PSA sees opportunity in Community Pharmacy Agreement to improve patient health outcomes
10 Oct, 2014
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has called for greater focus on improving patient health outcomes through the utilisation of professional services in the next Community Pharmacy Agreement.
In a discussion paper released today, PSA says that the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement presents an opportunity to focus on the improvements in consumer health outcomes that can be achieved from the delivery of high quality pharmacist services, particularly for those with chronic diseases and on multiple medications.
National President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, said the paper, entitled Better health outcomes through improved primary care: Optimising pharmacy’s contribution, would make an important and ongoing contribution to help shape the Agreement to meet the evolving health needs of the community.
“The 6CPA needs to ensure a strong focus on evidence-based pharmacist services focussed on meeting patients’ needs,” Mr Kardachi said.
“It also needs to give appropriate recognition to the vital role that pharmacists and community pharmacies play in our primary healthcare system and, in doing so, help to ensure this well-established health infrastructure remains viable and sustainable into the future.
“PSA wants to ensure that 6CPA can fulfil its potential to make a genuine difference to the health of the Australian community, as well as ensuring that pharmacies and pharmacists become more closely incorporated into the broader primary health care service environment.
“Increased investments in pharmacist services can deliver cost effective solutions for Government and better health outcomes for consumers, particularly those with chronic diseases who are taking multiple medications.
“It is essential that 6CPA is built on an evidence-informed framework.”
Mr Kardachi said the principles and options outlined in the paper were informed by evidence from local and international programs and research, not only in pharmacy but the broader health domain.
The paper is at http://www.psa.org.au/wp-content/themes/psa/img/pdficon_small.gif) 0% 50% no-repeat;”>http://www.psa.org.au/download/submissions/6cpa-discussion-paper.pdf
Media contact: Peter Waterman
Public Affairs Director
0419 260 827