Research released on World Pharmacists Day (25 September) reveals communities across Australia support pharmacists practising to their full scope of practice and providing more health services.
The research was conducted by the independent firm, Insightfully, and found that Australians trust pharmacists to provide health advice for common, non-complex conditions – 77% of people said they trusted their pharmacist for this type of health service.
The research also revealed that more than 80% of respondents reported being comfortable with pharmacists providing a full range of vaccinations for all ages, flu testing, anti-virals and vaccines, and preventative medication for overseas travel.
“Pharmacists need to be able to work to their full scope and this research shows this is something that patients want and need,” National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey said.
“In addition to vaccinations, more than 70% of Australians said they were comfortable with pharmacists providing cholesterol monitoring and script renewal; asthma script renewal and dosage adjustment; injections of other medicines for things like osteoporosis, allergies and hormone therapy.
“And more than 60% of Australians were comfortable with treatment by pharmacists of ear, nose and throat conditions such as middle ear infections and tonsillitis; assessment and treatment of cellulitis; and assessment and treatment of urinary tract infections,” he said.
Full scope addresses GP wait times
Professor Twomey said the research also showed just how critical the situation was for people trying to access a GP.
“The wait times to see a GP are unacceptable. Some 28% of Australians are waiting, on average, for more than a week to get an appointment for themselves or someone they care about. And 11% are waiting three or more weeks for a GP appointment,” Professor Twomey said.
“In regional areas, the number of people waiting more than three weeks for an appointment increases to 15%.
“One in four people have gone to the emergency department because they could not get an appointment to see their GP.
“Our doctors are under huge stress and patients are the ones suffering. This can be fixed, and fixed easily by enabling pharmacists to use the skills and expertise they have trained for,” he said.
Professor Twomey called on all governments across Australia to immediately clear the way for pharmacists to work to their full scope.
“There is no reason why this time next year when we recognise World Pharmacists Day that we cannot be celebrating the ability of pharmacists to do more for their patients,” he said.
