Health Destination Pharmacy Trial – Case studies Health Destination Pharmacy Trial – Case studies | Page 23

The team in this pharmacy realised that they had all the right elements in place to position themselves as a health destination, but that they were not making best use of the pharmacists they had in terms of engaging with consumers and offering professional services. Local focus also pays dividends for the team An effective and successful presentation at a local retirement village not only increased the profile of the pharmacy within the local area, but the enthusiasm and confidence of the early career pharmacist who conducted the presentation. Plans are in place for the next major collaborative health promotion in mental health; to be led by one of the pharmacists who have now taken ownership of these activities. Coaching helped us change faster The owner stated that the role of a mentor or coach in suggesting methods for improved productivity and prompting systems for staff was essential. Specific assistance to prepare and get started with 5CPA professional programs was also gratefully received. “Having those visits [from the coach] was just fantastic. If we had to go somewhere to meet with her then we would have because it was so beneficial. [The advice] helped us reposition ourselves.” Linkage between engagement and results All staff gained a better understanding that professional services, health promotion and sales of health products are interlinked, and what activities drive success. For example, increasing pharmacist contact with the consumer often results in identifying opportunities to offer further services and products, and they started to see this on their bottom line. CASE STUDY 5 KEY LEARNINGS ABOUT THE HEALTH DESTINATION PHARMACY TRIAL In 2012-13, as part of its commitment to building capability in pharmacy and positioning the profession for the future, PSA conducted a trial to test the feasibility of a changed model of pharmacy practice in which the pharmacist is repositioned as a primary healthcare provider and the pharmacy as a healthcare destination. The 14 participating pharmacies received assistance to make changes to their business model to achieve sustainable delivery of consumer-focuse d health services, enhance the pharmacy’s image as a health care destination, and improve its long-term viability. The trial did not impose a “one size fits all” model, but focused on building capacity and ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure and resources were in place to allow change to occur. All elements were underpinned by a Foundations for Change program, reflecting the evidence showing that pharmacists and other primary health care providers can benefit from targeted, on-site support to assist their preparation for change and to build the capacity to effectively integrate new professional programs over time. FOR MORE INFORMATION PSA offers its Pharmacy Support Program in every State and Territory of Australia. For further information see www.psa.org.au/supporting-practice/pharmacy-supportprogram To register your interest contact: Simon Carroll Senior Professional Practice Pharmacist P: 02 6283 4781 E: [email protected] “Without the Trial it would’ve taken a lot longer to figure out what had to happen and then to try and implement it, it would’ve taken…you wouldn’t have seen any results before June next year.” Over the course of the Trial, this pharmacy achieved financial benefits that appear to be as a direct result of their highly successful efforts to have their pharmacists more engaged with consumers. They feel they can build on this, as their professional services were really only just taking off, and they have staff members allocated to lead and champion change. Many plans are underway for continuing to engage with their local community. SOURCES 1. The Next Level (Australia) Pty Ltd. 2. Bruce Annabel, JR Pharmacy Services Health Destination Pharmacy Trial – Case studies I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. 23