Capital Health Network

The benefits of utilising non-dispensing Pharmacists in general practice were demonstrated in a local pilot run in 2016-18. CHN conducted the successful pilot in three local practices: Isabella Plains Medical Centre, National Health Co-op and YourGP@Crace.

The evaluation of the pilot conducted by the University of Canberra (UC) demonstrated benefits including improved quality use of medicine outcomes for consumers, increased role satisfaction for the pharmacists involved and additional support for GPs. In fact, both Isabella Plains Medical Centre and YourGP@Crace elected to continue to employ a Pharmacist following the end of pilot funding.

Building on the findings and success of the pilot, CHN provided support to eight general practices to employ a part-time non-dispensing Pharmacist for a minimum of 15 hours per week over an eighteen-month period. The Pharmacist in General Practice Program is being evaluated by the UC Faculty of Health – Pharmacy.

The 8 practices participating in the program are:

• Althea Wellness Centre/Directions
• Conder Medical and Dental Centre
• East Canberra General Practice
• Florey Medical Centre
• Gungahlin Medical Practice
• Health Plus General Practice
• Interchange Health Co-operative
• Ochre Health Medical Centre Bruce.

The program explores and demonstrates the benefit of incorporating Pharmacists into the general practice team to potentially:

• optimise prescribing in general practice
• ensure cost-effective use of medicines and review for specified groups of patients
• facilitate and coordinate quality use of medication activities in collaboration with community pharmacy
• reduce downstream costs associated with medication related events and polypharmacy (the use of five or more medications)
• provide ongoing medicines information and staff support
• improve patient medication literacy, understanding of their medicines and concordance (a shared agreement between clinician and patient concerning treatment regimen)
• provide support for patients who need it
• decrease the burden associated with medication related administration in transitionary care.

“In a nutshell through the Pharmacist in General Practice Program, I’m supporting GPs in the medication management process to ensure that patients understand why they’re taking the medication which helps them to take the right medication at the right time. I’m also involved in auditing prescribing patterns which helps in the safe and effective use of medication,” said Pharmacist James Volk, Conder Medical and Dental Centre.