Pharmacists across the country are buckling under soaring workloads and the pressure of securing Covid-19 vaccines and testing supplies, as more than 90 per cent report problems sourcing in-demand Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), according to Professional Pharmacists Australia.
A survey conducted by PPA, reveals widespread discontent within an industry burdened with ever-increasing responsibilities and lack of preparation for the current outbreak.
According to the survey, 86% of pharmacists reported the vaccine rollout was having a “significant” or “extreme” impact on their workload, while 75% said having to provide Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) was also having a “significant” or “extreme” impact on their workload. In addition to the 94% having problems sourcing RATs, a third of the 400-plus respondents were struggling to obtain enough vaccines to meet demand.
The survey also found that 79% of pharmacists believed their workplace was not adequately staffed to deal with the additional demands being placed on it, with many citing high employee absentee rates due to Covid-19 infection or isolation requirements. Almost 50% claimed their workplace did not have adequate health and safety measures in place to keep employees and the community safe, with 25% of pharmacists having to buy their own PPE for work.
PPA’s CEO Jill McCabe says the survey results reveal a pharmacy system buckling under the weight of ever-increasing responsibilities, without adequate consultation with working pharmacists.
“This situation is beyond dire. Pharmacists are telling us they are extremely overworked and under significant pressure and that they do not have the supplies and equipment they need to do their jobs properly,” says Ms McCabe.
“One pharmacist said they were only able to access 100 doses of the children’s vaccine every fortnight, despite being the only pharmacy in a district servicing several schools.
“Others spoke of the mounting pressure they were under, including one pharmacist who said there were not enough staff to handle ‘100 phone calls an hour asking for RATs whilst doing 80 vaccinations a day on top of the regular workload of a 400+/day script pharmacy.
“We are in the midst of a pandemic, and we cannot afford to working pharmacists overburdened in such a way,” says Ms McCabe.
The warning comes as the latest change to Covid-19 testing protocols, announced by the TGA last week, paved the way for pharmacists to conduct point-of-care Covid tests in pharmacies.
PPA’s President Dr Geoff March urged the policy be put on hold pending proper consultation with the profession.
“This is unsound policy, which again demonstrates a lack of planning,” he says.
“Providing point-of-care testing in pharmacies would have serious implications for both staff and the general public given that pharmacies have such a key role administering vaccinations as well as providing other health services.
“This poses a serious health risk, and I am not convinced it has been adequately thought through.”
Dr March says the increasing demands placed upon the profession were not sustainable and required urgent action.
“This survey confirms that pharmacists are stretched, exhausted and anxious about being at work.
The situation facing pharmacy is dire and we need to ensure that the health and safety of pharmacists is better protected so they can continue to provide vital health care to our community at this time,” says Dr March.
