EOI: Connector Point in Pharmacy

We are seeking pharmacies in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith local government areas to participate in our social prescribing program to improve social connections for older adults. 

Background 

The aim of this program is to support older adults through improving their social connections and the ability to access the support and services they need to live healthy at home for longer.

Pharmacies are an important service in the community who see patients that may be experiencing social isolation and/or loneliness due to a range of life circumstances. Pharmacists are in a unique position to assist patients who may need support in being connected to local activities.

Through this initiative, pharmacists will conduct social prescribing, which is where health professionals connect patients with non-clinical services, social groups or lifestyle activities. It can be used to address a range of health issues including both physical and mental health conditions.

Objectives of the program 

• To increase the number of older people in the region accessing the services and support they need so they feel connected to others and their community
• Increase the number of pharmacists who are aware of the services and support available through the My Health Connector directory
• Increase the use of social prescribing among primary care professionals, including pharmacies

Eligibility criteria - who can apply?

• Community pharmacies in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith local government areas
• Community pharmacies with a minimum of two staff, including at least two pharmacists to complete the program training
• A private area in the pharmacy for conversations to be conducted
• Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection

What's involved? 

The requirements for participation as a Connector Point are: 

• Prior to commencement, a minimum of two pharmacists must complete the Pharmacist Training Program on Loneliness (five hour duration) provided by Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation (PALS). This training is free for Pharmacist Society of Australia (PSA) members and for non-members, the cost will be covered by us. 
• Pharmacists are required to join two online Community of Practice meetings, facilitated by our team.
• It is expected pharmacists will also conduct a minimum of three weekly conversations with older people (approximately 10 minutes each),  totalling a minimum of approximately 30 minutes per week.
• Pharmacists to complete a 30-minute online training session on the My Health Connector directory facilitated by us (for all other pharmacy staff, this training is optional). 
• Collection of data on:
  - basic patient demographics
  - number of conversations conducted and supports discussed
  - types of activities patients referred to using My Health Connector
  - any follow up if applicable
  - time spent on consultation.

Benefits

• Participating pharmacies will be remunerated for all aspects of the program
• Health professionals earn 10 CPD points (five hours of Group 2 CPD) upon completing the Pharmacist Training Program on Loneliness
• Learn how to better support older people with the ability to identify common signs and causes of loneliness
• Improve the health and wellbeing of older people in the region by supporting them to access the services and support they need
• Increase awareness of resources available in the community by utilising the My Health Connector directory

Program timeline

• EOI applications close on Monday 18 November 2024 
• Successful applicants notified by Monday 25 November 2024 
• Training to be completed by 30 December 2024 
• Activity period from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025 (6 months)

How to apply

If you are interested in joining our Connector Point in Pharmacy program, complete the expression of interest form below by 18 November 2024. For any questions or more information on this program, send an email to our Healthy Ageing Team.