ePlacebo - The Environmental Edition (May/June)

eplacebo

SARAH HO

BIM STRING PICTURE BY JUDY HOLDING

DearNAPSAmembers,

Flynn Swift

As June comes to an end, so does my term as the 2022/23 National President of NAPSA This will be my last ePlacebo report as the NAPSA President, as I step down on Saturday the 1st of July at our 2023AnnualGeneralMeetinghostedby RAPSinMelbourne.

I would like to first and foremost take this opportunity to thank all of our NAPSAmembersandtheprofessionalorganisationsandindividualswith whom we work, for their support and commitment to NAPSA over the last 12 months. It has truly been an honour to serve as the 2022/23 NAPSA National President, and it has been a gratifying role albeit a challengingone.

May saw NAPSA launch the annual Locum Co scholarships which offer ten pharmacy students up to $1,000 each to attend a rural placement. Successfulapplicantswillbeannouncedshortly!Westronglyencourage allstudentstoapplyforourscholarshipsastheyareagreatwaytoget a helping hand in funding for events that you might not have attended otherwise WehaveourPSA23Scholarshipscomingupsoonsowehope toseeeveryoneapplyingforthose!

NAPSA was afforded the opportunity to have a stand and a speaking slot in the Virtual Pharmacy Careers Summit facilitated by Raven’s Recruitment. Our session discussed the life of a pharmacy student and the “Why Pharmacy” from a students perspective. There were also other amazingspeakersthroughouttheday.

PRESIDENT 2023

In June, NAPSA slowed down a little as pharmacy students across the country had their exams. However, they are delighted to announce NAPSA’s representation at the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) 68th World Congress in Bali! World Congress is the annual meeting of the IPSF assembly Over the course of the assembly, reports are accepted, deliverables are presented, and nearly 90 countries come togethertoformulateaplananddiscussgoalsforthenexttwelvemonths IwouldformallyliketocongratulatetheNAPSAOfficialDelegatesfortheIPSF World Congress 2023: Georgia Bridges, Ben Chuc and Taylor Chalmers. The three delegates were selected to attend the Congress and will be representingandvotingonbehalfofNAPSA,inBali.

It has been a pleasure to represent the thousands of pharmacy students throughoutAustraliaasthe2022/23NationalPresidentofNAPSA,andIwish theincomingNAPSABoardofExecutiveDirectorsallthebestforthe2023/24 term,Iamveryexcitedtoseeallthatyouaccomplish!

FlynnSwift

2022/23NAPSANationalPresident

The Future of The Future of The Future of

BY COLIN WILLIS , MANAGING PARTNER OF BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

Ourplanethasfiniteresources,andouractionshaveadirectimpacton the environment, its wildlife and our future generations With this realisation spreading we ’ re witnessing a change in consumer attitudes and behaviour; this awareness has resulted in a rise in eco-conscious consumerism.

Many of the world’s largest brands are already making changes in response to the shifting public attitudes and there’s a growing expectation that the private sector also needs to take greater responsibility So,howdoespharmacyfairamongstallthischange?

I found myself asking this question three years ago while Covid-19 was still unfolding. Walking around my pharmacy it suddenly dawned on me, every single product for sale was packaged in plastic; wrapped or bottled or blistered Often delivered in more plastic All of it destined for landfill after its single use fulfilled I couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt for contributing to this mammoth problem. It seemed to me that the pharmacy industry was falling behind on its responsibility.

"EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT FOR SALE WAS PACKAGED IN PLASTIC; WRAPPED OR BOTTLED OR BLISTERED..."

BLISTER RECYCLING AT BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

The Future of The Future of The Future of

Pharmacycling Pharmacycling

BY COLIN WILLIS , MANAGING PARTNER OF BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

It's a daunting realisation, because how much can be achieved as one person running one small business? The alternative was to do nothing, and my team and I were sure about one thing – we wanted to at least try something different. We set out with one fundamental idea – to take responsibility for the products we sell. We decided that this responsibility doesn’t end when the product leaves our pharmacy We needed to find solutions so our customers can responsibly dispose of products once they reach end-of-life to prevent them from ending up in landfill

Stage One of our solution involved setting up an in-store recycling station and investing in a blister recycling program With the support of our local community, over the past two years, we have collected a total of 410kg of recycling, including 273kg of empty medication blister packs More importantly, we have inspired others to take action. In 2021 only a few pharmacies invested in blister pack recycling. There are now hundreds of pharmacies across Australia doing the same.

"WE SET OUT WITH ONE FUNDAMENTAL IDEA – TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRODUCTS WE SELL. "

The Future of The Future of The Future of

BY COLIN WILLIS , MANAGING PARTNER OF BLOOMS THE CHEMIST

PERTH

Morerecentlywehavebeenworkingto install a refill station that will allow reusable containers to be refilled rather thendiscarded.We’realsointroducinga range of locally made products, helping to cut down on transportation-related emissions and support local small businesses Our passion is now finding newwaystopushtheboundaryofwhat eco-pharmacy looks like, to prove that it can be a successful business strategy and show that there is widespread community support for businesses that leadthechange.

These are small steps in the right direction,butmoreneedstobedone.As an industry, we cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand One way or another, there will be change. It’s up to us to be the innovators and lead the charge now or to be dragged kicking and screaming inthenearfuture.

COLIN WILLIS PHARMACIST, PROPRIETOR BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

NORTH

THE RECYCLING STATION AT BLOOMS THE CHEMIST NORTH PERTH

SUE MULLER | LOCUMCO

In recent years, the concept of sustainability has gained significant attention across various industries, including healthcare. As gatekeepers of medication and healthcare information, pharmacists have a unique opportunity to contribute to a greener future by adopting sustainable practices in their daily operations.

By implementing environmentally conscious measures, pharmacies can reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize their ecological footprint while continuing to provide exceptional patient care. In this article, we explore several ways in which pharmacies can integrate sustainability into their practices, benefitting both the environment and the overall well-being of the communities they serve.

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

One key area where pharmacies can make a substantial impact is in the selection of packaging materials Opting for recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable packaging can significantly reduce waste. Furthermore, encouraging patients to return and reuse medicine bottles and packaging whenever possible can foster a culture of sustainability. Implementing a convenient and wellcommunicated medication take-back program can be an effective strategy to ensure proper disposal of unused or expired medications while preventing their accumulation in landfills and water systems.

IMPLEMENTING ENERGYEFFICIENT PRACTICES

Pharmacies can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting energyefficient technologies and practices. Switching to LED lighting, utilizing motion sensors to control lighting and HVAC systems, and investing in energy-efficient equipment can lead to significant energy savings.

Additionally, optimizing storage and refrigeration systems to minimize energy consumption can contribute to a greener pharmacy environment.

BUILDING A GREENER FUTURE: EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY IN PHARMACY PRACTICE 1 2

BUILDING A GREENER FUTURE: EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY IN PHARMACY PRACTICE

E M B R A C I N G D I G I T A L

S O L U T I O N S

PHARMACISTS

HAVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO A GREENER FUTURE

Transitioning to electronic health records (EHRs) and implementing digital communication platforms can not only streamline pharmacy operations but also significantly reduce paper waste.

Encouraging patients to receive digital prescriptions, medication information leaflets, and healthcare education materials through secure online portals or mobile applications can contribute to a paperless pharmacy experience.

Pharmacists can also leverage technology to implement electronic medication administration records (eMARs) and real-time inventory management systems to minimize medication waste and improve efficiency.

SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT

Pharmacies can prioritize sustainability when sourcing medications and supplies.

Collaborating with pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers that prioritize environmentally friendly practices, such as responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and sustainable production, can have a positive impact In addition, actively seeking out generic and lower-cost alternatives whenever appropriate can contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system by reducing waste and conserving resources.

THE PATH TO A GREENER FUTURE REQUIRES COLLECTIVE EFFORTS 4

BUILDING A GREENER FUTURE: EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY IN PHARMACY PRACTICE

E D U C A T I N G P A T I E N T S

NB. LOCUMCO ALLOWS STAFF TO WORK REMOTELY IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASES AND WE USE DIGITAL PLATFORMS WHEREVER WE CAN AND LED LIGHTING.

A N D S T A F F

Pharmacists play a crucial role as educators and advocates for sustainable healthcare practices. By providing patients with information on proper medication disposal, the importance of adhering to prescribed doses, and the benefits of using sustainable products, pharmacists can empower individuals to make eco-conscious choices.

5

Likewise, educating pharmacy staff about sustainable practices and regularly engaging in discussions and workshops on sustainability can foster a sense of environmental responsibility within the pharmacy team.

Incorporating sustainability into pharmacy practice is not only an ethical choice but also a strategic one. By embracing sustainable initiatives, pharmacies can reduce waste, conserve resources, cut costs, and enhance their reputation as environmentally responsible healthcare providers.

The path to a greener future requires collective efforts from pharmacists, healthcare organizations, manufacturers, and patients. By working together and implementing sustainable practices, the pharmacy profession can contribute significantly to the well-being of both patients and the planet. Let us seize this opportunity to build a more sustainable future, one prescription at a time.

Season7,Episode4ofYourPharmacyCareerPodcast

ShellyisoneofthefewpharmacistsacrossthecountryworkinginGeneralPractice asaGeneralPracticePharmacist(GPP),shewasoneofthefirsttoholdthisrolein Victoria Currently, Brooke enjoys a portfolio career, working as a GP Pharmacist consulting at Ontario Medical Clinic, Consultant/Credentialed Pharmacist deliveringHomeMedicineReview(HMR)services,andherroleasaSeniorClinical PharmacistatBeyondPain.

Brooke regularly acts as pharmacist lead for the Murray PHN on their clinical working group teams and has contributed to various Health Pathways as Subject MatterExpert.Shehasalsofacilitatedandparticipatedinmanygovernmentround tableeventsrepresentingruralpharmacyatbothStateandFederallevels Shehas recently commenced her first term on the PSA Victorian Branch Committee and theBoardofthePharmaceuticalSocietyVictoria.

YoucanfindBrookeShellyonLinkedIn

YoucanlistentothepodcastonourwebsiteorviayourfavouritePodcastapp.

withBrookeShelly withBrookeShelly

PSAUpcomingEvents

FormoreinformationonanyofthePSA’sUpcomingEvents,checkouttheirwebsitehttps://www.psa.org.au/networking-events/all-events/

August2023

Online

23August-LiveWebinar:EnhancingtheCOPDpatientjourney-VIC

September2023

AllStates

20Sept-LiveWebinar:ProfessionalPracticeStandards2023

PublishedbySarahHo NAPSAPublicationsChair2022/2023

email:publications@napsaorgau