DESPITE the wide range of potential healthcare options available through their local community pharmacist, 87% of Australians are seeking first line treatment from their general practitioner, seemingly unaware of other options, according to research released by Sanofi Consumer Healthcare last week.
Sanofi gm Brett Charlton said community pharmacy already provided advice and treatment for many minor ailments such as coughs and colds, headaches, skin disorders and digestive issues to name a few.
"Many Australian pharmacies now offer a range of health services, such as blood pressure monitoring, screening for diabetes, respiratory disorders, and heart disease risk factors among others, in addition to private consultation rooms for patient support and comfort," he said.
Pharmacists had also been trained to counsel and detect symptoms which may indicate more serious conditions that warrant referral to a GP, he added.
More than half of the population (59%) did not know their pharmacy offered these services and more than a quarter (28%) were unaware of the level of training behind the pharmacist title.
"There are potentially significant benefits -- both for consumers and the healthcare community - in creating greater awareness of the healthcare options available via local pharmacies," Charlton said.
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