As of Saturday 1 October 2022, the urinary tract infection (UTI) service will be a permanent community pharmacy service in Queensland, and, to support this advancement in community pharmacist’s scope of practice and women’s health, The Australasian College of Pharmacy (College) is offering Queensland community pharmacists free accredited UTI training and resources for the month of October.
College President, Ms Michelle Bou-Samra, recognises the success of the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot – Queensland (Pilot) and the skills of community pharmacists to provide advice and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs.
“The Pilot was a success. With over 9,000 women accessing the service, it shows the significant value provided to female patients.”
“Pharmacists participating in the Pilot undertook additional mandatory training, and the independent outcomes report identified that pharmacists delivered safe and appropriate care that aligned with clinical protocols.”
“Queensland community pharmacists who did not participate in the Pilot can now undertake the mandatory training through the College and commence providing this much needed UTI health service to women in Queensland in accordance with the Extended Practice Authority.”
“Our aim is to ensure community pharmacists have access to the latest industry information. As such, the College will also be delivering refresher training and resources in due course for pharmacists who have been providing the UTI health service through the Pilot.”
“The complimentary offer for the mandatory training is expected to increase the 820 community pharmacies currently providing the UTI health service, especially in regional and remote locations where community pharmacies may be the only primary healthcare destination available for patients.”
“We hope that the provision of UTI services by community pharmacists expands across Australia, as it is a clear example that community pharmacists can and should provide more primary healthcare services for patients.”
“As community pharmacists move towards practising to their full scope, the College will be at the forefront of the education and training required for community pharmacists to competently provide more primary healthcare services for patients.”
Queensland pharmacists are encouraged to enrol in the training before Tuesday 1 November when the complimentary offer will cease. Visit acp.edu.au to learn more about the UTI service and College training.