Business Support Navigating the Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT)

Community Pharmacy Program

On the 1st July 2023 the Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) program in community pharmacy underwent a significant change with ODT medicines (Methadone oral liquid, Buprenorphine sublingual tablets, Buprenorphine + Naloxone sublingual films, Long-acting injectable buprenorphine products) being listed on the PBS under Section 100 Highly Specialised Drugs (HSD) Program arrangements.

Prescription Extensions

If a prescription was written before 1st July 2023 and the patient requires an extension to the prescription, the doctor can verbally extend the validity of the patients' prescription. How the extension is recorded will depend on the original PBS prescription dispensed:

• Streamlined Authority prescriptions with ≤ 1 repeat and below the maximum quantity can be amended in your dispensing software to include an additional repeat.

• Authority Required prescriptions that are above the PBS Schedule maximum quantity cannot be amended or extended. The prescriber will be required to send through a new PBS prescription prior to the patients' current prescription being exhausted.

The ODT Community Pharmacy Program was implemented in a compressed timeframe, creating new challenges for pharmacists. With the program now well underway, it is important to remember that the following documents must be retained for seven years:

; ODT prescriptions as proof patient was prescribed ODT program medicine/s.

; Copy of the PPA patient consent form.

; Records showing the date(s) of provision of medicine instalments as a part of the ODT Community Pharmacy Program, e.g. dosing pick-up sheets, dispensing records recorded in software platforms or ODT Staged Supply Service Temporary Data Capture Form.

The Business Support pharmacists at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch are assisting members with various queries such as the extension of prescriptions, private supply of ODT and management of stock issues.

Private Supply of ODT

It is still possible for pharmacies to supply ODT to patients privately. To do this the prescription must be dispensed privately and the ODT Community Pharmacy Program Staged Supply Fee cannot be claimed.

The patient will incur their medication dispensed privately and any pharmacy dosing fees.

Stock Management Tips

If a patient misses a dose, the patient is still eligible to receive the missed dose upon next presentation. For this reason, it is important that pharmacies keep track of patient’s medication allocation electronically or via a paper recording system. The next prescription should not be dispensed until the remaining patient allocation has been supplied.

If the missed dose was pre-prepared, professional judgement should be used to determine if the dose is returned to available stock or destroyed. Any pre-prepared doses can be claimed as an instore or take-away dose under the ODT Community Pharmacy Program. When the missed dose has not been pre-prepared, the stock remains in the pharmacy's inventory and the dose cannot be claimed under the ODT Community Pharmacy Program.

When a patient presents a new ODT prescription, intended to supersede the current prescription, the remaining quantity of medication on the previous prescription should be returned to pharmacy stock.

Are you ready to amplify your pharmacy's influence beyond its four walls? Join me at the Pharmacy Forum where I'll be presenting on the topic of Digital Media Mastery.

In our conversations, pharmacies have consistently expressed their dedication to enhancing the patient experience. They eagerly share their ongoing initiatives, including training programs, merchandising tactics, and customer service strategies aimed at creating exceptional instore visits.

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Experience encompasses the knowledge, skills, and understanding gained through direct involvement, participation, and exposure to various events, activities, or situations over time. It shapes individuals' perception of the world, incorporating practical encounters and personal perspectives. exceptional tools to connect with their target audience, establish brand awareness, and foster customer loyalty. Now, I understand that the idea of utilising various digital tools like websites, email marketing, and social media may seem daunting. But fear not— I'm here to guide you through this process!

Hence, assuming that a patient's perception of a pharmacy is solely based on in-store visits would be a mistake. External factors like marketing, word of mouth, and promotions also shape how patients perceive a pharmacy.

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The key lies in replicating the in-store patient consultant available on Thursdays.

To extend this experience digitally, we can create educational blog posts on baby health, utilise social media to educate patients about the benefits of consulting a lactation expert, and optimise your website with customised information that attracts patients seeking advice for their babies. By seamlessly mirroring the in-store experience through digital means, you can effectively engage with your patients beyond the physical boundaries of your pharmacy.

Digital platforms possess incredible potential when strategically utilised. They empower you to showcase your patient experience and demonstrate the value your pharmacy offers.

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Let me illustrate the incredible power of digital channels with a real-life example from a pharmacy I recently collaborated with. This pharmacy had not fully explored the potential of social media before. However, by working together, we implemented a simple yet effective system to create engaging content for Facebook and Instagram, aiming to promote their patient experience digitally.

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This statistic showcases the significant impact that leveraging digital platforms can have on a pharmacy's growth and success.

By effectively utilising social media channels, we were able to amplify their reach and engage with their target audience, resulting in tangible business growth and an enhanced patient experience.

Are you ready to unlock the potential of digital channels for your pharmacy and achieve remarkable results?

Join me as I delve deeper into Digital Media Mastery at the Pharmacy Forum, where I'll share more success stories and practical strategies that can take your pharmacy to new heights.

Sarah Rendell is Head of Marketing & Communications at Peak Strategies Ltd. Don't miss Sarah's Forum session "Digital Media Mastery: Amplifying Your Pharmacy's Influence Beyond Four Walls" on Friday 4th August.

Register now at www.pharmacywa.com.au