CRITICISM from medical groups of the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot - Queensland (UTIPP-Q) is not putting the State's health authorities off the program (PD 27 Jan).
A spokesperson for Queensland Health told Pharmacy Daily that the program, which authorises pharmacists participating in the pilot to prescribe antibiotics for women with UTIs, "has been a great success".
In a joint statement criticising the State Government's decision to extend the trial until 30 Jun, the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) warned the program could expose women to a "wide range of health repercussions".
However, Queensland Health has continued to back the program.
"The UTIPP-Q was part of a suite of regulatory changes that was undertaken to improve and support the health of Queenslanders," the spokesperson said.
"The UTIPP-Q has been a great success - over 6,000 women have accessed the service throughout the state and received immediate review and management or a referral to a general practitioner if required.
"Queensland Health has extended its engagement for the UTIPP-Q for an additional six months, until 30 Jun, while the outcomes of the evaluation are considered.
"Over the next six months, the Department of Health will consider the outcomes of the UTIPP-Q evaluation including whether the service should continue.
"Findings from the evaluation of the pilot will be provided to the Queensland Government in due course."
Despite Queensland Health's positive views about the trial USANZ Vice President, Professor Helen O'Connell, said the program did not represent "best practice for women".
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 31 Jan 22
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