PC2208 - Pharmaceutical Public Health and Primary Healthcare for Pharmacists

This subject will introduce students to the principles and practice of pharmaceutical public health, and the integral role played by pharmacists in Australian primary health care. It will also teach the process of counter-prescribing and explore the role of pharmacists in the provision of over-the-counter (S2 and S3) medications in the management of self-limiting health conditions that present to community pharmacy. The subject will have a strong focus on pharmacist led primary care interventions and the role of the pharmacist in the provision of pharmaceutical public health. This subject will also explore foundational principles of public health, the structure of the Australian health care system, factors which impact upon the health status of the population and comparisons of the health status of Australia with other nations will be covered. A key aspect of this subject will be the comparison of the health of rural, remote and metropolitan localities and indigenous health and how health service delivery varies by geographical location. Different primary health care models will be presented, with a strong focus on those that can be implemented by pharmacists.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the key components of the Australian health care system with a focus on the role of the pharmacist and discuss the future of health care in Australia;
• Describe and compare the demographic characteristics and epidemiological patterns of disease of the Australian population and utilise this data to make assessments of the health status of rural and remote, Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians;
• Identify factors influencing health and health care needs within communities including rural, remote and indigenous and subsequently describe different models of public health intervention that address these needs;
• Apply knowledge of Australian and international standards (e.g. World Health Organisation- Sustainable Development Goals) to a series of pharmacy specific scenarios highlighting how pharmaceutical public health can improve the health of communities;
• Demonstrate basic professional communication to patients with minor ailments and develop skills relating to the legal responsibilities associated with the supply of S2 and S3 medications.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (30%) - Individual
• Oncourse - (30%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (40%) - Individual.

Special Assessment Requirements

Attendance at residential from 2022

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.