Pharmacists + GPs = health
June 6, 2012
A NEW study from Monash
University has suggested that
having a permanent role for
pharmacists within general
practitioner clinics may prevent the
“widespread problem of medication
errors by patients and health
professionals”.
Led by Edwin Tan from the Centre
for Medicine Use and Safety, the
study is examining the role of
pharmacists located within
Australian primary healthcare
clinics and GP surgeries, in
optimising the safety and provision
of medication used by patients.
Preliminary results released at the
NPS 2012 National Medicines
Symposium late last month showed
that pharmacists identified
potential medication-related
problems in 80% of patients
following referral from GPs.
Tan said that the study showed
that the permanent placement of
pharmacists within Australian GP
setting would benefit the
community and reduce the burden
on hospital and emergency services.
“The formal integration of
pharmacists within a practice is in
the best interest of the community,
improving patient health outcomes,
the use of medicines by patients,
staff drug knowledge and
professional collaboration,” he said.
The study is examining the
outcomes of practice pharmacists
who have been placed in two
primary healthcare clinics in
Victoria, providing patient
consultations, education sessions,
drug information services and
quality assurance activities.
“It is hoped a government
subsidised program will be
available in the future, similar to
collaborative services already
funded for nursing staff and allied
health professionals to work in colocated
settings,” Tan concluded.
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