research
‘Convenient’, but also potential for misuse
Direct-to-consumer e-scripts may cut down on unnecessary GP visits for repeat prescriptions, but there are downsides, study finds Direct-to-consumer electronic prescription services may present benefits such as convenience but there …
‘Substantial’ rise in private scripts for opioids
A decline in PBS dispensing of opioid analgesics has been offset by a marked rise in private scripts, particularly for immediate release formulations, new data shows Opioid use in Australia …
Deprescribing benefits for the “young old”
Deprescribing interventions could see mortality reductions and health benefits for older people if initiated early, a large Australian review has found Deprescribing polypharmacy does not result in a significant reduction …
High-risk meds harm role
Hospital pharmacists could review scripts and analyse prescribing patterns to protect patients using high-risk medications, lead author of new study says Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that occur in hospital are …
Turning over a new page
Pharmacist Dr Amy Page named inaugural director of new medicines research centre Two leading pharmacists are at the helm of the newly launched Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, School of …
Heart attack meds not consistent
Despite clear evidence of medication benefits during year after heart attack, low dispensing of key recommended medication classes has been found Medicine strategies following a heart attack vary from patient …
‘Safe and professional’: pharmacist flu vax boosts uptake
High rates of satisfaction and increase in vaccination rates from pharmacy-based flu vax, study finds Community pharmacists across the world have contributed to an increased uptake of immunisations by the …
‘I have concerns about this, as opposed to you… being the police.’
Scope expansion means community pharmacists can do more to promote optimal use of antibiotics, but should they “police” antibiotics scripts written by GPs? Community pharmacists often don’t feel comfortable raising …
Community pharmacists ‘underutilised’ in AMS
Community pharmacy has a bigger role to play in antimicrobial stewardship than commonly thought, say pharmacy experts, but funding and awareness is needed Community pharmacists can participate as much as …
Deprescribing missing from guidelines
New research has found many clinical practice guidelines contain limited guidance on deprescribing… could pharmacists be the missing link? Deprescribing recommendations are becoming more common but are still missing from …
‘Any symptoms that cause distress should be taken seriously’
Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms affect around one in six people, a large study estimates, after taking into account the “nocebo” effect One in six people who stop taking antidepressants experience discontinuation …
Emergency pharmacists speed up pain relief
Pharmacists included on trauma response teams significantly improve speed and delivery of pain relievers to trauma patients, Melbourne trial finds The Pharmacists in Trauma (PHIT) Trial, conducted by Alfred Health …