The conference was well attended, with an impressive programme of national and international speakers, details of the event can be accessed through the conference website (see iiop.ie > conference & events). The conference had four main sessions entitled, Education, Workforce, Enhancing Practice, and Policy, and the attendees listened to a wide variety of speakers across a variety of topics, as well as being able to view an extensive poster exhibition.  

PSI Registrar

The opening address was delivered by the PSI’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Joanne Kissane. Ms Kissane spoke about the launch of the PSI’s Workforce Intelligence Report (see psi.ie > Publications) and highlighted the benefits of this report in establishing the baseline emerging risks and pharmacy perspective on workforce planning on the future sustainability of patient-facing pharmacy. Ms Kissane also discussed the global trend of shortfall in healthcare workers and stressed the need for developing a clear workforce strategy for pharmacy practice in Ireland. In the Workforce Survey, commissioned by the PSI, 51% of the respondents reported that they are likely to leave their current role in the foreseeable future, with 78% of participants reporting they were unlikely to take on a governance role in a community setting. Ms Kissane set the scene for the conference by identifying issues healthcare systems around the world are grappling with, specifically leadership, emphasising the necessity of calling for strong pharmacy leadership in Ireland, including the appointment of a Chief Pharmaceutical Officer.

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for Wales

Andrew Evans, the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for Wales since 2016, delivered the keynote lecture. Mr Evans provided an oversight of the transformative work being undertaken in Wales in advancing community pharmacy practice. Wales is seeing several younger pharmacists become independent contractors as a direct result of reforms introduced to make the profession appealing and rewarded financially. Mr Evans shared that the desirability of community pharmacy as a workplace was the biggest challenge, having previously been a losing battle to the role of GP practice pharmacists. He also said in the future, the community pharmacist’s clinical role could be expanded and integrated with wider healthcare teams. This will facilitate a clear distinction between a patient’s visit to the pharmacy versus the GP, and would reduce the pressure on other sectors of the NHS, providing for better patient outcomes. As the pharmacy sector’s role evolves, the fundamental strengths of community pharmacy need to be retained. Mr Evans referred to a Welsh government publication, Presgripsiwn Newydd – A New Prescription, which sets the strategy for pharmacy practice in Wales into the future. This document highlighted six principles important in shaping the future of community pharmacy in Wales: capacity, capability, collaboration, continuity, community, and connectivity.  

Conclusion

The conference had many excellent speakers, and the book of extracts for the conference would be a great place to review all the research currently being undertaken by pharmacists across the Island of Ireland. This document could also be used as a source for future CPD.