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What can pharmacists do in general practice? A pilot trial
Background and objectives: Non-dispensing pharmacists are being suggested as a useful addition to the workforce in general practice. The aim of this study was to describe the activities of three general practice pharmacists over six months in a pilot trial.
Method: Three general practices integrated a part-time (15.2−16 hours per week) non-dispensing pharmacist to be employed according to their individual skillset and local workplace needs. Each general practice pharmacist maintained a daily activity diary, which was subsequently analysed.
Results: The general practice pharmacists’ activities were categorised as quality of practice (37%), administration (34%), medication review (19%) and patient education (11%). Within the quality of practice category, most time was spent conducting clinical audits (47%). Over the course of the six months, time spent on administration decreased, while time communicating with general practitioners (GPs) on clinical issues increased.
Discussion: The general practice pharmacists conducted a range of predominantly clinically related activities involving their expertise in the quality use of medications. Involvement in clinical activities to support GPs increased with time working in the practice. Randomised controlled trials are required to collect clinical outcomes and determine which activities conducted by pharmacists are most beneficial to Australian patients and GPs.
History
Publication title
Australian Journal of General PracticeVolume
47Issue
8Pagination
545-549ISSN
2208-7958Department/School
College Office - College of Health and MedicinePublisher
Royal Australian College of General PractitionersPlace of publication
AustraliaRights statement
© 2018 The Royal Australian College of General PractitionersRepository Status
- Restricted