Experiential pharmacy rotations in Australia: an overview
1. Introduction
One of the most unique aspects of the Australian healthcare system is the training and education of its healthcare workforce. The Australian HealthCare system has its roots in the British system; however, in recent years the American system has a noticeable influence in shaping Australian HealthCare. One such area is the education and training of pharmacy students which has been heavily influenced by the American experiential model of pharmacy practice.
In Australia, experiential pharmacy rotations are a mandatory part of the pharmacy degree and are typically undertaken in the final year of study. These rotations provide students with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of working in a hospital or community pharmacy setting under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of experiential pharmacy rotations in Australia, specifically focusing on Monash University’s Parkville campus in Victoria. This paper will discuss the course overview, learning objectives and structure of the rotation as well as providing a brief summary of the healthcare systems in Australia and how they have influenced the education and training of pharmacists.
2. The Australian healthcare system
The Australian healthcare system has its roots in both the British and American systems; however, in recent years the American system has had a significant influence in shaping Australian HealthCare. The British system is based on the principle of free access to public healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of their ability to pay for these services. In contrast, the American system is based on a private insurance model where citizens are required to purchase health insurance from private companies in order to access healthcare services. The American system is also characterized by a much greater emphasis on preventative care and lifestyle medicine than the British system.
The Australian healthcare system is a hybrid of these two systems; however, it should be noted that Australia does not have a publicly funded healthcare system like Britain or Canada. Rather, Australia has a privately funded healthcare system which is heavily subsidized by the government. In Australia, all citizens are required to purchase health insurance from private health insurers. These insurers are then reimbursed by the government for a portion of the cost of providing these services.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards privatization of healthcare services in Australia. This trend has been driven by a number of factors, including increasing costs associated with providing public healthcare services, an aging population and rising expectations from patients for higher quality care. As a result of this trend, an increasing number of Australians are now choosing to purchase private health insurance in order to access better quality and more affordable healthcare services.
3. Experiential pharmacy rotation in Australia
Experiential pharmacy rotations are a mandatory part of the pharmacy degree at Monash University and are typically undertaken in the final year of study. These rotations provide students with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of working in a hospital or community pharmacy setting under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Students will rotate through various clinical departments within the hospital and will be exposed to a variety different aspects of hospital pharmacy practice including dispensing, medication review, clinical ward rounds and medication reconciliation. Experiential rotations typically last for four weeks and students will complete two rotations (one in each setting) during their degree program.
Monash University’s Parkville campus is located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD and is within close proximity to a number of major hospitals including the Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Alfred Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The campus is also home to a number of community pharmacies which provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in both hospital and community pharmacy settings.
3. 1 Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
Monash University is one of Australia’s leading universities and is internationally recognized for its excellence in research and teaching. The Parkville campus is located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD and is within close proximity to a number of major hospitals including the Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Alfred Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
3. 2 Course overview
The course comprises four weeks of full-time clinical placement in either a hospital or community pharmacy setting. Students will be required to complete two placement rotations (one in each setting) during their degree program. During each placement, students will be exposed to a variety different aspects of pharmacy practice including dispensing, medication review, clinical ward rounds and medication reconciliation.
3. 3 Learning objectives
The learning objectives of the course are to:
– Develop an understanding of the different roles that pharmacists can play within the healthcare team
– Gain experience in working with patients and other healthcare professionals
– Understand the process of prescribing and dispensing medications
– Understand the importance of medication safety and quality assurance
– Develop communication and interpersonal skills
3. 4 Course structure
The course is delivered over four weeks on a full-time basis. Student will complete two experiential rotations (one in each setting) during their degree program. Each rotation will last for four weeks and will be undertaken at either a hospital or community pharmacy.
4. Conclusion
Experiential pharmacy rotations are a mandatory part of the pharmacy degree at Monash University and provide students with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of working in a hospital or community pharmacy setting. These rotations are an important part of the pharmacy degree and allow students to develop an understanding of the different roles that pharmacists can play within the healthcare team.