PSA urges GP-pharmacy trial

THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has recommended the implementation of a large-scale trial to integrate pharmacists into general practice, as part of its submission for the 2018-19 Federal Budget which was unveiled today.

The PSA also suggested the development of a pharmacist delivered Minor Ailments Service in community pharmacies, with the organisation’s national president, Shane Jackson, saying there is a “significant, cost-effective opportunity for the government to further optimise the contribution and skills of pharmacists in Australia’s health system.

“As the most accessible health care professionals in Australia, pharmacists are ideally placed to provide medication management, high quality medicines advice and education to consumers, especially those with chronic and complex conditions,” Jackson said.

The PSA president cited a recent systematic review which found integrating pharmacists in GP clinics resulted in interventions that significantly improved blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, osteoporosis management and cardiovascular risk.

“Having effective interprofessional collaboration is critical to the future sustainability and efficiency of Australia’s health system,” he said.

PSA has suggested allocating $5 million for the pilot of a structured pharmacist-delivered ailments system, in collaboration with local general practitioners.

The proposal would involve Primary Health Networks to target rural areas and regions with high numbers of emergency presentations for minor ailments.

The full PSA budget submission is now online at psa.org.au.