PHARMACEUTICAL Society of Australia national president Shane Jackson says he expects pharmacists in Australia to be prescribing within two years, with the only barrier being enabling of legislation in various jurisdictions.
Speaking to Pharmacy Daily during last weekend's APP2018 conference on the Gold Coast, Jackson noted that prescribing is already "in scope" for pharmacist competencies, with the Pharmacy Board of Australia to host a forum next month on the topic (see separate story on page 3).
Jackson said pharmacist prescribing had the potential to significantly reduce pressure on the health system, with a collaborative model where pharmacists would continue medication in consultation with a patient's GP as long as key indicators remain stable.
MEANWHILE the PSA president also appeared on APP's "State of the Industry" panel on Fri morning, and noted it had been a long time since the PSA had had such an involvement with the Guild's major conference - indicative of closer collaboration and shared goals between the organisations.
During his presentation he highlighted the huge wave of young pharmacists coming through the system, with 63% of Australian pharmacists aged under 40.
He told PD it was vital to ensure young pharmacists have stimulating, rewarding roles that utilise their professional skills to the fullest.
"We have the youngest workforce of any health professional group across the country...with that comes the opportunity to fully utilise our pharmacist workforce for the future," he said.
Jackson said pharmacists practising in full scope should see them taking accountability and responsibility for medicines management.
He added that as this was recognised across the health workforce it should lead to a better remuneration framework.
"As a profession we need to get more money into the system," Jackson concluded.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 07 May 18
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 07 May 18
