HEALTH Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed the latest additions to the Pharmacy Trial Program, for which $50 million was provided under the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement.
New trials included a Pharmacy Asthma Service, which will target patients with poorly controlled asthma with the aim of addressing "fundamental issues associated with medication use".
The asthma trial is being led by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in collaboration with the Pharmacy Guild and other partners.
Also new is the Pharmacists in Aboriginal Health Services trial which will see a pharmacist working directly as part of a primary care team within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) to overcome barriers that patients may face in accessing medicines.
Health minister Greg Hunt announced the new trials at PSA17, with the Pharmaceutical Society saying there is growing evidence pharmacists employed by ACCHOs can "assist to increase the life expectancy and improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients" - in particular by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol as well as improved diabetes control.
The previously announced Indigenous Medicines Review Service will also commence shortly, with the aim of improving medication management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through pharmacist advice and culturally appropriate services.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 31 Jul 17
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