Consumer concern over the swine influenza outbreak has reinforced the
status of community pharmacists as being the frontline health-care
professionals who consumers turn to for advice.
In a survey conducted by the ACT Branches of the Pharmaceutical Society of
Australia and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, ACT community pharmacists
reported that more than half the pharmacies in the Territory had in the past
week received inquires about swine influenza.
The fact that more than 80 per cent of the inquiries were for general advice
and information, highlights the accessibility of community pharmacists for
consumers seeking information, guidance and advice.
The President of the ACT Branch of the PSA, Professor Gabrielle Cooper,
said the survey once again showed the accessibility of community pharmacies
was a major factor in pharmacies being a central point for consumers seeking
information.
"Consumers who have concerns can walk in off the street without an
appointment and be triaged to the most appropriate care provider or be given
supportive information. This is the strength of our profession," she said.
"The community pharmacy can provide that advice and will always refer the
consumer on to a GP if necessary. Our relationship with general practice has
always been supportive and collaborative.
"It is a win-win situation. Consumers get the advice and peace of mind they
are seeking and GPs have more time to attend to their core business."
The ACT President of the Pharmacy Guild, Amanda Galbraith, said a telling
result from the survey was that 94 per cent of respondents reported they had
been able to provide information which met the consumers' needs.
"Not only is the accessibility of community pharmacists a major factor, but the
quality of advice is of the highest standard," she said.
"It shows that consumers have confidence in their community pharmacists
and feel they can turn to them for quality advice and information - advice and
information which are instantly accessible."
Source
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia