A Charles Darwin University (CDU) academic is calling for urgent action to tackle the pharmacy workforce shortages in regional and remote Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory (NT), where the shortage is putting patient care at risk.
‘A complex mix of issues’
CDU Associate Professor and Discipline Lead in Pharmacy, Heather Volk, says a mix of national and local challenges is driving the shortages.
“Pharmacy workforce shortages in the Northern Territory are driven by a complex mix of national and local issues,” she says.
“Australia is facing a widespread shortage of pharmacists in regional and remote areas, with most concentrated along the east coast.”
Shortages compromising patient care
Associate Professor Volk warns that when pharmacists are overworked, patient care is compromised.
“When pharmacists are stretched thin, they’re forced to focus on medicine supply rather than spending time with patients – screening for potential medication issues, providing education, and supporting informed decision-making,” she says.
“This shift compromises patient care and increases the risk of burnout for pharmacists.”
Recruitment and retainment issues
Concerningly, Associate Professor Volk notes that when it comes to remuneration, the NT’s public health system faces added recruitment and retainment issues.
“The Northern Territory’s public health system struggles to compete with the private sector on flexibility and pay, making it harder to attract and retain pharmacists,” she says.
“High travel costs and limited flight options to the NT add another barrier to attracting interstate pharmacists – particularly those considering remote or regional placements.”
Rural-focused education model
CDU is responding to the workforce shortages with a rural-focused education model.
“Evidence shows that training health professionals from rural or remote areas, and offering them practical placements in those settings, significantly increases the chance they’ll stay and work in those communities post-graduation,” says Associate Professor Volk.
“CDU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is designed to address these barriers, offering online delivery and rural placements so students can train in their communities.
“Earlier this year, CDU became the first Australian university to graduate Doctors of Pharmacy, helping to build a locally trained, future-ready workforce,” she says.
