THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has warned against the continued use of non-collaborative prescribing models, saying policy should be directed at encouraging proven models based on doctors and other health professionals working together to prioritise safety and quality.
In a submission to a consultation on proposed changes to the National Prescribing Competencies Framework, the AMA expressed serious concerns about the proliferation of prescribing models where no doctor is involved.
"Doctors value the contribution of other health professionals, and we want to work with them to improve access to care and deliver the best possible outcomes for patients," said AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen.
"But there is no substitute for care from your doctor and their team," she continued.
"Short-sighted solutions like pharmacist prescribing are taking Australia down the same path that other countries have followed, with their health systems delivering inferior health outcomes compared to Australia."
Dr McMullen said independent pharmacy prescribing also ignores concerns on separating prescribing and dispensing of medicines - regarding risk management and potential financial conflicts of interest.
She also suggested that in the case of antibiotic prescribing, expanded non-medical prescribing could lead to an increase in anti-microbial resistance and the emergence of more superbugs.
"Appropriate regulations, clinical governance guidelines, protocols, monitoring, and evaluation of frameworks will need to be implemented to ensure these models are safe and effective," Dr McMullan said.
"Only medical doctors, who have a minimum of 10 years of training, can safely diagnose and prescribe medicines without oversight.
"Our position is 100 percent clear: non-medical prescribers must work in close collaboration with medical practitioners to ensure safe, effective, and evidence-based care," she said. KB
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