Keynote Lecture: Reimagining Possibilities for Pharmacists

The COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving healthcare systems around the world have led to a paradigm shift in pharmacy practice. The change in consumers’ health-seeking behaviour and the need to meet the growing demand and expectations of our patients have rapidly expanded the role of pharmacists. Pharmacists are medicine experts. From medicine dispensing and counselling, to triage and referral, complex medication management reviews, minor ailments, and chronic disease management, pharmacists play an integral part in our health system through community pharmacies, hospitals, aged-care facilities, general practice and health services. Evidence shows that pharmacist intervention can reduce unnecessary emergency department presentations and hospitalisations. Australian pharmacists have also emerged as a key immunisation workforce, making a positive impact on Australia’s immunisation rate. Pharmacists can and should be supported to practice to the top of their scope, for the benefit of our patients and health system.