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INDUSTRY UPDATES
RECOGNISING TOP ACHIEVERS IN PHARMACY
“Now more than ever we need to recognise our top achievers in pharmacy” – this is the sentiment of the 2019 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY) Award Winner, Brianne Lowe, about this year’s ‘Virtual PATY’.
The award, which in 2020 is being contested entirely online, allows outstanding pharmacy assistants to showcase their frontline leadership, knowledge and skills, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Pharmacy assistants have certainly demonstrated their resilience in recent times, working through floods, fires and the coronavirus pandemic and proving the vital role they play in healthcare,” says Brianne.
“Although the coronavirus pandemic means that we will be moving the awards online, this isn’t going to stop us from recognising and celebrating our passionate pharmacy assistants who are working on the frontline.”
This year’s award features a People’s Choice Video Award, where the top five shortlisted videos showcasing how the nominee’s pharmacy has supported
customers during the COVID-19 pandemic will be open to public voting.
The winner will receive a complimentary APP2021 registration and three nights’ accommodation at The Star Gold Coast.
‘Virtual PATY’ is now open to all Australian pharmacy assistants with
a minimum of two years’ industry experience. Prizes include $5,000 cash
and a Guild Training course for the National Winner.
Nominate yourself or an outstanding pharmacy assistant that you know at pharmacyassistants.com/paty.
Third party nominations close
on 17 August 2020, with self- nominations and responses closing on 7 September 2020.
COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS TO HELP BEAT OBESITY IN AUSTRALIA
It’s no secret that the obesity epidemic is well-established, with the prevalence of overweight and obesity continuing to increase over recent years.
What’s more, studies have shown that Australia has the fifth highest prevalence of overweight and obesity – presenting a significant health burden with a substantial economic impact.
Due to these statistics and the known consequences of overweight or obesity on long-term health outcomes, there have been countless efforts to address this health epidemic.
Now, a new study – the ACE-Obesity Policy study – published in PLOS ONE, which looked at “the economic credentials of a suite of obesity prevention policies” has found that, while all of the study’s 16 potential interventions (including community-based interventions) were found to be cost-effective, the three most effective interventions were all regulatory interventions and included:
cost-effective and demonstrated great potential for long- term health benefits.”
Given that community-based initiatives were also included in the 16 interventions and found to be effective in the fight against obesity (both from a cost and health perspective), this strengthens the position of community pharmacies as potential locations for effective obesity interventions.
To read the study in full, visit: journals.plos.org/plosone/ article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0234804.
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A per-unit tax on alcohol.
A 20 per cent sugar-sweetened beverages tax. Restricting television advertising of unhealthy foods.
While further research is warranted, the study’s authors concluded: “All 16 interventions evaluated were
RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • JUL 2020