ePlacebo - NAIDOC: For Our Elders (July/August)

eplacebo

COVER ART

BY BOBBI LOCKYER

President’sReport-BanoSerhan

DearNAPSAmembers, Astheweatheriswarmingup,soismyterm asthe2023/2024NationalPresidentof NAPSA.ThisismyfirstePlaceboreportas President,havingtakenoverfrommy predecessor,MrFlynnSwift,followingour AnnualGeneralMeetinghostedinMelbourne onJuly1,2023 Iwouldliketoacknowledge andcommendMrSwift,aswellasthe outgoingBoardofDirectorsontheir significantcontributiontoNAPSA,andIwish themsuccessintheirfutureendeavours

PRESIDENT 23/24

Bano Serhan

IamdelightedtointroduceournewlyappointedBoardofDirectors,whowillwork togetheroverthenextyeartodeliverpositiveoutcomesforNAPSA:

IngridStroud,NgunnawalNation,Secretary SebastianHarper,YugambehNation,Treasurer McKinleyNolan,NipalunaNation,DirectorofEducation

GageEde,Bindal/WulgurukabaNations,DirectorofIPSF

HarrisonVo,EoraNation,DirectorofPolicyandAdvocacy

Shylee-JadeHadar-Pagliari,Djabugay/Yirrgandji/GimuyYidinjiNations,Director ofInternalandExternalAffairs

AnnabelleGov,NgunnawalNation,DirectorofResearch

FromJuly2-9,AustraliacelebratedNAIDOCWeek,withthisyear’sthemebeing ‘NAIDOC:ForOurElders’ InthespiritofNAIDOCandthisyear'stheme,thiseditionof theePlacebocelebratesandhonoursElders’continuedcontributionandwisdom, specificallytopharmacyandpharmacyeducation Iamproudtobeastudentof theAwabakalNation,andIbelievethateachyear,NAIDOCWeekservesasacrucial remindertousalltocelebrateFirstNationscultureallyearround,bycontinuingto engageinculturalactivitiesandsupportingFirstNations-ledinitiatives.

JulyalsosawourannualCharityCupcometoaclose,withNAPSAraisinga massive$19,70597fortheStreetsideMedics Ahugewelldonemustgotothe TasmanianAssociationofPharmacyStudents(TAPS)forbeingtheassociationthat raisedthemostmoney!

IamdelightedtoalsoannouncethatNAPSAhasrenewedourNationalAgreementwith ThePharmaceuticalSocietyofAustralia(PSA)attheirinauguralannualconference, PSA23.IwouldliketothankPSAforitslongstandingcommitmenttosupporting pharmacystudentsasthefutureoftheprofession NAPSAalsohadtheopportunityto sendthreeluckyscholarshiprecipientstotheconference,wheretheyspenttheweekend networkingandenrichingboththeirprofessionalandinterpersonalskills

PSA23alsohostedtheNationalPharmacyStudentoftheYear(PSOTY)competition, whichrecognisesandcelebratesoutstandingpharmacystudentsbyshowcasingtheir counsellingskills.Congratulationstoalloftheparticipants,especiallySamantha Montgomerywhowasthe2023Winner,aswellasourveryownIngridStroudwhotook homethe‘People’sChoice’award.Welldonetoyouboth!

AugustsawtheelectionofourChairsfor2023/2024,IwouldliketocongratulateJames Oh,ChloeKappel,AliyahPetker,BrielleGeard,ZinebMedrek,ChloeRankine,Neo Maphaka,MiaAvram,AbbeyMarshall,andXavierVasquezontheirelection.Iam confidentthattheirhardworkoverthenextyearwillcontinuetobuildontheongoing successofNAPSA.TotheoutgoingChairs,thankyouforallofyourhardworkoverthe past12months,youshouldallbeextremelyproudforaccomplishingeverythingyoudid

AnotherexcitingmomentinAugustwasthepublicationoftheWinter2023editionofthe AustralianPharmacyStudents'Journal(APSJ) Theeditionhasafocuson‘Medication Safety’,andIwouldstronglyencourageeveryonetoreadithere!

Iwisheveryonethebestoverthenextcoupleofmonthsasyouenjoythewonderful Springweather,andtakethetimetore-focusandrecharge!Ithasbeenapleasureto representallmembersacrossour18branchesthusfar,andIcannotwaittoshareour upcomingplanswithyouallaswecontinuetomakestridesinadvancingNAPSA’s mission.

Yourstruly, BanoSerhan

NationalPresident2023/2024 president@napsaorgau

Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and researchers

National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University

To mark NAIDOC Week 2023, Curtin University’s National Drug Research Institute and Centre for Aboriginal Studies teamed up for an inaugural research symposium to feature and share the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, academics and students

The 2023 theme for NAIDOC, For Our Elders, was reflected across the event, from Noongar Elders Vivienne and Mort Hansen performing the Welcome to Country to Elders being welcomed into yarning circles and presentations, highlighting the important role Elders have in current research practice.

“We can all draw strength from their knowledge and experience in everything from land management and cultural knowledge to justice and human rights”, said symposium co-convenors Jocelyn Jones, the Institute’s Aboriginal Research Program Leader, and Centre for Aboriginal Studies Director Fred Yasso

“Across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics, and everything in between, they have set the many paths First Nations peoples follow in this country.

“Elders are the ones who hold onto culture and lore. They are the most important aspect of healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and have the enormous task of maintaining and passing on traditional knowledge, values, and customary practices.”

Opened by internationally respected public health icon Professor Fiona Stanley and featuring cultural dance group Djurpin Djindas (both pictured), the symposium included yarning circles and presentations by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and PhD students on a range of topics, including connecting Elders and young people in research, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, reducing First Nations representation in the justice system, and the value of Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers.

It is hoped the ‘Yarning About First Nations Research Symposium’ will become an annual event Click here to find out more

AREFLECTION ABBEYMARSHALL

NAPSA’SRURALANDINDIGENOUSCHAIR

When asked to reflect on my experiences and perspective on NAIDOC week, I wanted to talk about my experience as a non-Indigenous Australian who has grown, learned, and become inspired by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia. The 2023 NAIDOC theme “For Our Elders”, is such a special acknowledgment and conversation starter for all Australians, Elders, through their guidance and strength, continue to maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through storytelling and teaching younger generations, something I find extremely admirable

Throughout 2022, I had the privilege of being an Intern Ambassador for a newly developed program in the Northern Territory. The role entailed organising and providing young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals the opportunity to embrace and encourage their leadership potential. This experience inspired me to learn more about the challenges that young First Nations Australians face in our modern society. It was heartbreaking to hear what these young leaders experience, from discrimination to a lack of culturally aware mentors and educators My role involved identifying ways to help improve these specific challenges, but in turn, opened my eyes to the many other challenges that are faced by Indigenous peoples

I am very passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, particularly in rural and remote settings. As the recently elected Rural and Indigenous Chair for NAPSA, I take it upon myself, with the assistance of other members, to improve health outcomes for regional, rural, and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, now and into the in this role is to provide resources and reach out to all pharmacy Australia about extending students’ clinical knowledge and OC week is an amazing opportunity and time for all of us to and aware of Australia’s oldest living culture I would encourage e to read up on NAIDOC week, listen to the voices of Aboriginal and oples, and inspire yourselves to make a change

HowIndigenousvaluescan leadpharmacyeducation

Have you ever wondered where the content in your curriculum comes from? Who's involved in building it? And does that impact your learning outcomes? The LIPPE Network was established to support education providers to build curriculum in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, not about them.

The Leaders in Indigenous Pharmacy Profession Education (LIPPE) Network is a partnership between the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and the Council of Pharmacy Schools (CPS). And it is wholly led by APC's Indigenous Health Strategy Group. LIPPE's vision is to transform pharmacy education and professional practice through Indigenous leadership

This means ensuring Indigenous voices and values are leading and co-designing the content you learn, so that you can practice in culturally safe ways when you enter the world of pharmacy It may even mean learning in new ways where previously a very Western perspective of health was put forward and taught. Importantly, this endeavour is not limited to curricula alone It also strives to foster cultural safety within learning environments; especially for students who see and understand the world through an Indigenous worldview.

Aleena Williams, an APC Indigenous Health Strategy Group member, says students who are Indigenous may struggle to identify with some content being taught

"Through LIPPE, I started to re-think how I was taught and how I interpreted that information. As an Aboriginal person I did not identify with any of the information that was being provided about Aboriginal people, it was really quite a disconnect.

Hopefully by supporting pharmacy schools to actually engage with Aboriginal people and make content that is a little bit more informed by the lives of Aboriginal people, maybe there will be more pharmacists coming through who feel more comfortable in this space. "

LIPPESteeringCommittee

L-R:BronwynClark,SueKirsa,MarkNaunton,Amanda Galbraith,AnnaTiatiaFa’atoeseLatu,LloydDolan,Chastina HeckLizaSeubertDebraRowettRhondaCliffordKathleen Stacey(Facilitator),TiaraMiller,AlexBurke,Glenys WilkinsonNotpictured:FayeMcMillan,LeanneTeKaru, AleenaWilliams,MareeToombs,JosephineMaundu

This year ' s NAIDOC theme, For our Elders, spoke to the knowledge and wisdom passed down from Elders, and we recognise it as an integral part to achieving cultural safety in pharmacy. As the keepers of traditional medicinal knowledge, Elders have accumulated an extensive understanding of herbal remedies, healing practices, and holistic healthcare Their unique insights and deep understandings of the lands and resources make Elders invaluable for promoting wellness and maintaining cultural connections to health and healing

Elders have traditional and contemporary roles in the education and leadership of communities As we embark on this journey together, we must learn with and from our Elders to meet LIPPE's objectives.

LE N INDIGENOUS PHARMACY PROFESSION

ED ON (LIPPE)

After seeing a lack of co-design with Indigenous people in pharmacy curriculum, Alex commenced his PhD exploring cultural safety in pharmacy education Alex was first introduced to pharmacy in Year 9 as part of the University of Sydney’s pre-tertiary outreach program. His experience in pharmacy school led him to look at how cultural safety was taught at the University of Sydney which quickly expanded to include all pharmacy programs in Australia.

This involved interviewing academia in all pharmacy programs in Australia. Alex's aim is to identify areas of curricula that lack cultural safety elements, explore co-design with Indigenous people, and ultimately implement co-designed materials throughout pharmacy programs across Australia. Alex currently takes on a leadership role in the First Nations health theme of the Sydney Pharmacy Curriculum

Listen to Alex sharing his research findings in LIPPE's podcast: Ep 6: What pharmacy academics say about cultural safety curriculum design

Areyouanintern? Haveyouused APC’sworkplacebasedassessment tools?We’dloveto hearfromyou.To providefeedback, completeourWBA evaluationsurvey

Nominateapharmacist forthePharmacist SupervisorAward This awardrecognisesand rewardspharmacists whodisplaythe attributesandskills consideredinvaluablein thetrainingof pharmacyinterns duringtheperiodof supervisedpractice.

The LIPPE journey began with the connection between Wiradjuri yinaa (woman), Prof Faye McMillan AM FPS, and APC's CEO Bronwyn Clark in 2019. This connection laid the foundation for the establishment of APC’s Indigenous Health Strategy Group. Fast forward to 2021 the LIPPE network was officially established, marking a significant step forward.

Guideline for pharmacists supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with medicines management

In 2022 PSA launched its Guideline for pharmacistssupportingAboriginalandTorres Strait Islander peoples with medicines management,markingarefreshedfocuson AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderhealthand well-beingforthepharmacysector.

The Guideline describes the professional obligationsofpharmacistswhensupporting AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeopleswith culturallysafeandresponsivecareandmedicines managementWithintheguidelinethereisup-todatepracticalanddetailedinformation;thereare alsosomechallengingideasTheguidelineisfor allpharmacists,fromthosejuststartingtheir professionaljourneytothosewithyearsof experienceworkingintheAboriginalandTorres StraitIslanderhealthsector.

“Wehopeyouenjoythejourneyasyouwork throughtheguidelineandappreciatethe relationshipsandlearningthattakesplace alongtheway.AboriginalandTorresStrait Islanderpeoples’richanddiverseculturesare partofAustralia’sidentity.Thereissomuch knowledgeandpowerinthisculturalcapital.”

-DrDawnCasey,DeputyCEOoftheNational AboriginalCommunityControlledHealth Organisation(NACCHO)

DEADLY PHARMACISTS FOUNDATION TRAINING

ArtworkcreatedbyLaniBalzanfortheDeadly PharmacistsFoundationTrainingCourse.Lani isaproudAboriginalwomanfromthe Wiradjuripeopleofthethree-rivertribe

InAustralianAboriginalculture,theterm‘deadly’meansfantastic,awesome,orgreat!

In co-design with the National Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has developed the Deadly Pharmacists foundation training course This course was developed with the specific aim of equipping pharmacists across Australia with the skills they need to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primaryhealthcareservices.

ThecoursecoverstopicssuchasAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderculture,communication skills including how pharmacists can use clinical yarning in their practice, and conditions of prevalence in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It also includes practical aspects of the role, such as how services are funded, and important MBS and PBS informationpharmacistsneedtounderstandtofulfiltheirrole.

Encompassing Aboriginal co-authorship and/or review in all aspects of content development, the course comprises 7 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited selfpacedlearningandisavailablefreeofchargetoallAustralianpharmacists.

Ireallyenjoyedthecourse!Thecoursewentbeyondmyexpectations.High qualitycontentwithbrilliantspeakers.NotonlyhaveIlearntsomuchabout Indigenousculture,Ican'twaittoputalltheprinciplessuchasyarning,active listening,strengths-basedapproachesandmomentsofsilenceintopractice! Manythanksforsuchagreatexperience.

-DeadlyPharmacistsfoundationtrainingcourseparticipant

NAIDOC: FOR OUR ELDERS

BY SUE MULLER

In an increasingly diverse Australia, the importance of recognising, celebrating, and preserving the deep-rooted history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cannot be overstated. The healthcare sector, particularly pharmacies, has taken strides to ensure that these communities are not only served but that their heritage is acknowledged and celebrated. Leading the charge are community and hospital pharmacies, as well as organisations like LocumCo, which specifically aid in pharmacy staff placements.

CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE CARE

One of the core ways pharmacies support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is by providing culturally sensitive healthcare services. This includes understanding the specific health needs and preferences of these communities, and the way they perceive and interact with healthcare services. Some pharmacies have tailored their services and products to better serve these specific requirements, ensuring that treatments are both effective and respectful.

CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING

LocumCo and many community pharmacies offer cultural awareness training to their staff. This training educates pharmacists and pharmacy technicians about the unique cultural nuances, historical contexts, and health beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples By being culturally competent, pharmacy staff can communicate more effectively and respectfully, fostering trust and better patient outcomes.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CELEBRATION

Many pharmacies have adopted the practice of acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, a gesture that pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Additionally, during significant events like NAIDOC Week, pharmacies may host or participate in community events, run educational workshops, and even feature products made by Indigenous entrepreneurs.

COLLABORATION WITH INDIGENOUS HEALTH SERVICES

There’s a growing trend of collaboration between pharmacies and Indigenous health services. These partnerships aim to bring integrated healthcare solutions to these communities, addressing issues ranging from chronic disease management to mental health. With local community involvement, these collaborations are more efficient and tailored to the unique requirements of the Indigenous populace.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Organizations like LocumCo have recognised the importance of empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue careers in pharmacy. Scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs are avenues through which these students can receive the support they need. This not only aids the students but also ensures that future generations of pharmacists will have a deeper understanding of Indigenous health needs.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINES AND PRACTICES

Recognising the wisdom inherent in traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medicines and practices, some pharmacies have integrated these into their offerings. This not only offers an alternative method of healing but also celebrates the deep-rooted knowledge of the traditional custodians of Australia.

PSA23 Scholarship Winners

Jessica Heald - University of Queensland

In July, I was honoured to be awarded the PSA x NAPSA Scholarship to attend the PSA23 Conference in Sydney. It was an enriching experience that contributed to my developing professional and interpersonal skills

The first morning of the conference set the scene for the remainder of the weekend, with engaging and motivating words delivered in the opening plenary. I thoroughly enjoyed the representation of the theme, ‘The Future is Now’ –especially the opening video featuring time travel and pharmacies of the past To officially begin the proceedings, Dr Fei Sim delivered her address which was a clear display of her passion and dedication to the profession. Her words began the developing feeling of comradery between the attendees which would continue all weekend The opening plenary was concluded with presentations delivered by the Honourable Mark Butler MP and the Honourable Emma McBride MP which outlined the upcoming political changes to the profession.

Throughout the conference, I attended a myriad of engaging presentations

Some of the most memorable included Dr Geraldine Moses’ discussion about safety while using CAMs, Dr Richard Phoon’s eye opening lecture about the prevalence and treatment of CKD, and the innovative Pharmacy Shark Tank session In addition, I especially enjoyed the APSA Research session on Aged Care Pharmacy. In particular, Catherine Laird’s research on pharmacist intervention in the management of osteoporosis in an aged care setting reflected closely to a project I am currently conducting at the PA Hospital in Brisbane regarding pharmacist identification and management of OP in an inpatient setting. The work and research conducted by these Australian pharmacists is another clear display of dedication to community and the advancements possible for the profession

PSA23 Scholarship Winners

Speaking of engaging presentations, I have to mention Sam Bloom. Her story, one of a young mum who had just begun her new journey of traveling the world with her young family before an accident that changed her life forever, was beautiful and haunting It was a true reflection of the strength of the human spirit and the impact that meaningful relationships can have on our lives.

I would also like to give a special mention to Grace Quach She was the President of QPSA in 2022 when I served as Secretary, and a good friend of mine. It was an honour to see her awarded with the PSA x MIMS Intern of the Year for 2023. Congratulations Grace, your dedication to your community is an inspiration to us all This award was well deserved

In addition to the conference, this scholarship gave me the opportunity to explore Sydney I was able to visit Circular Quay and see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, the Australian Museum, St Mary’s Cathedral, and Hyde Park.

I would like to thank NAPSA and PSA for the opportunity to attend this conference – I was only able to attend because of this scholarship It was a sensational experience and has allowed me to continue to create professional relationships, learn about the latest clinical updates in pharmacy, and develop id t i l t i to my own practice. I look forward to bringing this nowledge into my practice as an intern next year

PSA23 Scholarship Winners

Bonnie Nugent - La Trobe University

I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend PSA23 through NAPSA! As a fourth-year pharmacy student, this conference gave me the inspiration and excitement to push through the last few weeks of my final semester!

Coming from a regional university, the most invaluable part of this conference was being able to connect with other students from universities across the country and share our experiences and excitement for our future pharmacy careers.

I cannot thank NAPSA enough for this opportunity I highly encourage all pharmacy students from any year level to be involved in these initiatives and take on any opportunity they can!

Riya Patel - Curtin University

Attending PSA23 has been such an eye-opening experience Being from the “other end” of Australia it was amazing to meet pharmacists, students and other health professionals from the Eastern states. As a final year student, it was a great way to find intern opportunities across Australia and also learn about the different career paths and specialties of pharmacists I am so impressed by the all the presentations I watched and feel even more motivated and inspired to continue on this journey.

I can’t thank PSA and NAPSA enough for the opportunity to attend this amazing conference and will definitely be attending i th f t !

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FormoreinformationonanyofthePSA’sUpcomingEvents,checkouttheirwebsitehttps://www.psa.org.au/networking-events/all-events/

September2023

Brisbane 23September-QLDAnnualTherapeuticUpdate2023

October2023

Perth

14October-WAAnnualTherapeuticUpdate2023

EditedbyMiaAvram NAPSAPublicationsChair2023/2024

email:publications@napsaorgau