AMA, PSA work together on pharmacists in GP integrated model.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have confirmed they are working together to develop a model to provide a more integrated role for pharmacists to work in General Practice as part of the primary care team.
The organisations said recent surveys had shown strong interest from many members for such an arrangement.
PSA national president Grant Kardachi said there were already some GPs and pharmacists working together in a more collaborative model which was proving successful on a small scale.
PSA ceo Dr Lance Emerson said it was important to have appropriate funding parameters for such a model, which the organisations were working on.
“The PSA and the AMA will work collaboratively to ensure that any model decided upon is viable and sustainable for GPs and pharmacists who work together in these clinics.”
AMA president Associate Professor Brian Owler said it was important for pharmacists and GPs to complement, and not compete with, each other.
“With the growing burden of chronic disease, we are seeing patients with very complex medication therapies.”
“By encouraging pharmacists to practise collaboratively with doctors in GP clinics we will improve communication and assist in managing these complex medication regimens.”
See tomorrow’s Pharmacy Daily for more.