THE benefits of having a non-dispensing pharmacist in general practice have been demonstrated in a successful two-year pilot program held in the ACT's Isabella Plains Medical Centre, YourGP@Crace and National Health Co-op.
The pilot projects were evaluated by the University of Canberra which concluded that having a pharmacist on board had increased the quality of prescribing, increased support to GPs, saved doctors' time and reduced costs to patients.
Following the success of the pilot conducted by Capital Health Network (CHN), through the ACT Primary Health Network (PHN) program, CHN has launched a new program to provide support to another four general practices to employ a part-time Pharmacist at Althea Wellness Centre, Conder Surgery, Gungahlin Medical Practice and Health Plus General Practice.
Highlighting the success of the trial, Isabella Plains Medical Centre and YourGP@Crace have both continued to employ a pharmacist following the end of pilot funding.
YourGP@Crace Practice Principal Dr Mel Deery said that the GPs working in the practice were so committed to having the pharmacist continue that the practitioners had co-invested in continuing to employ pharmacist Katja Naunton-Boom.
An evaluation report found 100% of patients surveyed wanted pharmacist employment in general practice to continue.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 18 Feb 19
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