The 2003 Pharmacy Study Tour to Switzerland highlighted some interesting aspects about both Australian Pharmacy as well as our European counterparts. One of the special guest speakers was very complementary about Australian Pharmacy and how it had assisted in refocusing Swiss Pharmacists. He also said "we need to take a freestyle approach to pharmacy (like skiing) and take control of health as well as the current 'sickness' market in which we operate".

Pharmacy Study Tour
The 10th Pharmacy Study Tour visited Zurich and Grindelwald in March this year. Another group of intrepid explorers joined tour leaders Frank and Mina Sirianni to hear international speakers, visit Swiss Pharmacies, and network with local and Australian Pharmacists.

Messages from Swiss Pharmacy and Keynote presenters
In addition to our travelling analyst and pharmacy management expert, Frank Sirianni, we heard from overseas specialists including:

• Dr. Jud - Community Pharmacist and International Pharmacy Publicist
• Dr. Hintermann - Zurich University Hospital Pharmacy
• Dr Martinelli - Interlarken Hospital & Director Swiss Pharmacy Association

Dr Jud has a very interesting practice that combines a community pharmacy, health food store, alternative and mainstream therapy. The pharmacy is co-located next to a supermarket/co-operative and offers a wide range of therapies to manage both "sickness and health". Swiss pharmacy has the abnormal arrangement of incorporating approximately 3,000 dispensing doctors. Doctors dispense approximately 20% of prescriptions. This circumstance, together with significant cost pressure from hospital dispensing, has resulted in a major crisis. Dr. Jud felt Australian pharmacy had 'saved' Swiss pharmacy by providing a 'professional care' model that included CPE, Quality Care, and pharmacy specialisation. This model had been embraced by Dr. Jud.

Dr. Hintermann guided the explorers through the Zurich University Hospital Pharmacy and gave us an insight into the differences between community and hospital practice. While the highlight may have been the 'translation' of questions from the group, it was very interesting to compare the patient record systems and methadone procedures. The discussion also highlighted the shortage of pharmacists and the dominance of women in the profession.

Dr Martinelli, Director Interlarken Hospital Pharmacy and Director Swiss Pharmacy Association introduced us to a 3 tiered remuneration system which includes (1) a patient management fee; (2) fixed dispensing fee; and (3) sliding scale mark-up dependent upon drug complexity. This model captured a patient fee regardless of dispensing which related to the management of the patient's drug therapy.

"Take Aways"
A few very interesting lessons emerged from the conference and site visits. These included:

• "Too much protection leads to no feeling for the market"
• Pharmacy should take a freestyle approach to the market. Take action and initiative to create and capture market segments. "Don't rely or follow the government line". We have a very promising profession.
• Develop a pharmacy 'ideas' system and networking with other health professionals.
• Create a sustainable competitive advantage.
• Focus on one thing at a time and do it very well.

The Pharmacy Study Tour is an annual conference and is an excellent opportunity to network with some of the best operators in Australia as well as meet international pharmacists, refresh your approach to business and develop your freestyle approach.

See http://www.medici.com.au/pst for more details.