*Disclaimer: This article was published in 2019 and reflects the information available at that time.
PDL currently supports around 30,000 members across Australia. Hundreds of incident reports are received each year and members have access to numerous resources to assist with error management and safe pharmacy practice.
PDL acknowledges that pharmacy practice is evolving and have updated our online Incident Reporting System to reflect the broadening scope of practice that Australian pharmacists are involved in and the types of incidents that may occur. PDL’s new Notification of Incident (NOI) form captures important data that may be used to assist members, both personally and as a profession.
This information also allows PDL and the PDL Master Policy underwriters, if required, to assist in the prompt management of complaints and notifications. De-identified and aggregated reporting data may also be used to support positive practice change and advocacy on behalf of the profession. PDL frequently liaises with various stakeholders such as regulators, government bodies, educational institutions, manufacturers and advocacy groups and is able to reference this data to support these representations.
The new NOI form will soon be available via the PDL member portal and can be completed at any time, on any device. Members are reminded that they may also contact a Professional Officer for assistance. PDL has three professional officers, all of whom are qualified pharmacists and are available to provide expert and confidential advice 24 hours a day.
PDL members are sent regular Practice Alerts on pertinent and emerging issues and have access to various other forms of literature, such as our newly released Guide to Incident Management, the Guide to Good Dispensing, practice resources and the AJP magazine.
Members are encouraged to log in to the PDL member portal and report any errors or complaints as soon as they become aware of an incident that has given, or may give, rise to claim. Prompt reporting also ensures that as an individual or as a business owner:
- our members receive peer support and advice from PDL’s Professional Officers from the outset;
- the PDL Master Policy cover terms and conditions that are complied with; and
- the incident can be dealt with in the appropriate manner.
For immediate advice and incident support, call PDL on 1300 854 838 to speak with one of our Professional Officers. We are here to support our pharmacist members 24/7, Australia-wide.
