PHARMACISTS need to be fully integrated into the health system and not treated as a separate entity, Professional Pharmacists Australia (PPA) President, Dr Geoff March, believes.
Responding to the West Australian State Government's moves to expand pharmacists' scope of practice, March said the moves to allow pharmacists to provide limited repeat prescriptions for selected medications, alongside chronic disease management and mental health care, was "forward thinking".
"Pharmacists aren't looking to 'creep' into medicine, we are calling for pharmacists to be given the opportunity to practice to the full scope of their education and training," he said.
"We believe that broadening of practice settings will result in more employment opportunities, and more importantly, go a long way to improving patient care and professional satisfaction.
"Pharmacists aren't looking to 'devalue [doctors] by stepping on their toes for an extra buck,' we're looking to add value back to the profession by affording pharmacists the opportunity (should they wish) to practice to their full scope.
"An expanded role will go a long way to reducing the strain on the health system by encouraging pharmacists, doctors and other health professionals to work collaboratively, for the benefit of the consumer."
March called for greater collaboration between GPs and pharmacists to enable pharmacists to monitor the progress and outcomes of medication management programs.
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