ePlacebo - The Environmental Edition (May/June)

The Environmental Edition

eplacebo

BIM STRING PICTURE BY JUDY HOLDING MAY/JUNE EDN

SARAH HO

Principal Sponsors

Proudly Sponsored by:

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Content Page Presidents Report - Flynn Swift The Future of Pharmacycling - Colin Willis PDL - Doing Our Part for the Environment Susan’s Success Behind LocumCo Season 7, Episode 2 of Your Pharmacy Career Podcast PGA - How Unwanted Medicines Affect our Environment PGA - Student Scholarship PGA - Pharmacy Connect PGA - GetSet & Go PGA - Intern Program PGA - the Gold Standard for Pharmacy ITK (In The Know) – Education & Careers Edition PDL Student Grant Priceline Intern Program Capital Chemist Student Placements PSA Intern Program Glucogel PSA Upcoming Events

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LINKS AVAILABLE WHEN THIS ICON APPEARS

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President's Report PRESIDENT 2023

Dear NAPSA members,

Flynn Swift

As June comes to an end, so does my term as the 2022/23 National President of NAPSA. This will be my last ePlacebo report as the NAPSA President, as I step down on Saturday the 1st of July at our 2023 Annual General Meeting hosted by RAPS in Melbourne.

I would like to first and foremost take this opportunity to thank all of our NAPSA members and the professional organisations and individuals with whom we work, for their support and commitment to NAPSA over the last 12 months. It has truly been an honour to serve as the 2022/23 NAPSA National President, and it has been a gratifying role albeit a challenging one.

May saw NAPSA launch the annual Locum Co scholarships which offer ten pharmacy students up to $1,000 each to attend a rural placement.

Successful applicants will be announced shortly! We strongly encourage all students to apply for our scholarships as they are a great way to get a helping hand in funding for events that you might not have attended otherwise. We have our PSA23 Scholarships coming up soon so we hope to see everyone applying for those!

NAPSA was afforded the opportunity to have a stand and a speaking slot in the Virtual Pharmacy Careers Summit facilitated by Raven’s Recruitment. Our session discussed the life of a pharmacy student and the “Why Pharmacy” from a students perspective. There were also other amazing speakers throughout the day.

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In June, NAPSA slowed down a little as pharmacy students across the country had their exams. However, they are delighted to announce NAPSA’s representation at the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) 68th World Congress in Bali! World Congress is the annual meeting of the IPSF assembly. Over the course of the assembly, reports are accepted, deliverables are presented, and nearly 90 countries come together to formulate a plan and discuss goals for the next twelve months.

I would formally like to congratulate the NAPSA Official Delegates for the IPSF World Congress 2023: Georgia Bridges, Ben Chuc and Taylor Chalmers. The three delegates were selected to attend the Congress and will be representing and voting on behalf of NAPSA, in Bali.

It has been a pleasure to represent the thousands of pharmacy students throughout Australia as the 2022/23 National President of NAPSA, and I wish the incoming NAPSA Board of Executive Directors all the best for the 2023/24 term, I am very excited to see all that you accomplish!

Flynn Swift 2022/23 NAPSA National President

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The Future of

Pharmacycling

BY COLIN WILLIS , MANAGING PARTNER OF BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

Our planet has finite resources, and our actions have a direct impact on the environment, its wildlife and our future generations. With this realisation spreading we’re witnessing a change in consumer attitudes and behaviour; this awareness has resulted in a rise in eco-conscious consumerism.

Many of the world’s largest brands are already making changes in response to the shifting public attitudes and there’s a growing expectation that the private sector also needs to take greater responsibility. So, how does pharmacy fair amongst all this change?

"EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT FOR SALE WAS PACKAGED IN PLASTIC; WRAPPED OR BOTTLED OR BLISTERED..."

I found myself asking this question three years ago while Covid-19 was still unfolding. Walking around my pharmacy it suddenly dawned on me, every single product for sale was packaged in plastic; wrapped or bottled or blistered. Often delivered in more plastic. All of it destined for landfill after its single use fulfilled. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt for contributing to this mammoth problem. It seemed to me that the pharmacy industry was falling behind on its responsibility.

BLISTER RECYCLING AT BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

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The Future of

Pharmacycling

BY COLIN WILLIS , MANAGING PARTNER OF BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

It's a daunting realisation, because how much can be achieved as one person running one small business? The alternative was to do nothing, and my team and I were sure about one thing – we wanted to at least try something different. We set out with one fundamental idea – to take responsibility for the products we sell. We decided that this responsibility doesn’t end when the product leaves our pharmacy. We needed to find solutions so our customers can responsibly dispose of products once they reach end-of-life to prevent them from ending up in landfill.

"WE SET OUT WITH ONE Stage One of our solution involved setting up an FUNDAMENTAL in-store recycling station and investing in a IDEA – TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY blister recycling program. With the support of our local community, over the past two years, FOR THE we have collected a total of 410kg of recycling, PRODUCTS WE including 273kg of empty medication blister SELL. " packs. More importantly, we have inspired others to take action. In 2021 only a few pharmacies invested in blister pack recycling.

There are now hundreds of pharmacies across Australia doing the same.

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The Future of

Pharmacycling

BY COLIN WILLIS , MANAGING PARTNER OF BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

More recently we have been working to install a refill station that will allow reusable containers to be refilled rather then discarded. We’re also introducing a range of locally made products, helping to cut down on transportation-related emissions and support local small businesses. Our passion is now finding new ways to push the boundary of what eco-pharmacy looks like, to prove that it can be a successful business strategy and show that there is widespread community support for businesses that lead the change.

THE RECYCLING STATION AT BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

These are small steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done. As an industry, we cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand. One way or another, there will be change. It’s up to us to be the innovators and lead the charge now or to be dragged kicking and screaming in the near future.

COLIN WILLIS PHARMACIST, PROPRIETOR BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

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BUILDING A GREENER FUTURE: EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY IN PHARMACY PRACTICE SUE MULLER | LOCUMCO

In recent years, the concept of sustainability has gained significant

attention

across

various

industries,

including

healthcare. As gatekeepers of medication and healthcare information, contribute

pharmacists to

a

greener

have

a

future

unique by

opportunity

to

adopting

sustainable

conscious

measures,

practices in their daily operations.

By

implementing

environmentally

pharmacies can reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize their

ecological

footprint

while

continuing

to

provide

exceptional patient care. In this article, we explore several ways in which pharmacies can integrate sustainability into their practices, benefitting both the environment and the overall well-being of the communities they serve.

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

IMPLEMENTING ENERGYEFFICIENT PRACTICES

One key area where pharmacies can make a substantial impact is in the selection of packaging materials.

Opting for recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable packaging can significantly reduce waste.

Pharmacies can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting energyefficient technologies and practices.

Switching to LED lighting, utilizing motion sensors to control lighting and HVAC systems, and investing in energy-efficient equipment can lead to significant energy savings.

Furthermore, encouraging patients to return and reuse medicine bottles and packaging whenever possible can foster a culture of sustainability.

Implementing a convenient and wellcommunicated medication take-back program can be an effective strategy to ensure proper disposal of unused or expired medications while preventing their accumulation in landfills and water systems.

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Additionally, optimizing storage and refrigeration systems to minimize energy consumption can contribute to a greener pharmacy environment.

BUILDING A GREENER FUTURE: EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY IN PHARMACY PRACTICE SUE MULLER | LOCUMCO

EMBRACING DIGITAL SOLUTIONS Transitioning to electronic health records

PHARMACISTS HAVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO A GREENER FUTURE

(EHRs) and implementing digital communication platforms can not only streamline pharmacy operations but also significantly reduce paper waste.

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Encouraging patients to receive digital prescriptions, medication information leaflets, and healthcare education materials through secure online portals or mobile applications can contribute to a paperless pharmacy experience.

Pharmacists can also leverage technology to implement electronic medication administration records (eMARs) and real-time inventory management systems to minimize medication waste and improve efficiency.

SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT Pharmacies can prioritize sustainability when sourcing medications and supplies.

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Collaborating with pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers that prioritize environmentally friendly practices, such as responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and sustainable production, can have a positive impact. In addition, actively seeking out generic and lower-cost alternatives whenever appropriate can contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system by reducing waste and conserving resources.

THE PATH TO A GREENER FUTURE REQUIRES COLLECTIVE EFFORTS

BUILDING A GREENER FUTURE: EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY IN PHARMACY PRACTICE SUE MULLER | LOCUMCO

NB. LOCUMCO ALLOWS STAFF TO WORK REMOTELY IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASES AND WE USE DIGITAL PLATFORMS WHEREVER WE CAN AND LED LIGHTING.

EDUCATING PATIENTS AND STAFF Pharmacists play a crucial role as educators and advocates for sustainable healthcare practices. By providing patients with information on proper medication disposal, the importance of adhering to prescribed doses, and the benefits of using sustainable products, pharmacists can empower individuals to make eco-conscious choices.

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Likewise, educating pharmacy staff about sustainable practices and regularly engaging in discussions and workshops on sustainability can foster a sense of environmental responsibility within the pharmacy team.

Incorporating sustainability into pharmacy practice is not only an ethical choice but also a strategic one. By embracing sustainable initiatives, pharmacies can reduce waste, conserve resources, cut costs, and enhance their reputation as environmentally responsible healthcare providers.

The path to a greener future requires collective efforts from pharmacists, healthcare organizations, manufacturers, and patients. By working together and implementing sustainable practices, the pharmacy profession can contribute significantly to the well-being of both patients and the planet. Let us seize this opportunity to build a more sustainable future, one prescription at a time.

SUE MULLER | LOCUMCO

Season 7, Episode 4 of Your Pharmacy Career Podcast Shelly is one of the few pharmacists across the country working in General Practice as a General Practice Pharmacist (GPP), she was one of the first to hold this role in Victoria. Currently, Brooke enjoys a portfolio career, working as a GP Pharmacist consulting at Ontario Medical Clinic, Consultant/Credentialed Pharmacist delivering Home Medicine Review (HMR) services, and her role as a Senior Clinical Pharmacist at Beyond Pain.

Brooke regularly acts as pharmacist lead for the Murray PHN on their clinical working group teams and has contributed to various Health Pathways as Subject Matter Expert. She has also facilitated and participated in many government round table events representing rural pharmacy at both State and Federal levels. She has recently commenced her first term on the PSA Victorian Branch Committee and the Board of the Pharmaceutical Society Victoria.

You can find Brooke Shelly on LinkedIn. You can listen to the podcast on our website or via your favourite Podcast app.

with Brooke Shelly

Click here to listen!

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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/

August 2023

Online 23 August - Live Webinar: Enhancing the COPD patient journey - VIC

September 2023

All States 20 Sept - Live Webinar: Professional Practice Standards 2023

Published by Sarah Ho NAPSA Publications Chair 2022/2023 email: publications@napsa.org.au

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