Eight companies have signed up to back implementation of the PSA's Health Destination Pharmacy (HDP) initiative.
The companies are Pfizer Australia, Bayer, Reckitt Benckiser (RB), Johnson & Johnson, Blackmores, Willach Australia, NAB Health and Danone Nutricia.
The first stage of the HDP initiative generated an average profit increase of $80,000 for participating pharmacies.
It supports pharmacies to shift their practice to provide a stronger focus on consumer self-care, with improved pharmacist–consumer engagement and provision of a range of evidence-based minor ailment and professional pharmacy services.
National President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, said the move into the implementation stage of the project was significant for the profession. He said the HDP initiative provided a tailored, evidence-based practice change platform for pharmacy to assist in delivering a sustainable, reinvigorated model of healthcare to the Australian community.
“This flexible model of pharmacy practice positions the pharmacist as a primary healthcare provider and the pharmacy as a healthcare destination” he said.
Mr Kardachi noted the strong support by the PSA Board for this initiative.
The PSA will complement its partnership with companies with a team of pharmacy experts, including Bruce Annabel from JR Pharmacy Services.
Other participating experts are Professor Charlie Benrimoj from UTS and Glenn Guilfoyle from The Next Level, along with PSA CEO Dr Lance Emerson and Executive Director of Policy Dr Alison Roberts.
“The team also includes our network of coaches in the states and territories to help roll this initiative out” Mr Kardachi said.
“The partnership will see the PSA working with industry leaders who are passionate about pharmacies as primary sources of health advice and service in the community. We share a vision that this approach could help ensure sustainability for the industry.
“The HDP model has shown to be scalable and effective at repositioning pharmacies as health destinations. The PSA is delighted to be working with these partners who believe that we can build a brighter future for pharmacy, and give consumers better options for managing their health,” he said.
