Pharmacists from around the world came together in Singapore for the World Pharmacy Council’s annual Pharmintercom conference, focusing on how pharmacists the world over are Innovating and Advocating for Person-Centred pharmacy. Guild representatives joined delegates from 13 member organisations to share how Australian community pharmacies are building more resilient, productive, and person-centred healthcare hubs.
Pharmintercom represented a gathering of delegates from 13 member organisations, affiliate members, and guest representatives from around the world to learn and collaborate on some of the biggest challenges and changes facing the pharmacy industry right now.
Representatives from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia included National President (and Vice President of the World Pharmacy Council) Professor Trent Twomey, Guild Executive Director Gerard Benedet, and Victorian Branch President and National Councillor Anthony Tassone.
On the third day of the conference, Mr Tassone gave a presentation to delegates as part of a session called “Global Innovations in Pharmacy Services: What’s Scaling and Why?”. The session was a priority focus topic investigating sustainable pharmacy models, with Tassone’s presentation looking at advancing women’s health services in community pharmacy.
The presentation showcased the incredible achievements of the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement and the Women’s Health Package, as well as the expanded scope of practice initiatives offering treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and initiation of hormonal contraception in pharmacies.
With a 97% patient satisfaction rate in Victoria’s Scope Pilot, there were plenty of impressive results and insights to share.
Other topics covered in the conference included artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, the future of the pharmacy workforce, drug shortage mitigation, and the relationship between sustainable funding models and patient accessibility.
The next Pharmintercom will be held in Berlin, Germany next June.
