GP reps on pharmacist-prescribing steering group

The RACGP, ACRRM and AMA are already represented on an advisory panel to guide the trial in Queensland.

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A steering group to advise the proposed pilot of extensive pharmacist diagnosing and prescribing has already been formed, and includes representatives from the RACGP, ACRRM and AMA, according to Queensland Health.

Under the proposed pilot, leaked last week, pharmacists in north and central Queensland would have management of 23 conditions, with consults costing $55 and no access to PBS subsidies.

The RACGP was among the groups that reacted strongly against the proposal, with president Dr Karen Price telling TMR: “The fact of the matter is that pharmacists simply do not have the medical training required to safely diagnose and prescribe for conditions such as obesity, asthma and acute infective conditions such as shingles … introducing multiple prescribers – particularly those who stand to gain financially from handing out more medicines – will jeopardise global efforts to fight antimicrobial resistance and compromise patient safety and wellbeing.”  

But the college already has some involvement with the trial in the form of a representative on an advisory panel.

Queensland Health told TMR: “A steering reference group has been established to provide strategic oversight and advice for the pilot. 

“The group includes representatives from medical and pharmacy professional organisations, consumer organisations and relevant primary care organisations in North Queensland. 

“The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Australian Medical Association Queensland Branch, and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine are represented. 

“In accordance with best practice, an independent external provider will be engaged to undertake a service evaluation of the pilot including examining accessibility, continuity, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability, responsiveness, and safety.”

The RACGP confirmed that it had been asked to provide a representative, but would not say who that was, and denied that being effectively part of the trial indicated endorsement.  

“It’s important to have a seat at the table in order to influence change in the interests of our members and general practice, and most importantly our patients,” the college’s Queensland president Dr Bruce Willett said. 

“We need to monitor this ‘trial’ to better understand it and express our deep concerns regarding patient safety and health outcomes. The Pharmacy Guild can’t be left un-scrutinised.

“Having a representative sitting on this committee does not mean the college endorses the proposal. In fact, we have serious concerns about the proposal which we have raised with Queensland Health, and we will continue to do so.

“The RACGP has deep concerns about moves by the retail pharmacy sector to push through policy changes that put financial gains ahead of patient care and safety. We will continue to strongly represent the interests of GPs and particularly the safety of our patients. And we will continue to fight this every step of the way.”

[Friday 5pm Update:] An AMA Queensland spokesperson confirmed that the AMA had a representative on the steering group, but said this did not mean the AMA endorsed the proposal.

TMR has also sought comment from ACRRM but has not had a response.