Abstract

Author(s)

Kristie Brown

Affiliations

Scaffidi Group

Introduction

In Australia, general population growth coupled with an ageing population have resulted in demand outstripping traditional GP led services. Similarly, patient presentations are straining resources at public hospital emergency departments.

During COVID, pharmacists were recognised for maintaining front line healthcare services, remaining open to the public to ensure continuity of prescription medications, and for many older and isolated people important social contact.

Various states are now enabling authorised pharmacists in community pharmacy to practice at their full scope. On successful completion of post graduate training, pharmacists can diagnose, treat and refer patients, which includes prescribing across 22 acute and chronic health conditions.

The conditions are based on the most common potentially preventable hospitalisation presentations, including otitis conditions, shingles, urinary tract infections, impetigo, hypertension, dysplidemia, COPD, asthma, and diabetes.

Treatment includes collecting patient history and diagnosis under established therapeutic guidelines and condition protocols, including lifestyle intervention, over the counter treatments or initiating prescription medications aligned to each condition protocol.

Discussion

People with mental health conditions often slip through the cracks in receiving early intervention for other healthcare conditions and maintaining general health. Stable housing, employment, CALD and family settings influence access to care, as does stigma and substance use.

Pharmacists working in community pharmacy can play an enhanced role in the care of people who have diagnosed mental illness- identification of patients is relatively straightforward due to medication dispensing.

Mental health conditions can be an indicator of chronic disease, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, asthma, and eczema. If a patient has a history of smoking COPD may be present. Though treatment of mental illness is not part of the current established protocols it is well evidenced that people with chronic conditions may also suffer from mental health and pharmacists can play a role in referring people to a GP or mental health supports.