and a commitment to professional development.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! What changes have you noticed, and what do you think the future holds for pharmacy? Join the conversation and share your insights!

Regards,
Ella Shearing 

The Vape Debate

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

Australia is currently embroiled in a heated discourse over the proposed de-scheduling of vapes from Schedule 4 (prescription-only medicines) to Schedule 3 (pharmacist-only medicines). This legislative change, set to take effect from October 2024, raises significant concerns among healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists who fear it will undermine professional standards and overburden them without compensation.

 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) claims that “dispensing therapeutic vapes from 1 October 2024, when they are classified as Schedule 3 substances,” is intended to make smoking cessation aids more accessible. However, many pharmacists believe this move is problematic. According to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, “We are not tobacconists or garbologists”. The Guild stresses that pharmacies are not equipped to handle the surge of customers seeking vapes, potentially attracting a demographic that may not align with the professional ethos of healthcare settings​. 

 

Moreover, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has expressed concerns that this shift places an undue burden on pharmacists, who are already stretched thin with increasing responsibilities. The PSA notes, “Pharmacists are frontline healthcare providers, and expecting them to manage vape supply adds to their workload without additional support or remuneration.” This move could compromise the quality of care that pharmacists are able to provide to other patients, as they juggle more tasks without any increase in resources.

 

There is also a significant ethical debate surrounding this decision. Many in the healthcare community feel that it goes against the professional standards upheld by practitioners. The PSA argues that “pharmacists are healthcare professionals, not gatekeepers for products that may cause harm”. This sentiment is heightened by the well-documented health risks associated with vaping, which include cancer, lung scarring, and nicotine addiction. These risks illustrate why many pharmacists are uncomfortable supplying products that may cause more harm than benefit to their patients. Furthermore, there is limited evidence to support the use of vaping products for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence, as highlighted by a report from the Australian National University ( ‘Nicotine e-cigarettes for smoking cessation: Evidence to support guideline development by Australian National University’).

 

The opposition to this policy isn’t limited to pharmacists alone. Major pharmacy chains have also expressed reservations. An article from ABC News reported that “several big pharmacy brands have outright rejected the idea of stocking vapes,” citing concerns over the message it sends to the community and the potential for pharmacies to become inadvertently associated with promoting vaping.

 

While the intention behind de-scheduling vapes to S3 may be to improve access to smoking cessation tools, the reality is far more complex. The potential fallout on pharmacists, the ethical considerations, and the possible public health implications make this a contentious issue. As the debate continues, it is crucial for policymakers to consider these factors and engage with the healthcare community to find a solution that balances accessibility with professional standards and public health priorities. As pharmacists, it is crucial for us to stand our ground and express concerns on behalf of our profession and community.

 

For more information, visit the TGA, Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

 

Regards,
Ella Shearing 

Chair or No Chair? That Is the Question.

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

Should Pharmacists Be Entitled to Seating at Work?

The age-old question in pharmacy—how to avoid sore feet—often makes us envious of the checkout staff in Aldi. Should pharmacists also have the right to a chair at work?

 

The Locumate team recently posted a short-form video on LinkedIn, playfully highlighting the various standing positions pharmacists adopt behind the dispensary counter. This video unexpectedly sparked significant online discourse about the working conditions of pharmacists.

 

One commenter noted, “While this video humorously depicts the creative ways pharmacists try to rest their feet, it highlights a significant issue in our profession. Standing for extended periods, often 8+ hours, can take a toll on our health.” Another added, “I understand the nature of the job requires movement, but we need to take care of ourselves and rest when needed. Several [pregnant] pharmacist mothers have mentioned they must stand through 8-10 hour shifts with no place to sit.” Another comment joked, “Being able to sit at work was one of the main reasons I switched to hospital pharmacy!”

 

Indeed, standing for prolonged periods of time poses a health risk. SafeWork Australia states, “Prolonged standing can increase the risk of fatigue and illness. Workers should not stay in a seated, standing, or static posture for long periods.” Risks of prolonged standing include lower back pain, cardiovascular complications, and varicose veins, with these risks amplified during pregnancy.

 

Conversely, sitting for long periods also carries risks, including musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, poor mental health, and some cancers, according to SafeWork Australia.

 

To achieve a balance, employees should alternate between sitting and standing. One commenter from the LinkedIn post remarked, “This is an OHS issue, and an employer cannot prevent an employee from sitting if needed. A reasonable request for seating should not be refused.” While pharmacy work often involves standing and moving around, some tasks, such as administrative work, checking prescriptions or DAAs, can be done while seated.

 

Requesting a chair may feel uncomfortable due to current pharmacy workplace culture, but, as one commenter pointed out, “Everyone in pharmacy has a right to a physically safe working environment, and we need to address and change this.” It’s a cultural shift that requires collective effort to normalize safe working conditions for pharmacists.

 

“It’s important to remember that as we care for our patients, we also need to take care of ourselves. No healthcare role should demand that professionals work without adequate rest and comfort,” another commenter concluded. Pharmacy owners should be accountable for their staff’s comfort and safety, initiating conversations around improving working conditions. Pharmacists and staff should support one another’s needs to avoid unsafe working conditions.

 

“Providing seating options and encouraging regular breaks are essential for the well-being of healthcare workers, which ultimately benefits patient care. It’s a conversation worth having to promote a healthier work environment for all.” In terms of moving forward we hope this article opens up a bigger conversation around working conditions for all pharmacists in all stages of their career, in the hopes of fostering a better working culture.

 

“The next video should feature a pharmacist eating lunch without a lunch break!” And yes, thank you for the video inspiration!

Regards,
Ella Shearing