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Focus on pharmacists

14 May 2008

Three Victorian College of Pharmacy projects have been funded to the tune of $600,000 by the Government Department of Health and Ageing as part of the Community Pharmacy Agreement Research and Development Program.

Professors Colin Chapman and Michael Dooley, and lecturer Kevin McNamara, will head up the three projects which examine the varied roles of community pharmacists.

Professor Chapman will study the nature, extent and impact of triage provided by community pharmacies.

"Every community pharmacy in Australia provides primary healthcare, including referral to other healthcare practitioners, but this core activity has never been adequately assessed," Professor Chapman said.

"This project will focus on Victorian pharmacies, examining the perspectives of consumers, pharmacists and the other healthcare providers."

Professor Dooley will investigate the information needs of pharmacy customers in regards to complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) and the ability of community pharmacists to fill these needs.

"The use of CAMs in Australia is becoming more and more widespread," Professor Dooley said. "Community pharmacies are now one of the main suppliers, selling approximately 40% of the total annual spend of more than $1 billion.

"Pharmacists therefore have a major opportunity and burden of responsibility to ensure that the principles of Quality Use of Medicines are applied to this area of therapeutics."

Kevin McNamara will examine pharmacist assessment of adherence, risk and treatment in cardiovascular disease, building on his previous research in the area.

"This is a great opportunity for community pharmacists to develop a comprehensive role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease," Mr McNamara said.

"This project will also strengthen important links between VCP and several collaborating organisations in general practice, public health and pharmacy."

Professor Colin Chapman Professor Michael Dooley Kevin McNamara

Professor Colin Chapman will study the nature, extent and impact of triage provided by community pharmacists.

Professor Michael Dooley will investigate the information needs of pharmacy customers in regards to complementary medicines.

Mr Kevin McNamara will examine pharmacist assessment of adherence, risk and treatment in cardiovascular disease.