Five ACT pharmacies will treat Canberra women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) as part of a 12-month trial.
UTIs are a common condition in women, and uncomplicated UTIs can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Newcastle selected the following pharmacies, based on access for all geographical areas in the ACT:
- Capital Chemist Charnwood
- Gold Creek Discount Drug Store
- The Pharmacy on Petrie
- Erindale Pharmacy, Erindale Shopping Centre
- PharmaSave Woden Pharmacy.
The trial will evaluate whether pharmacists can effectively and safely prescribe antibiotics to treat uncomplicated UTIs in women aged between 18 and 65.
The five pharmacies must follow strict protocols and diagnostic criteria to ensure the safe and quality use of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs, and make sure that patients understand when they may need to seek further care.
The trial services will be patient-funded, and will include a fee for both the consultation and antibiotics if required.
“With nearly 2,000 people presenting to emergency in the ACT for a urinary infection annually, this initiative will help reduce pressure on the hospital system and make UTI treatments more accessible for Canberrans across the Territory,” said Simon Blacker, ACT Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
“Community pharmacy is the most accessible health destination. This trial is an important step forward in providing patients with greater access to health services while broadening pharmacists’ scope of practice.”
“Allowing Canberrans access to timely treatment for UTIs, backed by the expertise and professionalism of pharmacists is an important step in improving community-based care,” agreed Olivia Collenette, ACT Branch President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
“Pharmacists can and should be able to do more to support our patients, working to the top of our scope of practice to ensure healthcare is more accessible.”
ACT Health licenced the pharmacies to take part in the trial, under an agreement between the ACT and NSW Governments.
Health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the trial supports the ACT Government’s commitment to improving health care access and outcomes across the community.
“Pharmacists play a key role in our health system, providing access to health care support and advice for many members of our community,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“By enabling pharmacists to initiate treatment for women with an uncomplicated UTI, we are helping Canberrans access treatment quickly and reducing pressure on other primary health care providers.
“Participation in this trial will help us to understand the role of pharmacist prescribing in the context of our health system, and ensure alignment across ACT and NSW.”
Throughout the trial, ACT Health will communicate with NSW Health, the trial researchers at the University of Newcastle, and pharmacy and medical stakeholder bodies in the ACT, and ensure the pharmacies have the necessary training and resources to deliver the services safely and effectively.
In the ACT, women can also receive treatment for uncomplicated UTIs at a nurse-led walk-in centre.
For more information about the program, visit https://www.health.act.gov.au/pharmacy-trial
