Pharmacy 100 Club Sundowner and Research Report

PHARMACY 100 CLUB SUNDOWER

The Pharmaceutical Society of Western Australia (PSWA) recently hosted a sundowner event at the PSWA office in Subiaco for benefactors of the Pharmacy 100 club.

The Pharmacy 100 club was established to provide an ongoing fundraising arm to support the research grants made through the J M O’Hara Research Fund (JMOHRF).  The Pharmacy 100 Club represents a tangible means for all members of the Society to be able to contribute to the continued funding.

The function brought together many of the benefactors of the Pharmacy 100 club together with members of the Society’s Board, and the committee members of the JMOHRF Grants Committee.

RESEARCH UPDATE

Liza Seubert from the University of Western Australia was the recipient of the 2015 JMOHRF research grant for a project on Enhancing Primary Care Processes in Community Pharmacy. Liza provided an interim report on the research.

The research project looks at the interaction between customers and staff in the community pharmacy environment, in particular the recognition levels of consumers and their willingness to seek out and recognise the pharmacist as the key communicator in the pharmacy. The interim results have already identified factors that can strongly influence customer behaviour including such simple strategies as wearing a specifically designed badge.

With a renewed focus on developing new professional services through community pharmacy the interim research outcomes provide a tangible focus on positively changing customer behaviour and enhancing consumer trust within the community pharmacy’s environment.

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE J M O’HARA RESEARCH FUND

The JM O’Hara Research Fund contributes to Western Australian based research in pharmaceutical sciences or pharmacy practice aimed at improving the health for all Australians.

The JMOHRF’s tax deductible status provides an important mechanism for all Society members and donors to contribute to ongoing meaningful research in pharmacy practice.

In terms of a life-time in the profession, the financial commitment is relatively small and spread over time, but the benefits in the recognition of the profession, our Society, and the positive health outcomes can be enormous.

Details of the JMOHRF are available at the PSWA  website.  If you are interested in contributing to the JMOHRF’s ongoing pharmacy research, Pharmacy 100 Club membership forms and J M O’Hara Research Fund donation forms are available for download on the PSWA website. For further information email PSWA.

J M O’HARA RESEARCH GRANTS COMMITTEE RETIREMENT

The society and members are fortunate to have a skilled and dedicated committee to assess grant applications. This year two members, Kristine Jarvis and Malcolm Roberts, have announced their intention to step down from the committee after providing many years of dedicated service.

Society Chair, Dean Schulze acknowledged their devotion and commitment to the committee.  A presentation was made to Malcolm in recognition of his many years of service to the Society not only as Chair of the Grants Committee but also his service as a member of the Council and past President of the Society.

Dean was pleased to announce the appointment of Emeritus Professor Ken Ilett to the position of Chair of the JMOHRF Grants Committee. Professor Ilett brings to the Committee a vast wealth of knowledge and experience in pharmacy based research.

J M O’HARA GRANTS COMMITTEE VACACY - YOUR CHANCE TO CONTRIBUTE

Expressions of interest are being sought from members interested in joining the JMOHRF Grants Committee.

Previous experience in this style of committee is not essential, however the applicant will require expertise in community, hospital or the research sectors of pharmacy practice.

Please email PSWA with expressions of interest, including your resume and  relevant work experience history.