Mental health pharmacists
October 17, 2011
PHARMACISTS can and should
play an important role in mental
health, according to the
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
Last year around 29m prescriptions
were dispensed for mental health
medications, a figure which the PSA
says brings to the forefront the fact
that pharmacists are on the
frontline of one of the most
significant health issues in Australia.
“Last week was Mental Health
Week which focused attention on
the issue but pharmacists deal with
patients suffering from mental
health conditions 365 days a year,”
said PSA President, Grant Kardachi.
At present the PSA is developing a
Framework for Pharmacists as
Members of the Mental Health
Team which will provide
pharmacists with more skills and
will up their level of involvement
with mental health illness.
“The PSA is committed to seeing
that these consumers get the best
possible care and attention they
can when talking to pharmacists,
and that pharmacists have the
resources and knowledge on hand
to ensure that the patient is
appropriately treated and referred
to the appropriate health
professionals as necessary,” said
PSA Vice President Claire O’Reilly.
In the meantime, the PSA is
encouraging pharmacists to make
use of its current 5CPA programs
such as the Primary Health Care
and Working with Others initiatives,
as well as its Mental Health First
Aid Course.
“At the moment, with the myriad
of new facilities and strategies
being put in place, there is the
potential for confusion as to where
sufferers should be directed for
further assistance, and what
services and support are available
and where,” Kardachi said.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Oct 11To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 17 Oct 11
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