Pharmacy Daily | PSA on pain management

THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is encouraging pharmacists to play a larger part in the support and management of chronic pain patients. “Chronic pain is a significant issue in the community with many patients unable to receive adequate support and care for their condition,” said PSA Qld president and member of the National Pain Summit, Dr. Lisa Nissen. “Some of this is due to a lack of access to appropriate medical care and pressure on an already overstretched health system.” According to Nissen, pharmacists as informed and highly trained health professionals are perfectly suited to assist patients in managing their condition. “We should not undervalue the impact we can make for these chronic pain patients who are often mostly ‘invisible’ within the community,” she added. As part of the pain drive, pharmacists are being urged to help link pain patients up with other support services including the Australian Pain Management Association’s Pain Link Helpline (1300 340 357) and Chronic Pain Australia’s National Phone Information and Support line (1800 218 921) which not only provide support for patients, but also their carers and health professionals. “One example is the Home Medicines Review where patients can sit down in their own home with an accredited pharmacist who reviews their medications and helps them to optimise their pain management regime,” Nissen said. “In conjunction with services like the support line and the help line, the professional services and advice provided by pharmacists can make a real difference in helping chronic pain sufferers manage their condition,” she concluded.

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