Patient access to statewide pharmacy prescribing services has been accelerated with the launch of Monash University's postgraduate course for pharmacists ready to join the state's prescribing workforce.
Announced by Victorian Government Minister for Health, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas, Monash's Australian Pharmacy Council accredited Graduate Certificate of Pharmacist Prescribing course will enable pharmacists to participate in the Labor Government's Chemist Care Now program.
Developed by the University's world-leading Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the course focuses on developing core prescribing skills relevant to the management of 22 primary care clinical conditions such as common ear infections, dermatitis and asthma.
The Monash course has been designed in collaboration with the University's Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, along with international partners, drawing upon longstanding expertise in prescribing education. It has been built to meet a nationally consistent approach to prescribing education, with the curriculum being shared across the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Arthur Christopoulos, said a patient-centric and collaborative approach is essential to preparing pharmacists to take on a community prescribing role. "Stepping into the role of a prescribing pharmacist is a significant responsibility. As medicine experts who interact with the community in a healthcare setting every day, pharmacists are extremely well-positioned to make patient-centred prescribing decisions, which ultimately benefits patients," Professor Christopoulos said.
"Education is central to expanding the conditions pharmacists can treat, as is collaboration with appropriate healthcare experts. Our course will bring together the expertise of Monash's strong network of healthcare prescribers, including medical practitioners, nurse practitioners, paramedics and podiatrists to deliver a comprehensive education program that puts patient care and quality use of medicines first."
The Faculty's Director of Experiential Development and Graduate Education (EDGE), Associate Professor Steven Walker, said robust and rigorous training is crucial to ensure pharmacists have the skills needed for responsible prescribing.
"We welcome the Victorian Government's plans to add new health conditions and wellbeing services to the Chemist Care Now program. Our course involves hands-on practical learning and validated assessments including supervised practice to ensure pharmacists are ready to take on a critical role in this expanded scope initiative," Associate Professor Walker said.
For regional and rural areas, pharmacist prescribing will improve access where it's needed most, helping to ensure timely treatment for all Victorians. Formally known as the Community Pharmacy Program, Victoria's prescribing pilot program has already improved access to women's health needs.
