The community pharmacy is the most accessible health service in metropolitan areas of Australia and generally the only vital health service in regional communities. Just by walking into any one of over 2000 Pharmacy Self Care pharmacies, consumers can be assured that they will receive expert professional advice about the use and effects of their medication.

The Pharmacy Self Care Fact Card range goes a long way to assist pharmacists and their staff to provide support to the verbal advice they give to their customers. Cards are reviewed annually by a panel of experts to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Cards may also be self selected by customers from specially designed display units within the health information area of the pharmacy. Fact Cards are written in a simple, easy-to-read language and designed primarily as counseling tools that pharmacists can tailor to individual needs. The robust quality and handy size of the Fact Card allows easy filing at home for future reference.

Fact Card sponsors are able to align their product with a specific therapeutic area providing exposure to consumers at the point-of-purchase and build brand awareness and product loyalty. Thus becoming the sponsor’s own health promotion vehicle within the pharmacy environment.

What is a Pharmacy Self Care Fact Card?
A Pharmacy Self Care Fact Card is a 700 word, two page A5 health information resource written to provide clear and concise information on a specific health topic. The card is written to a minimum reading age of 12 years and its editorial content does not contain any subjective promotion and/or endorsement of any pharmaceutical or complimentary health product. A card's content is based on accepted clinical guidelines relating to the topic and each card is reviewed and updated every 12 months in reference to the latest research and clinical guidelines.


Research documents a majority of positive comments by pharmacists and consumers
Fact Cards are probably the most visible and most authoratative component of the PSC program and are rated positively as uncomplicated, easy-to-use, and assist both customers and pharmacy staff - 2004 Market Attitude Research Services

99% Pharmacist satisfaction - Pharmacists find the Fact Cards easy to read and understand plus more than nine out of ten like the current format.

97% Pharmacy customer satisfaction - Cards are rated as informative and appreciated by customers who express a strong, positive interest in pharmacies that provide Fact Cards


Sponsorship includes
  >  Corporate and product logo on card
  >  Corporate logo included on sponsor acknowledgement page on PSA website
  >  500 cards for self distribution / promotion (if required additional copies are available at nominal cost)
  >  Included on efactcard (CD-ROM) sent to all new PSC members and 3rd year pharmacy students


Sponsorship duration - minimum 12 months
Fact Cards are sponsored for a 12 month period and to establish a firm association with a particular title, sponsors are given the first right of refusal to extend their sponsorship.


Development of New Fact Cards
PSC are always looking to develop and upgrade the current range and will consider any suggestions regarding a new topic.

New titles in the Fact Card range require a 2 year sponsorship commitment to allow the card to establish itself in the market ($5150+gst in the first year then $5150+gst the following). To raise awareness of new cards they are promoted in inPHARMation and samples distributed to all PSC members.


Distribution and availability
Fact Cards are ordered by PSC member pharmacies through their pharmaceutical wholesaler or PSA National Office.

Schedule
Cards undergo an annual review according to a staggered monthly schedule.

Sponsorship commitment required at least 30 days prior to publication
Logos and intent to sponsor a Fact Card must be received by at least 30 days prior to commencement of printing and distribution. This allows time for the review of the card, layout and client sign off. Invoiced on publication.