A SMARTPHONE app, called OurPillsTalk which is the invention of a NSW pharmacist, reads medicine labels out loud and can translate them into over 40 languages, assisting disadvantaged or susceptible patients by reducing adverse drug events.
The best part is that it can be considered part of a MedsCheck with a $64 remuneration under the 7CPA for the participating pharmacist when he introduces the app to the patient and shows them how it works.
Founder and pharmacist Steve Cohen shared that to help mitigate some of the impacts of the 60-DD policy, "it's not all doom and gloom as there are ways to make money while increasing safety and so saving lives".
"My app helps a broad spectrum of people such as the visually impaired, the elderly, non-English speakers, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, those with early dementia, and dyslexia," Cohen said.
"Pharmacists can help by identifying if these customers need help with understanding their medication, by downloading the app onto their phones and providing a demo by scanning QR barcodes, via the dispenser labels.
"This effectively can be considered a MedsCheck with a $64 remuneration, which is an additional source of income that is being overlooked.
"The app is free, and uses existing QR barcode labels that are within most dispensary software such as Aquarius Dispense, Corum LOTS Dispense, Fred Dispense Plus, Merlin, and Minfos, meaning there is no additional work or cost for pharmacists."
The other useful features within the app include CMI information and a tab that directs the user to healthdirect.gov.au to learn more about their health diseases and conditions.
Another feature is the history settings where the drugs scanned into the app can be shared with a healthcare professional or even emailed in an emergency to a hospital and are also useful if travelling overseas and you need to see a doctor there.
Cohen is keen to also see if this not-for-profit service can get support from the pharma industry.
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