THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia has rejected "insulting" responses from doctors' groups in relation to proposals for pharmacist prescribing (PD 17 Apr), saying their "negativity does them no credit" and could ultimately serve to limit patient access to healthcare.
Yesterday's Guild Forefront newsletter reiterated support for the autonomous prescribing plan suggested in the Pharmacy Board's discussion paper (PD 23 Apr), saying it is the only option that should be considered when it comes to expanding the role of the profession.
The Guild rejected the other two options canvassed: prescribing under a structured arrangement, or under supervision.
"In our response to the Board's paper we restricted our comments to autonomous prescribing as we see this as the only feasible option for improving medicines access and management," the Guild said.
"Autonomous Prescribing would see pharmacists prescribe within their scope of practice without the supervision or approval of another health professional.
"Pharmacists are as trusted as general practitioners by the Australian public and this trust needs to be leveraged so pharmacists can administer basic healthcare services to drive down costs to patients and the health budget, reduce waiting times, and increase accessibility.
"Quite clearly, autonomous pharmacist prescribing would improve access to treatment options for conditions that can be managed by a pharmacist -- including after hours and weekends when access to other health care professionals is limited or non-existent," the Guild said.
Autonomous prescribers would be "no different to a nurse practitioner", the response noted, adding pharmacists would be able to work collaboratively within the health care team to meet the health needs of patients.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 02 May 19
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 02 May 19
