Annual Report - Outcome 2: Access to Pharmaceutical Services

Performance Information for Outcome 2 Administered Programs

Administered Funding – Pharmaceutical Services Programs

Including: 2.1 Community Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Awareness; 2.2 Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Services; and 2.3 Targeted Assistance - Pharmaceutical Aids and Applicances.

Indicator:

Effectiveness of the Herceptin® Program.

Measured by:

Number of patients assisted through the Herceptin® program.

Reference Point/
Target:

1,000 patients assisted.

Result: Indicator met.

1,136 patients were assisted through the Herceptin® program in 2007–08. It is expected that the number of patients having access to the program in future will reduce due to the 1 May 2008 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing of Tykerb® (Lapatinib) which is used in late stage breast cancer when the disease has progressed after using Herceptin® (Trastuzumab).

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Indicator:

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions will be subsidised for general and concessional patients.

Measured by:

The number of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions subsidised.

Reference Point/
Target:

188 million Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions subsidised, representing approximately 9.0 prescriptions per capita.

Result: Indicator substantially met.

171 million Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions were subsidised, representing approximately 8.1 prescriptions per capita.

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Administered Funding – Pharmaceutical Services Programs
Including: 2.1 Community Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Awareness; 2.2 Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Services; and 2.3 Targeted Assistance - Pharmaceutical Aids and Applicances.
Indicator:	Effectiveness of the Herceptin® Program.
Measured by:	Number of patients assisted through the Herceptin® program.
Reference Point/ Target:	1,000 patients assisted.
Result: Indicator met.
1,136 patients were assisted through the Herceptin® program in 2007–08. It is expected that the number of patients having access to the program in future will reduce due to the 1 May 2008 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing of Tykerb® (Lapatinib) which is used in late stage breast cancer when the disease has progressed after using Herceptin® (Trastuzumab).

Indicator:

Families and singles qualify for reduced patient co-payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme safety net.

Measured by:

The number of families and singles that qualify for reduced patient co-payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme safety net.

Reference Point/
Target:

1 million families and singles qualify.

Result: Indicator met.

1 million families and singles qualified in 2007–08 for reduced patient co-payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme safety net.

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Indicator:

Achieve better value from medicines that are subject to price competition.

Measured by:

Restructure of the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits to create separate formularies for single and multiple brand medications.

Reference Point/
Target:

Implementation by 1 August 2007.

Result: Indicator met.

The National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Act 2007 received royal assent on 28 June 2007 and gave effect to the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits being split from 1 August 2007 into Formulary 1 containing single brand medicines and Formulary 2 containing multiple brand medicines.

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Indicator:

Persons with diabetes benefit from subsidised products and services through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

Measured by:

The number of persons with diabetes benefit from subsidised products and services through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

Reference Point/
Target:

An estimated 862,200 persons with diabetes benefit from subsidised products.

Result: Indicator met.

People with diabetes registered on the National Diabetes Services Scheme were assisted in managing their condition through access to subsidised products such as needles, syringes, special injection systems and insulin pump consumables, and services such as information and support. In 2007–08, around 897,868 people with diabetes obtained subsidised products or services through the scheme. Of these 491,113 (54.7%) obtained subsidised products.

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Indicator:

New pharmacy programs and services are implemented in an efficient and effective manner.

Measured by:

Extent of community pharmacy participation in new programs; and the number of services provided.

Reference Point/
Target:

All new pharmacy programs to be operational by 30 June 2008.

Result: Indicator substantially met.

In 2007–08, the Department implemented seven new programs and services. These included the Dose Administration Aids Program, the Patient Medication Profile Program, the Diabetes Pilot Program, the Pharmacy Connectivity Incentive Program, the Quality Use of Medicines Maximised for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Program, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Assistant Traineeship Scheme and the scoping and research phase for a Hepatitis C Health Promotion Program. Major achievements include:
as at 30 June 2008, 4,065 pharmacies (80%) were participating in the Dose Administration Aids Program. Approximately 107,000 patients have received services since the introduction of the program in September 2007;

in the first three months of implementation to June 2008, 2,388 patients received services from 533 pharmacies participating in the Patient Medication Profile Program;

pharmacist participation in Stage One of the Diabetes Pilot Program was fully subscribed with 90 pharmacies completing training and credentialing requirements. Approximately 500 patients are expected to be recruited for this stage; and

the Pharmacy Connectivity Incentive Program commenced on 1 January 2008. Payments to participating community pharmacies started in April 2008.

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Indicator:

All areas for review identified in the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement are completed during the life of the agreement.

Measured by:

The number of reviews completed.

Reference Point/
Target:

All reviews completed.

Result: Indicator met.

A review on the Concessional Entitlement Validation payment was completed during the year, and five others relating to complex community pharmacy issues including the review of the existing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme supply arrangements in aged care residential facilities and private hospitals and the Section 100 review, are underway. The Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia through the Agreement Consultative Committee agreed in 2006–07 to stagger the commencement dates of all reviews.

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Performance Information for Outcome 2 Departmental Outputs

Output Group 1 - Policy Advice

Indicator:

Quality, relevant and timely advice for Australian Government decision-making.

Measured by:

Ministerial satisfaction.

Reference Point/
Target:

Maintain or increase from previous year.

Result: Indicator met.

Ministers were satisfied with the advice provided by the Department for Australian Government decision-making. This is on par with ministerial satisfaction in 2006–07.

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Indicator:

Relevant and timely evidence-based policy research.

Measured by:

Production of relevant and timely evidence-based policy research.

Reference Point/
Target:

Relevant evidence-based policy research produced in a timely manner.

Result: Indicator substantially met.

Evidence-based policy research undertaken by the Department, such as the provision of policy advice on changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, as required by the Minister, was provided and accepted within the required timeframes and to the satisfaction of the Minister.

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Output Group 2 - Program Management

Indicator:

Administered budget predictions are met and actual expenses vary less than 0.5% from budgeted expenses.

Measured by:

Percentage that actual expenses vary from budgeted expenses.

Reference Point/
Target:

0.5% variance from budgeted expenses.

Result: Indicator substantially met.

The actual expenses varied from budgeted expenses in 2007–08 by -1.0%. Outcome 2 administers several very large demand driven programs, some of which have parameters that change throughout the year. These programs can be unpredictable in their usage and hence are hard to budget for with 100% accuracy.

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Indicator:

Stakeholders to participate in program development.

Measured by:

Opportunities for stakeholder participation through a range of avenues, such as surveys, conferences and meetings.

Reference Point/
Target:

Stakeholders participated in program development (eg. through surveys, conferences and meetings).

Note: This Performance Indicator was amended in the 2007–08 Health and Ageing Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements.

Result: Indicator met.

Key organisations, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society, peak general practice organisations and disease-specific representative bodies had continued involvement in the development and implementation of Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement programs and services. The Department had extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders in the development of its programs in 2007–08 including Medicines Australia, the Generics Medicines Industry Association and drug companies in the listing of Life Saving Drugs.

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Major Review

Review of Issues Impacting on Community Pharmacy Under the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement

Commencement Date:

05/06/08

End Date:

20/10/2008

Related Performance Indicator:

All areas for review identified in the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement are completed during the life of the agreement.

Indicator:	Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions will be subsidised for general and concessional patients.
Measured by:	The number of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions subsidised.
Reference Point/ Target:	188 million Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions subsidised, representing approximately 9.0 prescriptions per capita.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
171 million Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions were subsidised, representing approximately 8.1 prescriptions per capita.

Indicator:	Families and singles qualify for reduced patient co-payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme safety net.
Measured by:	The number of families and singles that qualify for reduced patient co-payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme safety net.
Reference Point/ Target:	1 million families and singles qualify.
Result: Indicator met.
1 million families and singles qualified in 2007–08 for reduced patient co-payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme safety net.

Indicator:	Achieve better value from medicines that are subject to price competition.
Measured by:	Restructure of the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits to create separate formularies for single and multiple brand medications.
Reference Point/ Target:	Implementation by 1 August 2007.
Result: Indicator met.
The National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Act 2007 received royal assent on 28 June 2007 and gave effect to the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits being split from 1 August 2007 into Formulary 1 containing single brand medicines and Formulary 2 containing multiple brand medicines.

Indicator:	Persons with diabetes benefit from subsidised products and services through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
Measured by:	The number of persons with diabetes benefit from subsidised products and services through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
Reference Point/ Target:	An estimated 862,200 persons with diabetes benefit from subsidised products.
Result: Indicator met.
People with diabetes registered on the National Diabetes Services Scheme were assisted in managing their condition through access to subsidised products such as needles, syringes, special injection systems and insulin pump consumables, and services such as information and support. In 2007–08, around 897,868 people with diabetes obtained subsidised products or services through the scheme. Of these 491,113 (54.7%) obtained subsidised products.

Indicator:	New pharmacy programs and services are implemented in an efficient and effective manner.
Measured by:	Extent of community pharmacy participation in new programs; and the number of services provided.
Reference Point/ Target:	All new pharmacy programs to be operational by 30 June 2008.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
In 2007–08, the Department implemented seven new programs and services. These included the Dose Administration Aids Program, the Patient Medication Profile Program, the Diabetes Pilot Program, the Pharmacy Connectivity Incentive Program, the Quality Use of Medicines Maximised for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Program, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Assistant Traineeship Scheme and the scoping and research phase for a Hepatitis C Health Promotion Program. Major achievements include: as at 30 June 2008, 4,065 pharmacies (80%) were participating in the Dose Administration Aids Program. Approximately 107,000 patients have received services since the introduction of the program in September 2007; in the first three months of implementation to June 2008, 2,388 patients received services from 533 pharmacies participating in the Patient Medication Profile Program; pharmacist participation in Stage One of the Diabetes Pilot Program was fully subscribed with 90 pharmacies completing training and credentialing requirements. Approximately 500 patients are expected to be recruited for this stage; and the Pharmacy Connectivity Incentive Program commenced on 1 January 2008. Payments to participating community pharmacies started in April 2008.

Indicator:	All areas for review identified in the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement are completed during the life of the agreement.
Measured by:	The number of reviews completed.
Reference Point/ Target:	All reviews completed.
Result: Indicator met.
A review on the Concessional Entitlement Validation payment was completed during the year, and five others relating to complex community pharmacy issues including the review of the existing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme supply arrangements in aged care residential facilities and private hospitals and the Section 100 review, are underway. The Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia through the Agreement Consultative Committee agreed in 2006–07 to stagger the commencement dates of all reviews.

Output Group 1 - Policy Advice
Indicator:	Quality, relevant and timely advice for Australian Government decision-making.
Measured by:	Ministerial satisfaction.
Reference Point/ Target:	Maintain or increase from previous year.
Result: Indicator met.
Ministers were satisfied with the advice provided by the Department for Australian Government decision-making. This is on par with ministerial satisfaction in 2006–07.

Indicator:	Relevant and timely evidence-based policy research.
Measured by:	Production of relevant and timely evidence-based policy research.
Reference Point/ Target:	Relevant evidence-based policy research produced in a timely manner.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
Evidence-based policy research undertaken by the Department, such as the provision of policy advice on changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, as required by the Minister, was provided and accepted within the required timeframes and to the satisfaction of the Minister.

Output Group 2 - Program Management
Indicator:	Administered budget predictions are met and actual expenses vary less than 0.5% from budgeted expenses.
Measured by:	Percentage that actual expenses vary from budgeted expenses.
Reference Point/ Target:	0.5% variance from budgeted expenses.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
The actual expenses varied from budgeted expenses in 2007–08 by -1.0%. Outcome 2 administers several very large demand driven programs, some of which have parameters that change throughout the year. These programs can be unpredictable in their usage and hence are hard to budget for with 100% accuracy.

Indicator:	Stakeholders to participate in program development.
Measured by:	Opportunities for stakeholder participation through a range of avenues, such as surveys, conferences and meetings.
Reference Point/ Target:	Stakeholders participated in program development (eg. through surveys, conferences and meetings).
Note: This Performance Indicator was amended in the 2007–08 Health and Ageing Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements.
Result: Indicator met.
Key organisations, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society, peak general practice organisations and disease-specific representative bodies had continued involvement in the development and implementation of Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement programs and services. The Department had extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders in the development of its programs in 2007–08 including Medicines Australia, the Generics Medicines Industry Association and drug companies in the listing of Life Saving Drugs.

Review of Issues Impacting on Community Pharmacy Under the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement
Commencement Date:	05/06/08
End Date:	20/10/2008
Related Performance Indicator:	All areas for review identified in the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement are completed during the life of the agreement.

Outcome 2: Access to Pharmaceutical Services > Performance Information

Performance Information for Outcome 2 Administered Programs

Performance Information for Outcome 2 Departmental Outputs

Major Review