6CPA consumer-needs focus
September 2, 2015
Focusing on an evidence-based
platform of pharmacist services, the
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
(PSA) has summarised its proposed
means of “meeting consumer
needs through optimising
pharmacists’ contribution” within
the Sixth Community Pharmacy
Agreement (6CPA).
In an 11 point document released
yesterday, the PSA identified
dispensing as part of a “medication
management continuum”, seeking
remuneration based on the
complexity of the service provided.
The document calls for greater
investment in evidence-based
pharmacist services, including more
HMR, RMMR, MedsCheck and
Diabetes MedsCheck funding.
In addition the Association
refers to enhance primary care
and prevention activities with
heightened public awareness of
services aligned with national
health priorities such as tobacco,
obesity and alcohol, as well as
formalised recognition of the role
of pharmacists with relation to
management of minor ailments,
screening and vaccination services.
The PSA believes around $270m,
or $10,000 per pharmacy, is needed
to enable pharmacies to implement
and sustain an integrated suite of
evidence-based improved practices.
Rural and remote pharmacy
practices are flagged for greater
support especially in relation to
travel allowances and the provision
of a range of services.
A significant section of the PSA
document highlights the needs
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people, seeking increased
investment of some $200m
to effectively fund proposed
arrangements outlined in the 6CPA.
Clinical placement of pharmacy
students will need around $18m,
or $10,000 per student, to ensure
provision of accredited community
pharmacy training sites with
“appropriate staffing levels, a
system of continuous improvement
and ultimately a positive training
experience”.
The final note of the document
hits upon the delicate subject of
governance, pointing out that if
the PSA’s input and advice are
being actively sought “to design
the professional programs in
6CPA, then it is reasonable that
PSA be a joint signatory to the
parts of the Agreement dealing
with professional programs and
services” - CLICK HERE.
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