The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced their support for pill testing at music festivals and other environments where illicit drug use occurs, following a slew of fatalities and mounting public support. In a new position statement released this...

A new report indicates the ‘undeniable popularity’ of Scotland’s Minor Ailment Scheme (MAS), as support swells amongst pharmacy groups for its implementation in Australia. The scheme, implemented by the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland in 2006, allows children...

The rollout of My Health Record has raised questions surrounding the security of medical data. What measures must be taken in pharmacies to preserve the sanctity of patients’ private details? Pharmacists are well aware that their first priority is...

On 19 June, the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Act 2017 comes into effect in Victoria. In preparation, there are several things that pharmacists need to be aware of. Victoria’s Acting Minister for Health Martin Foley recently announced that all dispensing...

One in six Australians receive a mental health-related prescription each year.1 Almost half the population is set to experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.2 Pharmacists play a vital role in alleviating their burden. How to help a...

Whooping cough and measles vaccinations can now be performed by pharmacists in New South Wales (NSW), after approval by the state government. The initiative, which came into effect on 1 January, allows NSW pharmacists to provide diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and measles...

Australia prides itself on its multicultural chemistry, but it presents everyday challenges. Community pharmacy services can play their part by catering specifically for people from diverse backgrounds. Every third or fourth patient you treat is likely to have been born...

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has released a list of recommendations for healthcare professionals to ensure the safe use of medicines. The launch of Choosing Wisely Australia will provide healthcare professionals with much needed advice about medicines use. PSA...

Pharmacists could secure expanded roles in antimicrobial stewardship, medication management and infection prevention under new aged care quality standards. The Quality of Care Amendment (Single Quality Framework) Principles 2018 will come into effect on 1 July 2019. General Practice Pharmacist...

A new report has found that Australians continue to overuse certain medicines. Pharmacist intervention is necessary to keep this issue in check, said the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has...