UTIPP-Q delivering appropriate care

PHARMACISTS involved in the controversial Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot - Queensland (UTIPP-Q) are delivering “safe and appropriate care” a leaked draft report reveals.

Details of the report, compiled by Pilot Lead and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) School of Clinical Sciences Head, Professor Lisa Nissen, revealed by The Australian, indicated that pharmacists have the appropriate skills to prescribe and dispense medicines to treat uncomplicated UTIs.

The Australian reported that of 2,409 patients who participated in the trial, and were able to be contacted by researchers, 87% said their symptoms were resolved after pharmacist initiated antibiotic treatment.

Despite reports by the Australian Medical Association Queensland Branch (AMAQ) that nine patients ended up in hospital with sepsis, kidney or bladder infections due to “ineffective or delayed treatment” as a result of the pilot (PD 09 May), Nissen’s report found just four patients visited a hospital emergency department after being treated by a pharmacist.

The Australian reported that one of the four patients experienced an allergic reaction, another was diagnosed with a superbug, while a third patient was given IV antibiotics, and the fourth was admitted with appendicitis.

The trial’s steering committee concluded the pharmacists followed the pilot’s treatment protocols in each instance.

A spokesperson for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch, welcomed the positive feedback reported by The Australian.

“We look forward to the release of the QUT evaluation report,” the spokesperson said.

“It’s clear from the information in The Australian that the UTIPP-Q delivers for women and is a major advancement for women’s health.

“From its inception to its extension, the UTIPP-Q has always been about providing high-quality health services to women across Queensland and from everything we’ve read today, it’s achieved that.

“Not every community has access to GPs - and even those that do, sometimes women have to wait weeks before getting an appointment.

“This scenario forces women with a UTI to go to an overcrowded emergency department or suffer in pain.”