Pharmacists chronic disease indicators
May 24, 2013
Pharmacists are being
encouraged to support patients in
making healthy lifestyle changes
to reduce the impact of chronic
diseases, with NPS Medicinewise
launching a new educational
program on preventive health
activities.
While doctors are the main focus
of the program which encourages
appropriate use of tests during
preventive activities in general
practice, “pharmacists also play an
important role,” according to NPS
clinical adviser Dr Andrew Boyden.
“Pharmacists are often the first
port of call for many people who
are not sure they need to see a GP.
“This can provide an opportunity
for pharmacists to discuss the
importance of chronic disease
prevention and refer to a GP for risk
assessment and further testing if
appropriate,” he added.
The new NPS Medicinewise
program, which primarily focuses
on healthy people aged 40-49,
encourages GPs to prioritise the use
of evidence-based risk asessments
and tests and avoid inappropriate
testing “that may cause more harm
than good,” Boyden said.
Tests covered in the program
include PSA, Vitamin D, thyroid,
diabetes risk assessment and the
absolute CVT risk assessment.
For more information see
nps.org.au/preventive-health.
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