Are you equipped for community pharmacy 2023?
THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) recently released the ‘Pharmacists in 2023’ report which discusses a number of new models for community pharmacy practice. This includes shifting from treating illness to managing overall health and wellbeing, providing tailored health solutions and a more proactive approach to healthcare. The accompanying roles and remuneration report describes how pharmacists’ expertise can be recognised using the Australian advancing practice framework.
The impact of clinical pharmacy is increasingly evident in community practice. Community pharmacists need to undertake further education, and continue advancing their practice, to maintain relevant skills for a changing workforce. With evolution of community based clinical practice, programs such as the Monash University Master of Clinical Pharmacy (MClinPharm) provide relevant education, delivered flexibly (e.g. online, single unit options).
The PSA report highlights that to meet growing health needs, community pharmacists need to have a greater level of responsibility in medication management and provide increased accessibility to primary care advice for consumers. The MClinPharm teaches across these areas including quality use of medicines, evidence-based practice and research.
By undertaking units in areas of clinical focus including wound care, geriatrics, and palliative care, community pharmacists will graduate with high quality skills required for clinical prac ce.