There are many positive outcomes for Australia by optimising the role of pharmacists, especially within collaborative healthcare frameworks, said the peak body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

The statement was made in response to comments made in Australian Doctor and Medical Observer highlighting missed opportunities for referrals to GPs by pharmacy staff. PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said having GPs and pharmacists working together on collaborative models of care is better for consumers and the health system as a whole.

Dr Jackson said that PSA is working hard to support the profession through a range of resources to improve these practices, and has urged the Government to allocate funding to develop quality indicators for pharmacist practice.

PSA has sought to develop protocols for a more structured triage, referral and minor ailments service – in collaboration with GPs and consumers.

“Australians will continue to seek health advice from pharmacists, given their expertise and the great accessibility that community pharmacies provide as a key part of our primary care infrastructure,” Dr Jackson said.

As featured on social media, collaboration between pharmacists and GPs was a theme central to the recent PSA conference held in Sydney.

#PSA17SYD Dr Shane Jackson nails it- improving Australia’s health by better utilising pharmacists as medication management experts

— Michelle Vienet (@mdvienet) July 27, 2017

Dr Rashmi Sharma talks on benefits of #GPpharmacists uniformly loved by consumers #QUM #medicationreconciliation #teaching #PSA17SYD — Debbie Rigby (@DRugby56) July 28, 2017

PSA_National: RT ShaneJacks: Recognition, leadership & collaboration are key themes from #PSA17SYD – outcome of th… https://t.co/k8jiCWCApP

— PSA_Vic (@psa_vic) July 30, 2017

Sharing my research at #PSA17SYD – a collaborative minor ailment model. So many insightful presentations and posters this weekend! @UTS_GSH pic.twitter.com/19XgzBfuaY — Sarah Dineen-Griffin (@sarahdgriffin) July 30, 2017

#GPPharmacists expanding role of pharmacists research#UTSPharmacy @PSA_National #PSA17SYD Helen Benson @TsingosLucas @kylie_will @cbenrimoj pic.twitter.com/bnRia1Dmfk

— Cherie Lucas (@TsingosLucas) July 30, 2017

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