Task overload and distraction contribute to medication errors: study
A new review has found mental conditions, communication failures and inadequate supervision can lead to medication errors… but which risk factor leads the pack? Issues with communication, coordination and planning …
ACOP: Looking back on one year
On the 12-month anniversary of the Aged Care On-site Pharmacist measure, Michael Bonner and Prof Mark Naunton reflect on the highs and lows of the past year In the 2024-25 …
‘Not enough time to do all the tasks … in the real world’
Pharmacists need more time to work as an ACOP, or RMMR services should be brought back alongside the measure, argue experts The current 0.2FTE per 50 beds for the Aged …
‘A pharmacist-consumer consultation can significantly help’
More than 100 vitamin B6-only products would be affected by proposed upscheduling to S3, as TGA consults on interim decision Products containing greater than 50 mg but less than 200 …
‘Dramatic increase’ in prescription cannabis
Most people are now accessing medical cannabis on script and in safer forms, but “concerning” trend shows many are being prescribed for conditions with no evidence of efficacy Around three-quarters …
Human error, alarm fatigue contributed to insulin death
Multiple factors including use of EMRs found in coroner’s case involving a medication administration error that led to a woman’s death A coroner has called for changes to an electronic …
An act of service
This Australia-first, award-winning pharmacy service is supporting men during vulnerable times in their life—particularly with issues often considered “taboo” Founder and lead pharmacist of Men’s Health Downunder, Brad Butt, set …
Concern over rising triple-therapy use
New report shows 130% increase in use of triple therapy for COPD, as well as a 31% drop in spirometry testing rates Patients with COPD who are using triple therapy …
New pack size to ‘help address supply shortage’
PBAC recommends expanding empagliflozin treatment population in line with “pivotal” trial, changes to max quantities for pioglitazone and listing of new contraceptive choice in May meeting The PBAC has recommended …
RSV vax decision deferred
NIP listing proposal for immunising infants and young children temporarily knocked back for legislative reasons A decision on the proposed NIP listing of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine nirsevimab (Beyfortus) …
‘Everyone has a right to feel safe’
Pharmacists are speaking up about their experiences with workplace bullying, but how can you respond when in this situation? Experts share their advice with Sheshtyn Paola Consultant pharmacist Emily Griffin …
Triple therapy for asthma reviewed
Does single inhaler triple therapy pose a potential quality use of medicines issue? At its April 2025 meeting, the Drug Utilisation Sub-Committee reviewed the utilisation of several single inhaler therapies …