PSA issues screening position statement

THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has issued a new position statement on screening and risk assessment, to assist individual pharmacies and banner groups delivering services to understand the principles that should underpin decisions to offer such services.

Based on the World Health Organisation’s principles of early disease detection, the statement says screening and risk assessment services should target conditions associated with a significant burden of disease, and populations where interventions provide the best value.

Interventions must be evidencebased and appropriate for the pharmacy setting; must be subject to documented informed consent from patients; and pharmacists must be appropriately trained and equipped to provide the services, as well as facilitate appropriate follow-up including referral for patients with a positive test.

“Screening and risk assessment - which is within the scope of all pharmacists’ practice in Australia - is a key component of Australia’s strategy to reduce the burden of preventable disease,” said PSA national president-elect, Shane Jackson.

“We suggest pharmacists and pharmacy groups utilise this new screening and risk assessment guideline to review the programs they are offering to the public to ensure these programs are appropriate for our healthcare system,” he said.