Module 3, Changes to the pharmacy practice landscape

Question 1

Why is community pharmacy different to other retailers?

Answer 1

• we have a commodity to trade & we’re influenced by the contradictory retailing versus professional services
• many products we sell are not ordinary items of commerce but need considerable discretion regarding recommendations and purchasing
• medicines not only do good if used properly but also do harm if used improperly
• in many cases, there is ‘value added’ in the course of providing a product through advice given

Question 2

What are some examples of develpment in practice?

Answer 2

• ‘pharmaceutical care’ movement
• emphasis on evidence based practice
• development of new medicines by pharmaceutical industry
• down scheduling of medicines
• increased generic prescribing
• shift towards comptenency based training
• development of practice standards
• development of professional services
• changes in consumer behaviour

Question 3

What has been the shift in pharmacy practice?

Answer 3

Product-based only –> medication-related needs and patient-centred services

Question 4

What does the 6th CPA state?

Answer 4

“For the pharmacy sector, the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement provides revised remuneration arrangements that will enable pharmacy to innovate and transition from a focus on medicine supply to medicines management and pharmacy services.”

Question 5

What is the impact of the PBS on practice?

Answer 5

• determines dispensing fees
• compliance requirements have increased
• payment for professional services
• PBS reforms- generic substitution
• changes to financial stability

Question 6

What does the future look like for pharmacists?

Answer 6

• more paid professional services
• e-health; my health record
• pharmacists working across various practice settings
• advanced practitioners; advanced pharmacy practice framework
• pharmacist ‘prescribing’?
• expand pharmacist vaccinations?

Question 7

What are some specialist pharmacists?

Answer 7

• pharmacist- credentialed diabetes educator
• pharmacists specialising in aged care
• pharmacists specialising in vet medicine
• pharmacists as lactation consultants
• pharmacists specialing in sterile compounding and manufacturing
• pharmacists specialising in cancer treatment
• antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists