PHARMACISTS need to ensure they have skills in research, data analysis and informatics to support their roles in a post-COVID-19 world, Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) Chair, Associate Professor Sue Kirsa, believes.
In a message posted on the APC website, Kirsa noted that pharmacists across community, hospital and academic settings have faced significant challenges due to the COVID pandemic.
"Universities have been hit hard by the global pandemic," she said.
"They've had to turn around, in very short timeframes, their models for delivery of degree courses as well as seeing much of their research suspended.
"Hospital pharmacists have worked hard to maintain the supply of medicines to our patients.
"For many hospital pharmacies, there was a need to act quickly to secure additional spaces for medicines storage.
"Our community pharmacy colleagues have also been doing it tough over the last few months.
"Especially as the hint of shortfalls in medication supplies caused public concern.
"Front-line community pharmacy staff have continued to serve the public despite personal risk.
"Pharmacists have also been at the forefront of data analysis to determine what impact COVID-19 has had on medical supplies.
"They have worked with the states and the Commonwealth on real-time data, monitoring:
treatment regimens, and
increasing visibility of medicine supplies across the country.
"This work has highlighted that skills in research, data analytics and informatics are important for us to attain.
"They are core skills that pharmacists of the future need."
Heralding the profession's efforts during the crisis, Kirsa added, "let's hope the Commonwealth recognises both the great job pharmacy has done during the pandemic and the likely challenges that the pandemic will bring to the supply chain for medicines."
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