ePlacebo - November/December 2024

ePlacebo NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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Contents President’s Report APP25 - The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Pharmaceutical Defence Limited LocumCo X NAPSA Scholarship Research Director Report Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Pharmacists’ Support Services LocumCo Pharmaceutical Defence Limited Advanced Pharmacy Australia Australian Medicines Handbook ANZCAP PSA Upcoming Events

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President’s Report Dear NAPSA members, Happy New Year! I know for many 2024 was a difficult year, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to be felt deeply by university students. Amongst it all, I hope all of you had a chance over the end-of-year period to relax, refresh and spend time with those closest to you.

PRESIDENT

Sebastian Harper

In the closing months of 2024, the NAPSA team had perhaps the busiest time yet.

As promised, a contingent of pharmacy students including myself, our Treasurer Ben Scott and Indigenous Chair Shi-Anne Wallace made the trek to Canberra to advocate on your behalf to the decision makers of this country.

Over two weeks, Members of Parliament, Senators and Ministers met with NAPSA to hear your stories of placement poverty, and to understand why we are campaigning for expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payments.

Politics is a tough business, as is the advocacy to get results for our members, and I am proud of our continued work placing health students at the centre of the national conversation. Already the government has committed to reviewing the Prac Payments in the future, eyeing expansion into the allied health disciplines. Our campaign makes the humble request to see this happen much sooner.

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It was over this period that one of the most significant changes to pharmacy in recent memory was announced. Graduates of a Masters (Extended) are now able to use the qualification “Doctor of Pharmacy”. This change brings Pharmacy into line with numerous health professions, and is a natural evolution with the implementation of full scope across the States and Territories. Having spoken to members at every university, we know there are still many questions you have about this change. We want every pharmacy student in Australia to know that NAPSA continues to be a part of the discussion, and that the industry moving forward will always want the perspectives of students in crafting these new degrees.

The elephant in the room of course is that Congress 2025 is upon us. On the 12th of January 246 students and interns from across Australia and New Zealand will descend on Brisbane for a week of learning, socialising, networking and opportunities. The Organising Committee have been hard at work to deliver the biggest event since 2019, and I can’t wait for you to see what they have in store.

Now more than ever before the benefit of being a member of your NAPSA branch is clear. Without your support, none of what we do would be possible. So in celebration of the new year, I want to say thank you to the thousands of pharmacy students who make the right decision in joining our Association. As you return to studies in the coming months, help us grow by telling your friends and classmates what it means to be a part of this national movement - and let’s start 2025 with a bang!

Yours faithfully,

Sebastian Harper National President 2024/2025 president@napsa.org.au

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Locum Co x NAPSA Scholarship During my rural placement in Launceston, Tasmania, I had the privilege of gaining invaluable hands-on experience that

REFLECTION BY

Mohamed Jamal

significantly enriched my understanding of pharmacy practice in a real-world setting.

Working closely with dedicated pharmacists

allowed me to observe and appreciate the vital role they play in healthcare, from patient

counselling to medication management. This

experience allowed me to apply my theoretical

knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing my confidence and clinical skills.

I am deeply grateful to LocumCo and NAPSA for providing me with this incredible

opportunity. Their support has been instrumental in refining my abilities and solidifying

my passion for delivering patient centred care. This placement has left a lasting impact on my professional growth and reaffirmed my commitment to making meaningful contributions to the field of pharmacy.

Reflecting on my placement in Launceston. I am filled with gratitude for an experience

that significantly enriched my understanding of pharmacy practice. My placement was at the TerryWhite Pharmacy, which operates two locations in Launceston. Rotating

between both pharmacies allowed me to see a diverse array of patients and benefit from mentorship by several experienced pharmacists, all of whom had unique

approaches to patient care and pharmacy management. Working across both

TerryWhite locations equipped me with valuable experience in dealing with a wide range of patient needs, conditions, and backgrounds. In a rural area, where healthcare

services may be limited or harder to access, I saw the importance of the pharmacy as a vital healthcare touchpoint. Patients often turned to the pharmacy first, and I witnessed the dedication of pharmacists who provided essential care, education, and support.

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Locum Co x NAPSA Scholarship The mentors I worked with were incredibly supportive and generous with their

knowledge, guiding me in everything from clinical decision making to effective

communication with patients. Their mentorship helped build my confidence and adapt my skills to meet the unique needs of rural patients. One of the highlights of my

placement was the opportunity to sit with a dermatology specialist and a general doctor. Observing the dermatology consultations gave me practical insight into

managing skin conditions, an area that is especially relevant in rural healthcare, where patients may have limited access to specialists.

Additionally, observing the general doctor’s approach to complex and multifaceted

cases was invaluable. I learned how rural GPs handle a broad scope of conditions, often

with limited resources, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between pharmacists and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for patients. Being in

Launceston also exposed me to Tasmania’s unique pharmacy regulations, which differ

from those in my home state. Navigating these regulatory differences taught me to be thorough and adaptable, as I ensured compliance with state-specific laws and practices.

This experience broadened my understanding of pharmacy practice across different jurisdictions in Australia. In conclusion, this provided me with an unforgettable

experience that deepened my passion for rural healthcare and strengthened my

commitment to pharmacy. I am grateful for the mentorship, hands on experience, and

insights gained, which have equipped me to better serve patients in diverse settings and reinforced my dedication to supporting rural communities.

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Research Opportunities for Students NAPSA has a variety of research initiatives available to students to become involved in and showcase their completed research. But don’t worry if you’re not a research student as there are still ways for you to be involved!

RESEARCH DIRECTOR

Megan Potter

The Australian Pharmacy Students’ Journal (APSJ) is a journal created by students, for students. The Journal allows students to publish original research completed as part of their degree, feature articles, opinion pieces and letters just to name a few examples. It is a unique opportunity for pharmacy students and interns to become published authors as undergraduates in our peer-reviewed journal. The APSJ is published biannually in Summer and Winter and we are currently in the process of publishing our APSJ Summer Issue for 2025, with the theme of “Sustainability in Pharmacy”. Submissions are open for this issue now alongside our biannual opinion piece competition that proposes three questions for you to choose to answer from, you can find these on the APSJ instagram (@the_apsj). We look forward to reading your submissions and stay tuned for our Summer 2025 Issue coming to you soon!

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Research Opportunities for Students Aside from the APSJ, another NAPSA initiative to get involved is the annual Research Poster Competition which you may have read about in the previous edition of the ePlacebo. This is now wrapped up for 2024 with judging underway of our fantastic submissions for the winner to be announced soon and to present their poster at NAPSA Congress 2025 in Brisbane. This is a great opportunity to partake in the research field, particularly if you complete a poster as part of your degree in 2025!

On the horizon for 2025, the team is working hard to bring to you two online research symposiums for students to tune into and hear from a variety of academics and speakers in the research field and the opportunity to ask your burning research questions.

Watch our NAPSA socials and your emails to find out more information about this soon.

If you wish to submit an article to the APSJ or like to know more information, or to discuss more about our research opportunities, please contact Megan at research@napsa.org.au Megan Potter NAPSA Executive Director of Research 2024/2025 research@napsa.org.au

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Mindfulness when Working in Pharmacy The day of a pharmacist is usually busy, we move from one patient to the next, dispensing medicine and advice and assisting people with minor ailments.

Following-up prescribers, checking the work of pharmacy technicians, demonstrating devices, providing education, writing reports, reconciling medications and answering our phones and pagers keep us on the go all day. In addition we often work in noisy and busy environments. However we are expected to work quickly and not keep people waiting at the same time as communicating well and never making an error. Often in patient’s healthcare journey we are the last healthcare professional they see before they go home and our interaction with them is critical to their understanding of their treatment.

All of this can create a stressful environment for pharmacists which can impact on our well-being.

Mindfulness means living in the present moment. Essentially, it means being (intentionally) more aware and awake to each moment and being fully engaged in what is happening in one’s surroundings – with acceptance and without judgment. Mindfulness is not only useful to improve our own mood and a sense of well-being, it also makes us better healthcare professionals. Mindfulness is valuable because it enables us to focus on what we are doing despite distractions. It also enables us to be present for the patient listening to what they are saying and responding in an empathetic way.

Attention Practising mindful attention helps us to slow down and consciously think about what we are doing. Whether this is dispensing or communicating or problem solving we are less likely to make a mistake or miss something.

Curiosity Developing a sense of curiosity inspires us to question more and dig deeper. This is useful to build rapport and foster empathy with patients. It is also valuable to help us identify something that is not quite right – rather than acting on autopilot we are more likely to think things through and to question a dose or directions or the choice of medication. It is also helpful in problem solving when asking a few more questions may produce a solution.

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Presence Listening deeply without judgement, interruption or preconceptions improves our communication with patients and also fellow health professionals. When a patient feels understood, the risk of miscommunication and error is reduced and they are more likely to listen to us and the information we are providing. When we communicate respectfully and with careful thought with another health professional there is less likely to be a misunderstanding and we are more likely to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone involved but especially the patient. Mindful pharmacists enjoy a more satisfying career, have improved relationships with colleagues and other health professionals and contribute to better outcomes for patients.

The Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) is a charity which focuses on the mental health and well-being of the Australian pharmacy profession. PSS is just a phone call away and can help if you are stressed, concerned about your mental health or need a listening ear. The PSS telephone is answered by volunteers, who are all experienced pharmacists or retired pharmacists, who have undertaken training in crisis support counselling. PSS is available to all pharmacists, interns, students, overseas pharmacy graduates seeking registration in Australia. PSS provide anonymous and confidential support over the phone every day of the year between 8.00am and 11.00pm AEDT by phoning 1300244910.

For more information about PSS and to access information and resources visit our website at www.supportforpharmacists.org.au.

Kay Dunkley B Pharm, Grad Dip Hosp Pharm, Grad Dip Health Admin, FPS, AdPhaM, FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt) Executive Officer, Pharmacists’ Support Service

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Why Attending APP 2025 Should Be on Every Pharmacy Student’s Radar As pharmacy students, we’re constantly juggling coursework, placements, and planning our future careers. With so much on our plates, it’s easy to overlook opportunities outside the classroom. One such opportunity, however, that deserves your attention is the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference & Trade Exhibition (APP).

APP is Australia’s largest pharmacy event, bringing together pharmacists, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from across the profession. Here’s why you should prioritise attending APP 2025.

1. Build Your Professional Network Networking is essential for career growth, and APP offers unparalleled access to leaders and peers in the pharmacy industry. You’ll meet pharmacists from all career stages, employers seeking fresh talent, and students from universities across the country.

Conversations with experienced professionals can provide guidance on career paths, internships, or niche areas of practice you may not have considered. These connections can also serve as invaluable mentors as you progress through your career.

2. Gain Insights Into the Evolving Profession Pharmacy is a rapidly changing field, and staying informed about industry trends is crucial. APP 2025 will feature presentations on key topics such as digital health, expanded pharmacist services, and regulatory changes.

Hearing directly from thought leaders and participating in panel discussions will give you a broader perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of pharmacy. This knowledge will not only help you during your studies but also give you an edge as you enter the workforce.

3. Explore Diverse Career Pathways One of the most valuable aspects of APP is the opportunity to learn about non-traditional pharmacy roles. The conference showcases pathways in hospital pharmacy, the pharmaceutical industry, digital health, academia, and rural practice.

Workshops and seminars often include real-life case studies and success stories, helping you understand what it takes to succeed in these areas. This exposure could inspire you to explore a career path you hadn’t previously considered.

4. Enhance Your Employability Many employers attend APP specifically to scout for talent. By attending, you can position yourself as a proactive and engaged student ready to contribute to the profession.

Bring copies of your CV, dress professionally, and approach potential employers with confidence. Whether it’s discussing internship opportunities or simply introducing yourself, these small steps can leave a lasting impression.

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5. Access Free or Discounted Student Tickets APP values the importance of nurturing the next generation of pharmacists and often provides discounted or free tickets for students. This makes it a cost-effective way to access an event packed with resources, knowledge, and networking opportunities.

Additionally, many universities or professional organisations like the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) offer scholarships or grants to support student attendance. Check with your faculty or student organisations to see what assistance might be available.

6. Experience the Excitement of the Trade Exhibition The APP Trade Exhibition is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services in pharmacy.

As a student, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore innovative solutions, learn about new developments, and engage directly with companies shaping the future of pharmacy practice.

Talk to LocumCo and find out what career opportunities are available to you.

7. Be Inspired Perhaps the most compelling reason to attend APP 2025 is the inspiration you’ll gain. From keynote speakers to success stories of young pharmacists making a difference, the event is designed to energise and motivate attendees.

Hearing about the real-world impact pharmacists can have on patients and communities may reaffirm your passion for the profession and spark ideas for how you can contribute.

How to Make the Most of APP 2025 Plan Ahead: Review the program and identify sessions that align with your interests.

Network Actively: Introduce yourself to speakers, attendees, and exhibitors.

Ask Questions: Engage in discussions to deepen your understanding of key topics.

Take Notes: Capture insights and tips you can use during your studies and career planning.

Final Thoughts APP 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s a platform to explore your future in pharmacy, connect with leaders, and gain insights into the profession’s evolution. By attending, you’ll position yourself as a proactive and informed future pharmacist, ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

Don’t miss out on this unique experience. Start planning now, and make APP 2025 the launchpad for your exciting pharmacy career.

Sue Muller jobs@locumco.com.au 1800 357 001

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PSA Upcoming Events For more information on any of the PSA’s Upcoming Events, check out their website - https://www.psa.org.au/networking-events/all-events/ January 2025 Wednesday 22nd January - Digital Mental Health First Aid Workshop - SA February 2025 Tuesday 11th February - Immunisation Practical Workshop - Perth Wednesday 12th February - Boosting Pneumococcal Vaccination Rates in Pharmacy - Online Webinar Wednesday 12th February - Immunisation Practical Workshop - Adelaide Saturday 15th February - Immunisation Practical Workshop - Brisbane Wednesday 26th February - Immunisation Practical Workshop - Sydney

Edited by Felicity Radcliff NAPSA Publications Chair 2024/2025 Email: publications@napsa.org.au

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