What we learned from APP 2017

What we learned from APP 2017

Another APP has come and gone, and once again the themes of innovation, community health, change and professional services ruled the conference. They were the key issues for all Pharmacy of the Year contenders who were very inspirational.  This week I am going to discuss a couple of concepts that have stuck out in our minds. The Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt spoke of early access, interventions and preventative health outcomes without going to the hospital. Let’s just think about this concept for a little while, it is nothing new I’m sure. But in essence the pharmacy’s role is to screen patients for a range of ailments, then when identified pharmacists can refer patients to the GP. So instead of GP’s and pharmacies at war with each other, they can actual work really well together for the community’s health, and ease the pressure on hospitals. Patients having greater access to pharmacies and being screened more may help prevent patients from going straight to the hospital. They could be treated at the pharmacy and/or GP. This is a better outcome for everyone.

Why?

Why?

I wish I knew then what I know now…….does this statement sounds familiar? I know I have thought this quite a few times; recently it was about the topic of purpose. One of the biggest drivers on how I run Peak Strategies comes from having a clear purpose. The purpose comes from the answer to the question of “Why are you doing this?” Many of us start a business with set goals in mind, I certainly did. However, those goals sometimes change as you go through the motions. One of the many mistakes I made is that I didn’t truly understand the importance of having a strong purpose. I mean a REAL purpose; making money is not a true purpose.

Pharmacy Blame Game.......

Pharmacy Blame Game.......

The Blame Game

It is a really interesting phase of life that pharmacy is going through. There is a huge amount of nervousness in the market at the moment and a lot of discussion about the future of the industry.

What surprises me the most is the different reactions? There are some who feel so helpless; I am concerned for their mental health. There is without doubt significant pain felt by some, who simply cannot see any light at the end of the tunnel. They are seeing their pharmacies go backwards year after year, with rents increasingly unaffordable. There is clear distress.

Pharmacy Identity

Pharmacy Identity

Who am I?

Just prior to Christmas last year I had an interesting experience which gained my attention. I was at my annual Christmas street party. You know the drill, all the neighbours plus kids, dogs and so forth. Everyone gathered on a nominated front lawn, with food, dips, beers and wines. There were the usual conversations and plenty of laughs. I was asked about my profession and I explained my business including my passion for community pharmacy. The lady next door responded with “I wish we had a Chemist Warehouse around here.” I asked her why and she said “because they are so much cheaper.”

What you can measure you can manage

What you can measure you can manage

What you can Measure you can Manage?

I previously wrote about the importance of good accurate data and how your business decisions will be improved as a result. With good data we then have an ability to make informed decisions based less on emotion and more on raw data. Let us now extend on that a little further.

Acknowledgement of Country

Peak Strategies acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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