FREE in-pharmacy health checks conducted using SiSU Health Stations are providing a deeper insight into the health of Australians, Priceline Pharmacy General Manager, Andrew Vidler, believes.
Vidler said the Australia's Health Report: when healthcare meets self-care - which gathered data using the health stations across the Priceline network between Nov 2018 and Oct 2020 - would encourage better conversations between the patient, pharmacist and their GP.
The report found that 133,236 of the 755,778 health checks conducted in Priceline stores resulted in recommendations for users to visit their GP, which Vidler said highlighted pharmacy's frontline role in customers' health management.
The data collected by the health stations found female users less likely to smoke than males (13.8% compared to 18.1%), to have healthier blood pressure levels (10.8% versus 14.8%) and a lower prevalence of diabetes (4% amongst women and 5.8% in men).
The report also noted significant differences in stress levels based on state, with 10.1% of Tasmanians reporting high stress levels, while those living in the ACT were the least likely to say they were stressed (6.8%).
"At Priceline Pharmacy, we want to provide all Australians with easy access to health resources," Vidler said.
"We've referred more than 130,000 Australians to speak further with a health professional because of a concern that was picked up during the digital Priceline Pharmacy health station check.
"We also have customers continually come back to check in on their health using the Health Stations, helping us build strong relationships to assist them on their health journey.
"We are incredibly proud to be furthering our work in improving the health of our nation."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 19 Jan 21
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