Training and support program for pharmacists in rural Victoria.

The 'Rural Pharmacist Training and Support Program' was a pilot project that was conducted by the Monash University Centre for Rural Health. It examined the implementation of Pharmacy Board of Victoria Guidelines to Residential Care Facilities in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria. Through a series of workshops, pharmacists were encouraged to discuss and address difficulties that were impeding implementation of the guidelines. These included upskilling in clinical pharmacy and ways to overcome the shortage of pharmacists in rural areas. Furthermore, the project was a catalyst for eight additional outcomes. This project highlighted the challenges facing rural pharmacists as they seek to implement the guidelines and resulted in a number of recommendations that addressed workforce issues, training and continuing education, Pharmacy Board requirements, improved communication with other health professionals and undergraduate training.