THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has announced an "inter-professional collaboration summit" with the aim of exploring how doctors and pharmacists can work together more effectively.
The move has been prompted by a recent Coroner's report into the death of a Melbourne man following complications of methotrexate toxicity (PD 09 Jul).
Coroner Rosemary Carlin said the unnecessary death resulted from "key failings of the pharmacist and prescribing doctor to work collaboratively to effectively resolve a prescribing error," with the GP in question dismissing concerns raised by the pharmacist.
"It appears that [the pharmacist] afforded [the GP] too much respect, or at least lost sight of her role as an independent safeguard against inappropriate prescribing," the findings summarised.
PSA national president Dr Shane Jackson said the outcome highlighted the need for a more collaborative relationship between pharmacists and doctors that recognises their respective roles and responsibilities, while also acknowledging their independence.
"The summit will seek to develop a set of principles to support respectful and collaborative practice between pharmacists and doctors," he said.
The summit will bring together leaders from key pharmacy, medical and consumer organisations at PSA's Pharmacy House in Canberra tomorrow, 21 Aug 2018.
"It is time to work together on key principles that underpin the collaborative relationship between pharmacists and doctors, particularly regarding the safe use of medicines, for the benefit of our patients," Jackson said.
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