THE Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) has today released its five-year strategic plan, describing it as a "blueprint to advance Australian pharmacy by supporting world-leading practice for the optimal care of all people within the Australian health system".
Recently appointed SHPA National President, Peter Fowler said the document aimed to guide the booming hospital pharmacy sector into a new era, espousing SHPA's vision of "advancing pharmacy, advancing patient care".
The document encapsulates four strategic pillars: developing a world-leading pharmacy workforce; advancing collaborative practice with pharmacy and healthcare partners; providing a progressive, evidence-based voice on pharmacy policy and issues; and focusing practice on patient outcomes.
"In a range of roles and care settings, our members practice at a high level, caring for complex patients with complex medicines management needs, in multidisciplinary environments," Fowler said.
"Through SHPA's ongoing advocacy, programs and initiatives members will be supported to sharpen their skills, forge stronger connections, advance their practice and wield a more influential voice as they drive their careers forward."
SHPA CEO Kristin Michaels said policy would be a key priority, with current issues including building a coordinated response to minimising opioid-related harm originating in hospitals as an outcome of the recent report which analysed current practices around opioid analgesia in the hospital surgical setting (PD 26 Nov 2018).
"We will continue to work with members, and healthcare and government stakeholders, to push for evidence-based policy change, while highlighting the valuable contribution made by hospital pharmacists in everything we do."
See the strategy at shpa.org.au.
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