Pre-Budget Submission - 2018/19 ePortfolio Review CPD: Coeliac - Irish Pharmacy Union
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
IRELAND’S OFFICIAL PHARMACY PUBLICATION
SEPTEMBER 2018
CPD: Coeliac
2018/19
ePortfolio
Review
Pre-Budget
Submission
RETAIL REVIEW | BENZODIAZEPINE AND Z-DRUG PRESCRIBING
AUGUST 2018
07 A Note from the Editor
IPU News
The latest news and events
from Butterfield House
08 Dates for your Diary
34
08 Pharmacy in the Media
09 IPU Pre-Budget Submission 2019
The IPU Review is published
monthly and circulated to Irish 10 Sláintecare Implementation Strategy
pharmacists. The views expressed 10 New Press and Communications
by contributors are not those Manager Appointed
of the IPU nor is responsibility
accepted for claims in articles 12 Launch of IPU Academy Autumn Programme:
or advertisements. 17 September 2018
Subscription: 12 Medicines Management: Palliative Care
€100 (Ireland North & South) and in Dementia
€150 (including postage overseas). 12 IPU Academy Webinar News
Publisher: 14 IPU Training Courses Autumn 2018
Irish Pharmacy Union
(IPU Services Ltd),
Butterfield House,
Butterfield Avenue,
Rathfarnham, Dublin 14,
D14 E126
Tel: (01) 493 6401
Fax: (01) 493 6626
Email: ipureview@ipu.ie
Website: www.ipu.ie
Editor: Jack Shanahan MPSI
Editorial Associates:
Siobhán Kane, Sinéad Fennell,
Jim Curran and Ciara Browne
Advertising: Sinéad Fennell
Email: ipureview@ipu.ie
Tel: (01) 493 6401
Features
16 IPU Pre-Budget Submission
26
©2018
Copyright: All Rights Reserved,
Irish Pharmacy Union.
Printed by Ryson Colour Printers Ltd.
IPU Review is a Registered Trademark
20 The 2018/19 ePortfolio Review
of the Irish Pharmacy Union.
26 Get your pharmacy posters
from the IPU website
30 Benzodiazepine and
16
Z-drug prescribing
in Ireland
34 Jim Power:
The threats and
challenges to Ireland
IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018 3
Paracetamol & codeine
Also available in a soluble format with caffeine**
Fast acting,
Effective Pain Relief
*Soluble format also contains caffeine
ESSENTIAL
INFORMATION
Solpa-Plus with Caffeine soluble tablets contain paracetamol, codeine phosphate hemihydrate and caffeine. For the short term relief of acute moderate pain which requires stronger analgesia than single ingredient analgesics alone. Adults: 1-2 tablets up
to 4 times a day if necessary. Adolescents 16-18 years: 1-2 tablets up to 4 times a day if necessary. Adolescents 12-15 years: 1 tablet up to 4 times a day if necessary. Should not be used in children below the age of 12 years. Minimum dosing interval: 4
hours. If pain or fever persists for more than 3 days or gets worse, or if any other symptoms occur, treatment should be discontinued and a physician consulted. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the ingredients, women who are breastfeeding, respiratory
depression, chronic constipation, CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolisers, in all paediatric patients (0-18 years of age) who undergo tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Precautions: Particular caution needed under certain circumstances, such as renal or hepatic
impairment, chronic alcoholism and malnutrition or dehydration. Precaution needed in asthmatic patients sensitive to acetylsalicylic acid, patients with acute abdominal conditions or with a history of cholecystectomy, patients on a controlled sodium diet and with
rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance. Patients should be advised not to take other paracetamol containing products concurrently. Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended during pregnancy and must not be used during breastfeeding. Side effects:
Rare: allergies. Very rare: anaphylaxis, cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. Not known: dizziness, drowsiness, constipation. Further information is available in the SmPC. PA 1186/011/004. P. MAH: Chefaro Ireland DAC, Treasury Building, Lower Grand Canal
Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Solpa-Plus tablets contain paracetamol and codeine phosphate hemihydrate. For the relief of acute moderate pain which requires stronger analgesia than paracetamol or ibuprofen or aspirin alone. Adults: 2 tablets up to 4 times a
day. Adolescents 16-18 years: Two tablets up to 4 times a day. Adolescents 12-15 years: One tablet up to 4 times a day. Codeine should not be used in children below the age of 12 years. Minimum dosing interval: 4 hours. If pain or fever persists for more
than 3 days or gets worse, or if any other symptoms occur, treatment should be discontinued and a physician consulted. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the ingredients, women who are breastfeeding, respiratory depression, chronic constipation, CYP2D6
ultra-rapid metabolisers, patients 0-18 years who undergo tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Precautions: Particular caution needed under certain circumstances, such as renal or hepatic impairment, chronic alcoholism and malnutrition or dehydration, in
asthmatic patients sensitive to acetylsalicylic acid, in patients with acute abdominal conditions and with a history of cholecystectomy. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should
not take this medicine. Patients should be advised not to take other paracetamol containing products concurrently. Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended during pregnancy and do not use during breastfeeding. Side effects: Rare: allergies. Very rare:
anaphylaxis, cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. Not known: dizziness, drowsiness, constipation. Further information is available in the SmPC. PA 1186/011/005. P. MAH: Chefaro Ireland DAC, Treasury Building, Lower Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Date of preparation: May 2018.
38 Palliative medicines
information
42 What is an IPU Retail Review?
46
46 A headache a day is not OK
49 CPD: Coeliac for over 40 years
53 What is meningitis?
55 Clinical Tips: Proton pump inhibitors:
An Interaction with Clopidogrel? News
61 International News
57 High Tech Medicines Update:
Ravicti® 1.1 g/ml Oral Liquid 62 World Pharmacists Day 2018
promotes pharmacists as
medicines experts
58 Studies 63 HIQA launches public consultation
on electronic patient summary
standard
60 Product Information 63 Irish Thoracic Society launch
National Patient Registry
on Lung Fibrosis
49
63 PSI publishes 2017 Annual Report
64 Don Conroy launches the
Haven Pharmacy Healthy Minds
Colouring Competition
64 Boots Ireland and Motech launch
42
new service to support older
people to live independently
65 Fighting Blindness to host
‘Meet the Experts’ Conference
66 Irish Chemists’ Golfing Society News
66 Bridge weekend
67 Classified Ads
38
53
IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018 5
We’re making it even easier
to find unlicensed medicines.
They’re now just a click away.
shop.medisource.ie
Medisource is delighted to introduce
our new online ordering system
for exempt medicinal products.
Pharmacists can register for online
access at shop.medisource.ie
■ Real-time stock information
■ Easy search filter
■ Tracking of online order history
■ Fast re-order option
■ Relevant product details e.g. HSE code,
Fridge item, Foreign pack
■ No fax requirement
The first dedicated and No. 1 supplier of
unlicensed or difficult to get medicines in Ireland.
Medisource is Irish-owned and has a team of
pharmacist-led experts to deal with your enquiries.
www.medisource.ie | Call 1890 2866366 | Fax 01 2866288 | Email info@medisource.ie
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Jack Shanahan MPSI
Brexit could be calamitous
for the drug supply chain
It was a long hot summer. The type of summer that typically
sees an increase in thrush-type problems. Yet, it was a
summer where we saw the unavailability of all variations of
the brand leader OTC internal vaginal thrush treatment.
W
e will not even - in many cases they are In the past six weeks we and we are gradually seeing
mention the essential drugs for which no have found maybe 35 unique swathes of common medicines
ophthalmic suitable alternative exists. The products with the new 2D disappearing from our shelves.
hay fever new owners of these drugs barcodes on them. Only two Frequently, there is only
preparations almost invariably do not have unique products, both from one generic of a particular
that predictably disappeared a presence in Ireland, other the same manufacturer, were medicine on the market. To
in the first few weeks of the than a distribution agreement. found on the database and add insult to injury, there
warm weather. Thus, as I Typically, a UK phone number actually got decommissioned. seems to be nobody in charge
recently looked at my ever- is listed where, if you are lucky, As I write, we have had many - the ‘who do I ring when there
increasing shorts list, in what you get an answering machine. years notice that FMD was is no sotalol in the country’
must be some kind of record, Equally, every pharmacist coming. Manufacturers had type of person or agency.
I saw that four different knows the deep frustration of half a decade to put the From 29 March next, and the
brands of contraceptive pill speaking to a person working systems in place. As yet, most months following, there will
were unavailable. Aside from for a medicines supplier that have not. While I have no be enormous disruption to
the conspiracy theorists who does not, or chooses not to, doubt that there is an iceberg the medicines supply chains.
think that some militant pro- understand the importance effect, with much activity There will be temporary and
life group got at the supply of the missing medicine for under the surface, I can’t medium-term shortages of
chain, it was a slight taste of patients. Resisting the urge to help but feel concerned. On many medicines. In some
life going forward. Despite all scream down the phone line, the face of it, this is a simple cases, we know exactly
the reassurances, I expect that you have to tease the little job, putting a unique serial where the chokes will be. In
an unmanaged Brexit will be information that might be number on every package. The others, only a nimble and
nothing short of calamitous available concerning supply. complicated part is getting authoritative response will
for the drug supply chain. This has become the norm. My the list of products into a address the chaos. Any one for
Irrespective of the soothing concern, and it is not without central repository that works the last few levothyroxine?
words emanating from people foundation, is that Brexit could well enough for community
paid to say soothing words, we see a disappearance, or at and hospital pharmacy, the
can all see what is obvious. least a prolonged absence, of end users. My point is, if the
There will be no problem many of these operators. I am manufacturers and importers
with the expensive High Tech genuinely sceptical that many cannot get their act together
drugs staying on the market. will be able to navigate the on a well flagged, well planned
These regulatory ‘t’s and regulatory obstacle courses system change, then it begs
‘i’s will be well crossed and that will exist either with, or the question of the unplanned
dotted. There will be little without, an agreement. major change.
issue with the top 100 sellers Currently I am one of the Pharmacists are currently
in the country. But there my group of pharmacists that are bearing the brunt of both
confidence stops. I have a trialling the Falsified Medicines long and short-term drug
number of reasons. A notable Directive (FMD) solutions. I shortages. The IPU does a
change in the distribution of have a really neat iPad and good job of trying to keep on
drugs has been evident over Bluetooth scanner based top of issues, but the reality is
the last two decades. Original solution. It is slick, fast and that this is only an emollient,
patent holders, rather than unencumbered, without any something to sooth some
eke out the last value from complications of attempting of the frustration. The size
their drug, are quite happy to tie scans to prescription of the Irish market means
to sell on the drug rights to records. As I write, there are that we are always going
third parties. These are not approximately five months to have lesser choices. Ally
simply end-of-life products to FMD day, 9 February 2019. this with reference pricing,
If you have any comments, queries or issues to raise, send
your “Letters to the Editor” by email to ipureview@ipu.ie.
IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018 7
Pharmacy in
the Media
IPU President Daragh Connolly was quoted on the
Journal.ie in relation to the danger of medicine shortages
imposed by Brexit. Daragh highlighted that medicine
shortages were a very real concern, but that the HPRA was
planning contingencies in the meantime. IPU Executive
Committee member Ann-Marie Horan was quoted in The
Irish Times in an article in relation to Brexit and potential
medicine shortages. She also discussed the topic on
Newstalk’s The Pat Kenny Show.
We were mentioned in the Sunday Business Post for
Dates forry
an article on how more needs to be done to improve
patients’ access to new treatments. We were also quoted
your Dia
in the Sunday Business Post in a feature article on the cost-
effectiveness of biosimilars.
We issued a press release in response to the publication
of the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy, and stated that
enhancing the role of pharmacists will help address
2018
SEPTEMBER health service capacity problems. Daragh Connolly was
ide
r World Suic interviewed on Newstalk’s The Pat Kenny Show, along
10 Septembe ention Day, with Dr Stephen Murphy from the NAGP, to discuss this
Prev
.in fo/wspd subject. There was also national media coverage in the
www.iasp
Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror.
my Autumn
em ber IPU Acade The Irish Times published an opinion piece by Darragh
17 Sept launches,
Programme O‘Loughlin in which he advocates for the IPU proposal
demy.ie
www.ipuaca to the Minister for Health that women should be able
imer’s Day, to access contraception directly from their community
r World Alzhe
21 Septembe he im er.ie pharmacist without prescription and without charge.
www.alz
Darragh was also interviewed live in studio on Newstalk’s
ination
IPU Flu Vacc The Hard Shoulder and Today FM’s The Last Word.
24 – 30 pa ig n, w ww.ipu.ie
Cam We sent our Pre-Budget Submission 2019 to
September
macists Government last month, in which we called for the
r World Phar
25 Septembe org/ immediate unwinding of FEMPI, as well as an expanded
Day, www.fip.
ar m ac istsday role for pharmacists, which would alleviate pressure on
worldph
the health system. A press release was issued, and Daragh
rt Day,
r World Hea Connolly was interviewed on RTÉ Radio 1’s Drivetime and
29 Septembe w .iris hh eart.ie
ww Kildare FM.
The IPU Training courses have also received media
attention in multiple regional newspapers.
18
OCTOBER 20 r
Breast Cance
October onth,
Awareness M
ance r.ie
www.c
l Health
World Menta
10 October ental
Day, www.m
an d.ie
healthirel
Health
IPU Basics in
11 October N utriti on Course,
and
www.ipu.ie
y
IPU Pharmac
15 October le s C ourse,
Retail Sa
ww w .ipu.ie
ination
IPU Flu Vacc
22 – 28 2n d week,
Campaign
October u.ie
www.ip
8 IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018
IPU Pre-Budget
Submission 2019
We sent our Pre-Budget Specific proposals made by term savings of £75.4 Mr Connolly concluded
Submission to the the IPU included: million, and long-term by stating, “Pharmacists are
Department of Finance and savings of £517.6 million. ready willing and waiting to
n Minor Ailment Scheme
the Department of Health enhance the levels of care
A Minor Ailment n Phasing-out
last month, and called for they provide. The IPU has
Scheme could save prescription levy
the immediate unwinding of made several policy proposals
nearly 950,000 GP The IPU would also
FEMPI, as well as an expanded to the Department of Health,
consultations every year like to see a phasing-
role for pharmacists, which which offered pharmacy-
and keep the focus on out of the medical
would alleviate pressure on based solutions to primary
primary healthcare in card prescription levy,
the health system. According healthcare deficits. We would
the community. The IPU especially for those
to our submission, since like to see a greater role for
has already collaborated patients who are
2009, the State has extracted pharmacists in supporting
with the Department of vulnerable or cannot
over €3.1 billion from the self care in line with other
Health and the HSE on afford to pay the levy.
community pharmacy sector countries such as the UK,
a pilot Minor Ailment This would help to
with almost €1.4 billion Canada and New Zealand.”
Scheme, which enabled prevent patients with
through FEMPI measures
medical card patients more complex medical
alone. For more information on the
to receive treatment for needs being forced into
Commenting on the IPU Pre-Budget Submission,
common illnesses, free advanced care in an
submission, IPU President please go to page 16.
of charge, directly from already overburdened
Daragh Connolly said: “There
their local community health system.
are currently over 1,800
pharmacy in a timely
community pharmacies
manner and without the
treating patients throughout
need for a visit to the GP.
the country. The majority
The IPU is calling for this
(89%) of these remain family
scheme to be rolled-out
owned businesses, each
nationally.
of whom has been badly
impacted by FEMPI cuts. The n New Medicine Service
average pharmacy relies on The IPU has also called
State schemes for two-thirds for a New Medicine
of its revenues, but a decade of Service to be rolled out,
decline has seen the average which could be delivered
turnover per pharmacy from within the community
State schemes decrease by a pharmacy setting. This
third. service would improve
“This is leading to huge adherence to medicines
pressures, particularly for for people who have
pharmacies in rural and been newly prescribed
disadvantaged areas, and medicines for certain
risks leading to closures if not long-term conditions
immediately reversed. It is or therapies, and would
now long overdue that action improve patients’ health
is taken on FEMPI, that cuts outcomes by ensuring
are reversed and that the more effective medicine-
important role of community taking. Economic
pharmacists is recognised to analysis of a similar
ensure equity, fairness and the service which has
sustainability of pharmacies operated in the UK since
in communities across the 2011, has found that it
country.” offers the NHS short-
IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018 9
IPU NEWS
Sláintecare New Press and
Implementation Communications
Strategy Manager Appointed
The IPU is pleased to announce the appointment of
Last month, the Government published its Sláintecare Sinéad Fennell as Press and Communications Manager,
Implementation Strategy and, in response, we issued a press who will be filling in for Siobhán Kane while she is on
release stating that the Strategy is missing an important piece maternity leave. Sinéad has over 20 years’ experience in
of the puzzle – pharmacists. the communications sector, working both in-house and
We said that the Government is missing vital opportunities independently, as an external consultant where she ran
to provide a better healthcare service, by ignoring potential her own business. She has worked with organisations
services pharmacies could offer. Pharmacies present an across different sectors of society including Fine Gael,
additional 1,800 locations through which services could be the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, the Irish Society
offered, and “pharmacists are ready willing and waiting to of Chartered Physiotherapists, the Minister for Small
enhance the levels of care they provide” according to IPU Business and more recently Caranua. She is the Public
President Daragh Connolly. Affairs representative on the National Council of the
Speaking in response Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) and is a
to the publication member of the PR Branch of the NUJ. Sinéad is looking
of the Sláintecare forward to working with the staff and members of
Implementation the IPU and bringing her professional experience to
Strategy last month, this role during the next few months. Sinéad can be
Mr Connolly said, contacted at sinead.fennell@ipu.ie
“Sláintecare provides
many useful proposals,
particularly on
treating patients
locally. However,
this Implementation
Strategy makes only
one passing reference
to pharmacies and it
does not provide any
blueprint for future
primary care services in
Ireland. This is a missed opportunity.
”50% of the Irish population live within 1km of their local
pharmacy, and community pharmacists are in a unique
position to expand their role as healthcare providers for the
benefit of both patients and the State. Ireland is currently
lagging far behind countries such as Canada and the UK,
where community pharmacies are providing an increased
range of services. These services include pharmacy-based
Minor Ailment Schemes, New Medicine Services, management
of chronic diseases, improved access to contraception and
a wide range of vaccination services without the need for a
doctor’s prescription.”
Recent research conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes
has shown that 92% would like pharmacists to be able to
prescribe some medications for minor ailments. Furthermore,
nearly two-thirds of respondents (62%) said they “sometimes
rely on a pharmacist’s advice rather than visiting the GP”,
while 61% said they “think twice before going to the GP now
due to the expense”.
“With an estimated 1.5 million visits to a pharmacy by
the public every week, pharmacists are the most accessed
healthcare professional. The time is right to optimise our
delivery of primary care by providing appropriate, convenient,
accessible and cost-effective healthcare through pharmacies
in communities throughout the country. Patients cannot afford
to wait,” Mr Connolly concluded.
10 IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018Growing Together
The trade mark Actavis is used under licence by Teva
Pharmaceuticals Europe B.V.IPU NEWS
Medicines
Management:
Launch of IPU Palliative Care
Academy Autumn
Programme: in Dementia
17 September 2018 This course will focus on palliative care in the context
of patients with dementia bringing together experts
in Palliative Medicine, Psychiatry of the Elderly and
The IPU Academy Autumn Programme 2018 is now online at Gerontology. The course is delivered in two parts, with
www.ipuacademy.ie. This means that you can now view the an 8-hour online module, followed by an interactive
IPU Academy Autumn Programme 2018 and book your courses education day. Online content will be available from
online. The five topics in the IPU Academy Autumn Programme September.
were selected based on your feedback and will be delivered in
venues countrywide. Date: Wednesday 14 November 2018
View the IPU Academy Autumn Programme and book your Programme: 9.00am - 4.30pm
courses in 3 easy steps: Venue: Education & Research Centre,
1. Log on to www.ipuacademy.ie; Our Lady’s Hospice, Dublin.
2. Enter your log-in details; and Fee: €95 (Early Bird rate until 12 October - standard fee €125)
3. Book your courses. Further Info: Lunch and refreshments will be provided
Courses Further information is available at
n Opioids in Chronic Pain Management; www.olh.ie/education-research/meds-man
n Eye Health;
n Biosimilars;
n Arthritis; and
n Dementia (Express Topic).
The IPU Academy Autumn Programme will start on Monday
17 September and run until Wednesday 14 November. As a
member of the IPU, you are automatically a member of IPU
Academy. This membership benefit entitles you to attend,
without charge, live learning events in the IPU Autumn
Academy Programme.
IPU Academy Webinar News
In association with Novartis, IPU Academy and the Migraine Association of Ireland
are pleased to invite you to our webinar on Migraine and other headache disorders –
understanding and treatments. This webinar will be co-presented by Professor Lars
Edvinsson, President of the International Headache Society (IHS), and Professor
Allan Purdy, Chair of the IHS Education and Teachings Committee. The webinar
will be broadcast live on the IPU Academy learning management system from
7.30pm-8.30pm on Monday 10 September.
12 IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018Trade advertisement
New Packaging Same Formulation
Bio-Oil® Skincare Oil helps to improve the appearance of
scars, stretch marks and uneven tone. It contains natural oils,
vitamins and the unique ingredient PurCellin Oil™. Bio-Oil® is
the No 1 selling scar and stretch mark product in Ireland*
From 1st July 2018 Ocean Healthcare is the exclusive distributor for Bio-Oil®.
For more information contact us on 01 2968080
*
Source Nielsen 2015IPU NEWS
IPU Training Courses Autumn 2018
Our Training Programme kicked-off at the end of last month and will run until November.
Make sure you check out our table for all the details on dates and locations.
Course Title Start Date Location
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Qualified Monday 8 October Kilkenny
Pharmacy Technicians
Topic 1: Gastro-Intestinal Conditions 2 Monday 8 October Donegal
Topic 2: Oral Nutritional Products
Monday 8 October Limerick
Tuesday 9 October Dublin
Tuesday 9 October Cork
Tuesday 9 October Athlone
IPU Basics in Health and Nutrition Course – NEW Thursday 11 October Dublin
This is a face-to-face course held on one day from 10.00am – 5.00pm,
aimed at pharmacy technicians and staff.
IPU Medicines Counter Assistant (MCA) Course Monday 24 September Cork
The MCA Course is one day a week for five consecutive weeks for
pharmacy staff who work on the pharmacy medicine counter. Tuesday 25 September Athlone
Monday 5 November Waterford
Tuesday 6 November Dublin
IPU Medicines Counter Assistant (MCA) Refresher Course Wednesday 17 October Athlone
The IPU MCA Refresher Course is Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) for Medicine Counter Assistants. This is a face-to-face course held Wednesday 14 November Dublin
on one day.
IPU Pharmacy Interact Counter Assistant Course Anytime Distance Learning
This is a course geared for all staff working on the pharmacy medicines
counter; including full-time, part-time and Saturday staff.
Pharmacy Retail Sales Monday 15 October Dublin
The IPU has developed a customised, pharmacy retail selling skills course,
to assist your pharmacy sales team in developing their retail sales know-
how.
IPU Supervisory Development Course Wednesday 19 September Dublin
This course is an introduction to Leadership and Management and will be
delivered over two days, one month apart.
IPU Introduction to Employment Law and Employee Rights Course Tuesday 25 September Dublin
This course is aimed at candidates who require the knowledge to comply
with basic Employment Law and the skills to successfully develop employees,
as well as manage the performance of the team for optimum productivity. This
interactive workshop is delivered over two days, one month apart.
IPU/ILM Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Management Tuesday 18 September Dublin
This course has been specifically tailored to meet the development needs of
members and their employees, with a focus on the Irish Pharmacy Sector.
Medicine in Care Homes Anytime Training Pack
The Medicines in Care Homes training pack has been designed to assist
pharmacists in providing training on the management of medication to care
staff working in residential care settings.
You can find details and application forms on the Training section of the IPU website,
www.ipu.ie. Please send completed application forms to training@ipu.ie or fax to
01 406 1556. If you have any questions in relation to these courses, you can phone
Janice or Susan in the Training department on 01 406 1555.
14 IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018Easofen – for the relief of pain Easofen 200mg film-coated tablets. Easofen Max Strength 400mg film-coated tablets. Ibuprofen. Clonmel Healthcare Ltd., Waterford Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. A copy of the summary of product characteristics is available on request. Medicinal product available for retail sale through pharmacy only. 2018/ADV/EAS/023. Date prepared: February 2018
BUSINESS Jim Curran, Director of Communications and Strategy, IPU
IPU Pre-Budget
Submission
In this article, Jim Curran, IPU Director of
Communications and Strategy, provides a
summary of the key issues addressed in the
IPU’s Pre-Budget Submission 2019, which
was presented to the Minister for Finance
and the Minister for Health recently.
Unwinding of FEMPI
It is now nine years since the This comprises €527 million in
Financial Emergency Measures cuts to dispensing fees and
in the Public Interest (FEMPI) mark-ups (see Table 1), and
Act was used to cut payment €859.5 million (Table 2) in cuts
rates to pharmacists. Since to the wholesale margin/
then, the State, through ingredient cost.
FEMPI and other measures, By any measure, the cuts
has extracted over €3.1 in the amounts and rates
billion from the community paid to community pharmacy
pharmacy sector in reduced contractors under the 2009,
medicine reimbursements and 2011 and 2013 regulations have
cuts to pharmacy fees and been exceptionally effective
margins. The cuts through in achieving savings for the
FEMPI measures alone State. Pharmacies were hit
come to €1.386 billion. by statutory reimbursement
reductions in 2009, 2011 and
2013, which along with other
measures have culminated
in an average medicine price
reduction of 33% per item
on State schemes. At the
same time, average fees per
item have fallen from €5.97
to €5.03 – a drop of roughly
16% – while the number of
items being dispensed has
risen by 11%, increasing the
workload on pharmacists. The
average pharmacy relies on
State schemes for two-thirds
of its revenues, but a decade of
decline has seen the average
turnover per pharmacy from
State schemes decrease by a
third, with the average annual
fees per pharmacy down
by 17%.
16 IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018Table 1: Reductions in fees and mark-ups paid to pharmacists by the State
Year Pharmacy fees No. of items Mark-up & fees Reduction per item State
& mark-ups dispensed under per item since 2009 savings
State schemes
2017* – 76,312,934 €5.29 €0.92 €70,182,372
2016 €397,440,000 75,175,841 €5.29 €0.92 €69,136,626
2015 €389,740,000 73,542,223 €5.30 €0.91 €66,697,624
2014 €381,070,000 72,715,536 €5.24 €0.97 €70,236,816
2013 €393,930,000 74,378,504 €5.30 €0.91 €67,697,977
2012 €403,860,000 75,724,736 €5.33 €0.88 €66,123,326
2011 €386,630,000 72,023,261 €5.37 €0.84 €60,380,232
2010 €372,990,000 69,251,377 €5.39 €0.82 €56,816,616
2009 €420,960,000 67,825,991 €6.21 – –
TOTAL – – – – €527,271,589
* Estimate Source: PCRS Data and Fitzgerald Power
Table 2: Reductions in medicine reimbursements paid to pharmacists by the State
Year PCRS payments No. of items Cost Reduction FEMPI State
for medicines dispensed under per item per item reductions savings
State schemes since 2009
2017* — 75,579,617* — — €84,500,000*
2016 €945,900,000 74,494,210 €12.70 €6.18 €84,492,157 €460,509,104
2015 €956,750,000 72,911,181 €13.12 €5.76 €85,461,329 €419,772,401
2014 €979,010,000 72,132,792 €13.57 €5.31 €87,449,695 €382,816,851
2013 €1,053,290,000 73,823,818 €14.27 €4.61 €94,084,728 €340,462,478
2012 €1,161,460,000 75,202,381 €15.44 €3.43 €103,746,972 €258,318,978
2011 €1,114,610,000 71,590,122 €15.57 €3.31 €99,562,113 €236,971,544
2010 €1,191,880,000 68,860539 €17.31 €1.57 €106,464,227 €108,168,541
2009 €1,273,770,000 67,468626 €18.88 — €113,779,020 —
TOTAL – – – – €859,540,240 €2,207,019,896
* Estimate Source: PCRS Data and Fitzgerald Power
The ‘crisis’ situation that Pharmacy Contract Pricing, recommendations of the Recent independent
led to the introduction of which was established by Dorgan Report. Pharmacies analysis by EY-DKM Economic
FEMPI legislation has passed, the then Minister for Health have delivered excellent Consultants and Smith &
and the future now looks and Children in 2008 and value for money to the State Williamson Accountants
considerably better. There has chaired by Sean Dorgan, to in the face of massive cuts indicates that fees at this
been a monumental change in advise the Minister on the to fees. The Dorgan Report level, index linked to today
the finances of the State and appropriate level of dispensing recommended a tiered fee of: and into the future, are
the health of the economy, the fee to be paid to community imperative for a sustainable
n €7.00 per item dispensed
disastrous condition of which pharmacists for existing pharmacy sector across the
for the first 20,000 items;
were, of course, the underlying services. country. We estimate the cost
rationale and justification for The process for the n €6.50 for the next of implementing the Dorgan
the cuts in the first instance. complete unwinding of 10,000 items; and Report recommendation at
It is 10 years since the report FEMPI should include the approximately €161 million
of the Independent Body on implementation of the n €6.00 for each other item per annum.
dispensed per month.
IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018 17Any fee payment model In Canada and the UK, New Medicine Services, on biologics can be expected
and reversal of FEMPI must be for example, pharmacies an extended vaccination to reach €900 million in 2020.
viable and realistic, providing provide additional services scheme and improved Even though biosimilars can
a sustainable dispensing like a pharmacy-based access to contraception. provide more cost-effective
fee across all schemes, with Minor Ailment Scheme, New The Government must look treatment, thus broadening
appropriate professional and Medicine Service, extended to address health service patient access to treatment
administrative allowances to vaccination services and capacity challenges and for a given budget, uptake
cover State-imposed costs, chronic disease management, improve patient care through has been historically low
and supports for marginal which are shown to deliver the introduction of properly in Ireland, with biosimilars
pharmacies in disadvantaged, significant benefits to both resourced pharmacy-based representing less than
rural or isolated communities. patients and the State and to healthcare services. 10% market share, which
Unless dispensing fees take pressure off other parts is significantly lower than
are increased to the levels of the healthcare system, the EU average. Applied
recommended in the Dorgan including GPs and hospitals Introducing a Strategic’s assessment of the
Report of 2008 and indexed (see Table 3). Irish biologics and biosimilar
accordingly, a significant Patients have clearly stated
Biosimilar Policy market identified a potential
number of non-urban that they want more services Following the announcement saving of €370 million over
pharmacies will ultimately from their community in February 2017 that a the next three years, and up
close. The IPU demands that pharmacy. Research by National Biosimilar Medicines to €800 million over five years,
FEMPI cuts on community Behaviours & Attitudes Policy was to be introduced, with optimum biosimilar
pharmacists are rolled back confirms that 96% of patients the IPU commissioned entry and penetration. Their
immediately want their pharmacists to research on the savings potential savings estimate
prescribe medicines for minor opportunity for the State, of €370 million over the next
ailments, and 92% are in which would result from three years is made up of
Expanding the role favour of pharmacists being successful adoption of €90 million in year one, €120
of the pharmacist able to provide services to biosimilar medicines. In million in year two and €160
improve patient adherence response to the Department’s million in year three.
Healthcare policy shows to medicines. Pharmacists consultation in September As the experience of generic
a clear commitment to a want to extend the care 2017, we proposed that substitution since 2013 has
decisive shift towards primary and services they provide a scheme be introduced demonstrated, allowing
care, and pharmacists have to patients, and add even whereby community community pharmacists to
a key role to play in this. more value to the healthcare pharmacists would be enabled substitute is the fastest and
Sláintecare outlined the system. The future of the to supply biosimilars when a most effective way to ensure a
severe pressure on the health healthcare system rests in the biological reference medicine rapid and meaningful increase
service and the need for it advancement of pharmacists’ is first prescribed. in the usage of biosimilars.
to be reoriented towards roles and the extension of Applied Strategic, a UK The case for increasing the
primary care. Pharmacists are the range of services that are consultancy firm with uptake of biosimilars is quite
ideally positioned to expand provided. expertise in biosimilar straightforward. At a time
the services they offer, taking Over the past number markets, conducted an when the health service is
pressure off GPs, and ensuring of years, the IPU has made assessment of the savings being continuously stretched,
the public has access to several policy proposals to opportunity presented by it would produce substantial
professional, trustworthy and the Department of Health, biosimilars in the Irish health savings for the State, whilst
accessible healthcare in the which offered pharmacy- system. Using published PCRS maintaining similar health
community. based solutions to primary data, they concluded that, outcomes for the patient.
There are a lot more services healthcare deficits. These in the absence of specific
that can be provided in Irish include the introduction of steps being taken to improve
community pharmacies. a Minor Ailment Scheme, biosimilar uptake, spending
Table 3: Examples of community pharmacy services in other countries
Canada Australia Netherlands New UK Ireland
Zealand
Health monitoring and awareness 3 3 3 3 3 7
New Medicine Service 3 7 7 3 3 7
Minor Ailment Scheme 3 3 3 3 3 7
Chronic disease management 3 3 3 3 3 7
INR testing 7 7 7 3 7 7
18 IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018“The future of the healthcare system rests
in the advancement of pharmacists’
roles and the extension of the range of
services that are provided.”
Reclassification The cost of registration and increase employment. A and to ensure the continuing
with the PSI remains out first step would be to reinstate provision of high-quality
of medicines of line with international the 4.25% PRSI rate for lower pharmacy services in local
The IPU would like to see a comparisons. It is no longer paid workers (which was part communities. It is also
greater role for pharmacists in feasible for Irish pharmacists of the 2011 jobs initiative), essential that no further
supporting self-care, and for and pharmacy businesses from the current rate of 8.5%, costs are imposed on
an increase in the number of to pay these fees. It is up to the threshold of €376. pharmacies, which could have
medicines available without unsustainable for one arm The measure should be a detrimental impact on the
prescription, in line with other of the State, the HSE, to reintroduced for a three-year survival of the pharmacy or
countries such as the UK and continually drive down unit period to assist in sustaining threaten existing employment
New Zealand. This will enable payments to the pharmacy and increasing employment levels.
people to access treatments profession (as has happened in the sector. Employers’ There must be immediate
for minor and self-limiting under the FEMPI Act and the PRSI is a direct tax on labour action to commence the
ailments, allowing GPs to Health [Pricing and Supply of and should be reduced as a unwinding of FEMPI measures
focus on more complicated Medical Goods] Act) while, at matter of urgency to offset as they apply to community
illnesses. Pharmacists would the same time, another arm the substantial labour costs pharmacy contractors, in
utilise their clinical knowledge of the State, the PSI, continues involved in hiring staff. recognition of the contribution
to help patients choose the to levy the highest pharmacy they have made to achieving
appropriate medication to registration fees in Europe, significant savings for the
deal with minor ailments. if not the world. These costs Tax relief on trade State during the recent
Medicines that could be need to be brought into line financial crisis.
reclassified include newer with those in other European
union subscriptions Lastly, the IPU believes that
anti-allergy medicines like countries, in particular, those The IPU is calling for the developing the role of the
fexofenadine and a wider which apply in the UK. reintroduction of the tax pharmacist will deliver better
range of analgesics, many of relief that was available in patient outcomes, as well as
which are already available 2011. What we are seeking generating efficiencies and
without prescription in the UK Employment costs is fair play for employee savings. The challenge now
and elsewhere. pharmacists, and that the is to ensure that community
The current level of PRSI/ recognition and application pharmacy is enabled to
Universal Social Charge on top of reliefs that are available deliver more into the future,
of existing income tax rates is
Regulatory costs rendering prohibitive the costs
for those who are members of and this requires a new and
professional bodies and for the more strategic approach to
The fees charged to associated with employing self-employed, be extended be agreed for the delivery of
pharmacies for registration additional staff members, to members of organisations community-based healthcare
with the Pharmaceutical and is also jeopardising like ours who pay their own in the context of overall
Society of Ireland (PSI) are the ongoing viability of the annual subscriptions. healthcare reform. This year’s
excessive and are far out employment of existing levels Budget can go some way to
of line with international of staff in many pharmacies. achieving this.
comparisons. The annual Together with addressing
registration fee each the level of taxes imposed
Conclusion
A copy of the full submission is
pharmacy must pay is €2,135 on employees to make It is imperative that the available at www.ipu.ie.
(€3,325 on first registration). In employment more attractive Government reviews and
the UK, the equivalent fees are at the margins, it is also addresses the State-imposed
£590 for a pharmacy premises essential that employers’ PRSI and State-controlled costs on
(£831 on first registration), rates are addressed in order small businesses, including
much less than the cost of to incentivise pharmacy and pharmacies, to maximise
registration in Ireland. other retail owners to sustain sustainable employment
IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018 19PROFESSIONAL
The 2018/19
ePortfolio
Review
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland’s (PSI) Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) Rules 2015 (SI No 553
of 2015) came into effect on 1 January 2016. These rules
set out the legal framework to give effect to the PSI’s
CPD model, including a system of quality assurance
of pharmacists’ CPD.
T
he system of was broadly very positive.
quality assurance, This is an impressive result
known as the and gives a very positive
ePortfolio Review early indicator for the level of
process, is carried engagement and commitment
out by the Irish Institute of of the profession with CPD.
Pharmacy (IIOP). The ePortfolio The PSI has now completed
Review is the process by which a random selection of over
pharmacists are required to 1,400 pharmacists for the
submit an extract from their third ePortfolio Review,
ePortfolio, which demonstrates and notified the selected
that they are appropriately pharmacists by email on 24
engaging in CPD. Pharmacists July of this year. Pharmacists
can expect to be called by selected for review will
the PSI to participate in an be invited to submit their
ePortfolio Review once in every ePortfolio extract for review
five-year period. by the IIOP in January 2019.
The second statutory In the early stages of this
ePortfolio Review was third Review, Liz Hoctor, IPU
completed in May of this year. Professional Development
Over 96% of pharmacists and Learning Manager, sat
participating in the Review down with Claire Murphy, CPD
demonstrated compliance Quality Assurance Pharmacist
with the Review Standards, at the IIOP, to discuss some
and the IIOP reported that the of the commonly asked
feedback from participants questions.
20 IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 20181. How does the 3. I started using my submit entries from Further information can
be found in the How to meet
ePortfolio Review ePortfolio in 2015; can 2014 - 2018?
the Standard for self-assessment
process work? I select entries from Whilst the Standards for the against the PSI Core Competency
The ePortfolio Review process 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019/20 ePortfolio Review Framework PDF and interactive
have not yet been set, it is
incorporates two elements: 2018 for review? support resources available
fair to assume that there will within the ePortfolio Review
n A System Based Review Yes, the Standards for the be a requirement to provide support resources on www.
– each extract (i.e. the 2018/19 ePortfolio Review evidence of CPD from the iiop.ie from mid-September.
cycles you choose to require that you submit at current year (i.e. 2019), as the
submit) will be reviewed least four cycles from 2018 legislation requires that CPD is
against the System (including cycles created in recorded contemporaneously. 7. I completed the
Based Standards, which 2019 during the submission The ePortfolio is accessible
are pre-set within the period), and at least two cycles CCSAT in December
via all mobile electronic
IIOP ePortfolio system; from the previous four years devices, so you can add to
2017, and completed a
and (i.e. from 2014 – 2017 inclusive). your ePortfolio as you travel. CPD cycle based on the
However, the number of The CPD system, which has outcome in 2018. Can
n A Peer Review – cycles submitted represents
pharmacist peer been introduced for pharmacy I submit this as a cycle
just one part of the ePortfolio in Ireland, is flexible enough
reviewers will undertake Review requirements, and that there may be ways in
which originated from
a review of a proportion you should check your extract which travelling experiences my self-assessment
of the ePortfolio extracts carefully against the other
submitted. This will can add to your professional against the PSI
Standards before submitting.
include: The 2018/19 ePortfolio Review
development. Core Competency
• All submitted Standards, along with support Framework for
ePortfolio extracts resources, can be accessed 6. Do I have to assessment in the
submitted in the first from the IIOP homepage on 2018/19 ePortfolio
complete the Core
submission period www.iiop.ie.
that do not meet Competency Self- Review?
the System Based Assessment Tool The 2018/19 ePortfolio Review
Standards; 4. Since I began (CCSAT)? Standards require that you
• A random sample of using the IIOP submit one cycle created
The CPD legislation for
following self-assessment
ePortfolio extracts ePortfolio, I have been pharmacists requires that
against the PSI’s Core
submitted in the recording entries in all pharmacists regularly
first submission Competency Framework in
self-assess against the PSI’s
period that do meet
my ePortfolio, but I the current year, therefore
Core Competency Framework
the System Based haven’t finished any for Pharmacists. The CCSAT
the cycle submitted to meet
this Standard must have a
Standards; and CPD cycles. I have provides a record of this self-
creation date in 2018. This
• All ePortfolio been selected for the assessment, and is a good tool
is in line with the legislative
extracts submitted 2018/19 ePortfolio to use to prompt reflection.
requirement to regularly
in the second The 2018/19 ePortfolio
submission period.
Review. If I finish a Review Standards require
self-assess against the Core
Competency Framework.
cycle from 2014 – 2017 that pharmacists submit at
Further information on However, you may wish to
now, will it count as least one CPD cycle, which
submit this cycle as evidence
ePortfolio Review can be found has originated from their self-
in the What is ePortfolio Review? CPD from the year I of one of the cycles that you
assessment, against the Core
support resources on the IIOP created it? Competency Framework for
created in the previous four
website. years.
Yes, it will count from the Pharmacists in the current
date it was created. We year (i.e. 2018).
understand that people work For this 2018/19 ePortfolio 8. How much
2. I have not previously in different ways, and the Review, there are two ways
used the IIOP IIOP ePortfolio has been built information should
that you can demonstrate
ePortfolio to record to reflect this. While some evidence of this self- I record in my CPD
my CPD. Now that I people may like to complete a assessment: cycles?
cycle and finish it right away,
have been selected for other people may like to work n By undertaking a There is no right or wrong
answer to this. Each
the ePortfolio Review, on them over time. CCSAT self-assessment,
exporting the pharmacist will have his or
I am going to enter her own style; some choose to
suggested cycle topics
my previous CPD in 5. I have made plans into your ePortfolio, use bullet point information,
my ePortfolio. Can I to go travelling in then completing and while others prefer to be more
backdate these records submitting at least one detailed. What’s important,
2019/20. If I am cycle for review; or however, is that you
to reflect when the selected for next year’s sufficiently outline what you
work was completed? ePortfolio Review, and n By selecting the tick have learned and how that
Yes, you can backdate cycles box under the Self learning has contributed to
to reflect the date the CPD was
as I won’t be working Appraisal stage of the your understanding, benefited
undertaken. Simply choose the in pharmacy, can I relevant cycle, Completing your practice, improved
relevant date when entering still participate in self-assessment against patient outcomes or advanced
the Core Competency your continuing professional
the Cycle Start Date. the process and only
Framework. development. You will find
IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018 21some sample CPD cycles a very valuable means of must originate from 12. I go to IPU
on the IIOP website, in IIOP undertaking CPD, and also
my self-assessment Academy courses,
newsletters or by attending offers opportunities to
ePortfolio Review information engage with your colleagues against the PSI read journal articles,
events. You should write in a which may lead to other Core Competency talk to pharmacy
way that works for you and opportunities for CPD. Other Framework. Does this colleagues/friends and,
allows you to reflect on what examples of activities that mean the three cycles on occasion, discuss
you have done.
“Attending IPU
can be recorded in your
ePortfolio as CPD include: in total must begin at
self-appraisal stage?
issues with local
GPs. Will this meet
9. I go to IPU Academy
courses and have
Academy lectures,
n Completing an
e-learning course;
Your submitted extract as a
whole is assessed against the
the three different
learning resource
completed some
of the IIOP online
for example, is
n Attending a live
learning course;
Standards. As all CCSAT cycles
begin at the Self-Appraisal
types as set out in
the 2018/19 ePortfolio
a very valuable
stage, the cycle that originated
courses; are there n Reading an article;
from self-assessment against Review Standards?
other activities that n Having a discussion the PSI Core Competency The 2018/19 ePortfolio Review
I could record in my
ePortfolio?
means of
with a colleague;
n Attending a conference;
Framework will also count as
one of the cycles which start
Standards require pharmacists
to submit CPD cycles which
Many pharmacists are
surprised to realise the
undertaking CPD
and
n Researching a new drug
at the Self-Appraisal stage. show at least three different
learning resource types
used. This Standard allows
breadth of what counts
as CPD. Traditionally,
many pharmacists focus
and also offers
11. In my ePortfolio,
that has been prescribed
I have recorded that
for a patient.
pharmacists to demonstrate
the breadth of their learning.
their CPD on their clinical
expertise. The PSI Core
opportunities to at
I have identified my
It’s important to remember
learning needs
that recording any learning
In the example given, if
the Live Continuing Education
program, Journal/articles and
Competency Framework
indicates that pharmacists
must be competent across
engage with
stage inyour
the self-appraisal
activity may be appropriate, as
long as you can demonstrate
two ways;
how it has contributed to your
Discussion with colleagues
options are selected from the
six domains of practice:
Professional Practice, Personal
colleagues which
self-assessment
professional development.
against the PSI
It may be helpful to refer to
list in the Action stage within
the submitted CPD cycles, this
may lead Framework
to other
will meet the Standards.
Skills, Supply of Medicines, Core Competency
the 2018/19 ePortfolio Review
Safe and Rational Use of Standards to see types of and
Medicines, Public Health, and
opportunities
criteria within the scope of the 13. I have recorded
Organisation and Management
managing an issue,
Review. The Standards can be
Skills. It’s important to aim which arose during my
accessed via a link from the
six CPD cycles in
to keep upskilled across all
six domains – not just those for CPD.” work. Does this meet
homepage of the IIOP website.
the 2018/19 ePortfolio
my ePortfolio, which
demonstrate two
domains relating to medicines. different practice
This requires engaging in a 10. Looking at the Review Standards?
breadth of learning. 2018/19 ePortfolio Yes, as the 2018/19 ePortfolio impact types (Improved
Consequently, there are Review Standards, two
Review Standards requires care for patient
many different types of pharmacists to submit CPD and Improved my
activities that can be recorded
CPD cycles must start cycles that show at least two
at the self-appraisal different ways they identified
confidence). Does this
in your ePortfolio as CPD.
Attending IPU Academy stage and one cycle their learning needs. meet the 2018/19
lectures, for example, is ePortfolio Review
Standards?
“The 2018/19 ePortfolio Review Standards
require pharmacists to submit CPD cycles
which show at least three different learning
resource types used. This Standard allows
pharmacists to demonstrate the breadth
of their learning.”
22 IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018The 2018/19 ePortfolio available on the IIOP website 17. When I was 19. If I am granted an
Review Standards require from mid-September, and at
selected for ePortfolio exemption for 2018/19,
pharmacists to submit CPD ePortfolio Review information
cycles which show at least events. Review, I didn’t apply will I be automatically
two different ways their for an exemption included in 2019/20
learning has impacted on their due to extenuating ePortfolio Review?
practice as a pharmacist. This 15. I can’t find the
circumstances, but The PSI manages all
Standard allows pharmacists Ready Reckoner on the
to demonstrate that their my circumstances applications for exemptions
IIOP website; where is from ePortfolio Review under
learning is outcomes-focused have now changed
it? its Extenuating Circumstances
and relevant to their practice. and I will be unable to process on a case-by-case
In the example given, if The Ready Reckoner will
only become available to
submit my ePortfolio. basis. If your circumstances
the Improved care for patient
and Improved my confidence pharmacists who will be Is it too late to apply are likely to continue beyond
included in the 2018/19 for an exemption? the current year, this could be
options are selected from the
ePortfolio Review when the discussed with the PSI at the
list in the Impact on Practice If you missed the application
submission period opens in time of your application.
stage within the submitted deadline for extenuating
CPD cycles, this will meet the early January. circumstances, and your
The PDF and interactive
Standards. circumstances have now 20. I was selected for
guide, How to use the Ready changed, you can still
Reckoner, available in the ePortfolio Review for
submit an application to
14. What is the Ready ePortfolio Review Support the PSI. Applications will
2017/18 but the IIOP
Reckoner mentioned Resources section on the be managed by the PSI on a found that I did not
IIOP website from mid- meet the required
on the IIOP website? September, will provide
case-by-case basis in strictest
confidence, and should be Standard. I am now
When a pharmacist submits further information on how submitted in writing either
one or more cycles for pharmacists can use the by post or by email to cpd@
automatically included
review, the Ready Reckoner Ready Reckoner to check their in the 2018/19
psi.ie. Application forms are
tool checks these cycles ePortfolio extract against the
against the System Based
available on request from the ePortfolio Review.
System Based Standards. PSI.
Standards and gives instant Can I submit cycles
feedback. The Ready Reckoner from 2017/18 that
automatically appears when 16. I have been 18. I was granted met the Standard?
one or more cycles are selected for the
submitted for review, and uses
an exemption to the In the event that you do not
green and red lights to show
ePortfolio Review and ePortfolio Review last meet the Standards in your
progress against the System have some CPD cycles year but have been first ePortfolio Review, you are
automatically included in the
Based Standards. In the event recorded. I have just selected for ePortfolio next ePortfolio Review by the
that one of the Standards has been involved in an Review again this year; IIOP, where you will be given
not been met, a red light and
accident and will be my circumstances a second opportunity to meet
a warning icon are shown, and
pharmacists can click on the unable to work for have not changed. the Standards for ePortfolio
the next six months. Review. Should you wish to,
warning icon for an overview Can I get another you may resubmit cycles
of the action they need to take Can I now apply exemption? which you have previously
to meet this standard. for an exemption In this circumstance, submitted, and the IIOP
Pharmacists who
participated in the 2017/18 due to extenuating you should submit an team will be happy to guide
circumstances? application to the PSI in line you on how to do this. The
ePortfolio Review told us
with the PSI’s Extenuating ePortfolio Review Standards
that they found the Ready The PSI manages all
Circumstance policy. The IIOP are subject to change on an
Reckoner very useful during applications for exemptions
has no remit over selection or annual basis, so it is important
their ePortfolio Review. We from ePortfolio Review under
exemption of pharmacists for that you familiarise yourself
also received feedback that its Extenuating Circumstances
ePortfolio Review. with the 2018/19 ePortfolio
pharmacists would have liked process. If circumstances
the option to use the Ready apply to you which would
Reckoner before submission have an impact on your ability
to check if the selection to submit an extract from your
of cycles they intended to ePortfolio, you should contact
submit met the System the PSI. The PSI’s Extenuating
Based Standards. We have Circumstances Policy and the
listened to this feedback relevant application form are
and are currently working to available on the PSI website.
make this option available All applications submitted
to pharmacists. Pending will be managed by the PSI on
successful testing, we hope a confidential case-by-case
to have this functionality basis. As per the PSI’s initial
ready when the submission communication, applications
window opens in January. We for exemption on the basis of
will provide further updates extenuating circumstances
in the ePortfolio Review Support should be made before 24
Resources, which will be August 2018.
IPUREVIEW SEPTEMBER 2018 23You can also read
