July 24, 2105
New report reinforces need for action on inappropriate use of antibiotics
A report highlighting that some 30 per cent of prescriptions were deemed to be inappropriate highlights the need for vigilance in prescribing antibiotics, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia says.
The results of the 2013 National Antimicrobial Prescribing (NAP) survey, released today, shows that inappropriate use was mainly related to unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and incorrect duration of treatment.
National President of the PSA, Joe Demarte, said PSA was a strong advocate for action to combat antimicrobial resistance and the NAP report underscored the need for such action.
“Overall, 30 per cent of prescriptions were deemed to be inappropriate and this inappropriate use was mainly related to unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and incorrect duration of treatment.
“Another area of concern is the report found inappropriate prescribing was very common for patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, for which 46 per cent of prescriptions were noncompliant with guidelines. Of great concern is the finding that surgical prophylaxis was the highest indication for antimicrobial use and was given for more than 24 hours in 41.5 per cent of cases. The best practice standard is less than 5 per cent.”
Mr Demarte said a positive from the report was that the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care would consider developing a Clinical Care Standard for antimicrobial use in surgical prophylaxis, as it was the highest indication for antibiotic use. The commission will also consider appropriate action with regard to COPD.
“The inappropriate use of antibiotics only adds to the problem of antimicrobial resistance,” he said.
“The Australian Government earlier this year announced a new strategy to reduce antimicrobial resistance following release of data showing Australia’s consumption of antibiotics is among the highest in the developed world with more than 29 million prescriptions for antibiotics supplied to more than 10 million patients – or 45 per cent of the population – in 2013.
“The NAP report reinforces the need for that strategy.
“PSA has long advocated for action in this area and this year joined with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain to press the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global body representing pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, to take action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR),” Mr Demarte said.
“As a result of this advocacy, FIP is developing a briefing document on the role of pharmacists in AMR, ready for its annual congress in Germany later this year.”
July 23, 2015
The Minster for Health, the Hon Sussan Ley, will officially open the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s annual conference – PSA15 – in Sydney on Friday, July 31
Event: PSA 15
Date: July 31, 2015
Time: 9am
Venue: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney
July 23, 2015
PSA model for pharmacists in GP clinics: AMA support but more work to be done
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has highlighted that the collaborative model for pharmacists to be integrated into GP clinics represents an exciting step for GPs, pharmacists and, most importantly, for patients across all of Australia.
However, the PSA stressed that more work needs to be done on the model by the PSA and the medical groups.
The PSA’s clarification follows a statement by the AMA for Family Doctor Week and further reiterated in today’s National Press Club speech by AMA President Dr Brian Owler, that the pharmacists in GP surgeries model and the AMA proposal had the ‘full backing’ of the PSA.
PSA National President Joe Demarte stated that:
“The PSA believes the integration of pharmacists into GP practices offers great opportunities to improve consumer health outcomes while also providing scope for a new career path for pharmacists.
“But the model needs to ensure that the services provided by pharmacists operating within GP practices are complementary to, and add value to those delivered by local community pharmacies already working collaboratively with general practices.”
Mr Demarte said this truly collaborative team care approach was particularly important “at time when the ageing population and increasing chronic disease are putting immense pressures on the whole healthcare system.
“Our model is centred on patient care and improving health outcomes and a key to its success is ensuring continuity of care for the patient.
“It’s important to note that there is still a lot of work to be done in this area with the medical groups, particularly with regard to the clinical protocol and the payment model.
“PSA will continue working with the GP groups to progress a model that improves patient health, ensures local continuity of care and facilitates fair remuneration for pharmacists.”
Research by Deloitte Access Economics showed that for every $1 invested in the program, $1.56 would be generated in savings to the health system.
“This is a significant saving and one which is genuinely and readily accessible,” Mr Demarte said.
A PSA forum will be held in Sydney on Monday 24 August to discuss this area of practice. Those attending will hear from Australian experts in this area, including our own Dr Chris Freeman, GPs, and international expert Ravi Sharma from the UK.
Details of the forum can be found at http://www.psa.org.au/event/pharmacists_in_gp_forum