More pharmacists in Queensland will be able to diagnose, prescribe and provide referrals for a range of common acute and chronic health conditions after completing a James Cook University program.
The 160 pharmacists are the first to have completed JCU’s Graduate Certificate of Advanced Practice and Prescribing for Pharmacists, giving them the ability to manage a range of acute and chronic conditions, and provide health and wellbeing services.
JCU Head of Pharmacy Associate Professor John Smithson said the course would help alleviate the burden on the primary care health system.
“We want to stand up a group of health professionals who are extraordinarily well-trained but somewhat under-utilised in the primary care space,” Mr Smithson said.
“We’ve given them the skills they need to go back into their communities and deliver these services.”
The part-time course trains pharmacists to manage a range of common acute conditions, such as gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, skin and ear, nose and throat ailments.
Health and wellbeing interventions such as contraception, weight management, smoking cessation, and cardiovascular chronic disease management programs are also part of the training.
Assoc Prof Smithson said the course would help to improve healthcare access in rural, regional and remote Queensland communities.
“Many people cannot attend appointments with their GP during their working day, and community pharmacy clinics typically offer extended hours.
“As we develop more graduates, the availability of full scope-trained pharmacists will increase, as will the provision of services during and outside traditional business hours, thus improving patient access.”
The course will expand to Darwin to help boost healthcare in northern Australia.
