As the sole pharmacist within my workplace to ensure complete professional satisfaction it is necessary to work closely with other health professionals and participate in health promotional activities. For pharmacists this does not occur by chance therefore if you want to be part of the action make it happen. Pharmacists have skills to contribute in many ways but unless they are there at the beginning of planned programs experience shows they won't be included as key players.
Within the Community and Rural Health Division the pharmacist works in community rural and urban settings. Examples include Falls Prevention Programs and clinics with an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Geriatrician; Presenting Skills Courses with the Therapists Promoting Health Group; professional development for nurses, multidisciplinary aged care assessment teams and allied health; Royal Flying Doctor Service medical chest upgrades; University Department of Rural Health development of distance pharmacology courses for nurses; community talks and drug information advice. Pharmacist representation is also provided on the following working groups - Osteoporosis Tasmania, Tasmanian Breastfeeding Coalition and the Tasmanian Falls Prevention Network
The object of this paper will be to stimulate pharmacists to see that they are included in all health promotional activities. Participation is professionally satisfying. It is up to our profession to ensure they are included. Maybe this is one of the answers to seeing pharmacists participate all areas of health and remain in the profession.