APP2022 is one of the best in recent memory! Full scope of practice and medicines affordability top of the agenda

APP2022 Convenor Kos Sclavos AM today congratulated all those who had the opportunity to attend this year’s APP in person and online and said the event, held 24-27 March 2022 on the Gold Coast, was amongst the best conferences in recent memory.

“While APP2021 was amazing, this year’s conference really gave it a run for its money,” said Mr. Sclavos.

“Any event that brings over 6,000 of us all together in the same spot within the current context is incredible,” said Mr. Sclavos, “however, there were a few key elements to this year’s APP which really made it stand apart.”

Mr. Sclavos said the practical nature of the material presented as well as the full schedule from kick-off right through to Sunday, meant there was something for everyone.

“This year’s conference focussed on really giving community pharmacists some practical elements they can apply, especially regarding how we adapt and thrive in a post-COVID world,” said Mr. Sclavos.

“Based on the feedback I’ve received, attendees appreciated this focus as well, and with over 60 sessions on offer, there truly was something for everyone.”

“Some of the highlights for me include hearing first-hand from Federal politicians, including Hon Greg Hunt MP, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care and Hon Mark Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care as well as the update from Dr. John Gerrard, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer.”

“Minister Hunt addressed medicines affordability and committed to continuing to work towards reducing the cost of medicine for both concessional and non-concessional patients so they qualify for the safety net.”

“In 2021 almost half of all Australians couldn’t afford to fill their script due to rising health costs, an issue sadly seen by community pharmacists daily as patients struggle with the cost of living.”

Mr. Sclavos said that third-party nominations for talented early-career pharmacists were already coming in for the $50,000 Australia Health Minister Young Pharmacist Global Exchange Scholarship, supported by the Australasian College of Pharmacy and the World Pharmacy Council.

“This once-in-a-lifetime scholarship, an initiative of the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA), will support one lucky pharmacist to work in community pharmacy in the United Kingdom for a year.”

Mr. Sclavos also said the announcement on Friday that the Australasian College of Pharmacy and Guild Learning and Development (GuildEd) had formed a strategic partnership was great news and would deliver even better education and training to the entire industry.

“This change will support pharmacists and pharmacy assistants to reach new heights in their careers through a modernised and diverse education and training offering,” said Mr. Sclavos.

“I also appreciated the chance to hear the topical presentation from Professor Ross Tsuyuki regarding his research into the full scope of practice from an international perspective as well as hearing how the full scope of practice could be rolled out in a Queensland context,” said Mr. Sclavos.

“Professor Tsuyuki delivered a powerful presentation with clear evidence that pharmacists practising to their full scope of practice is providing strong positive patient outcomes internationally,” said Mr. Sclavos, “In his home Province of Alberta, Canada, primary health care providers, including pharmacists and general practitioners, continue to work together to provide a strong continuum of care.”

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend APP and refresh, recharge, and reconnects. Please save the date for APP2023, which will be held on 23-26 March 2023 on the Gold Coast.”