The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is recognising Australian Pharmacists, other health professionals and carers who support patients and their families during end of life.
This National Palliative Care Week's theme Palliative Care, it's more than you think, focuses on supporting patients physical, emotional, spiritual and social need.
PSA National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman said the primary health care team that provides optimal care for those in palliative care is very diverse and includes pharmacists, general practitioners, nurses, nurse practitioners and other allied health workers.
"Even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic those working in palliative care have continued to provide support to their patients and families under considerable stress," he said.
"Primary healthcare teams have had to adapt their approach to how they treat their patients who have less access to their families during the pandemic.
"It is important that palliative care week helps shine a light on the incredible work many health care professionals are providing to patients in palliative care and starts proactive conversations in the community."
South Australia State Manager Helen Stone said PSA is delighted to receive two grants from the South Australian government under the Palliative Care 2020 Grants Program.
"The palliative care medication management masterclass will provide a comprehensive suite of learning modules for medicines management for end-of-life care," she said.
"The masterclass will be delivered as a series of collaborative health practitioner workshops focused on medicines management for end of life care.
"The second project will establish a palliative care pharmacist in aged care program and articulate a framework for the role of the Palliative Care Pharmacist in Aged Care. The project aims to establish a network and communication pathway between specialist palliative care pharmacists, Aged Care pharmacists, community pharmacists and GPs."
PSA has also teamed up with the Adelaide Primary Health Network to provide the Palliative Care Access to core Medicines (PCAM) project that aims to support palliative care in the community by improving access to vital medicines at end of life.
