Community Pharmacy Research To Improve Use Of Medicines, Australia

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 11 Mar 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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Three University of Queensland researchers have received separate grants aimed at improving the practice of community pharmacy and customer health, through better use of medicines.

The School of Pharmacy researchers will receive grants totalling close to $200,000. These are the first grants to be funded by The Pharmacists Board of Queensland.

Dr Lisa Nissen and Mr Greg Kyle will receive $149,927 over three years, to assess the commercial influences on community pharmacists' recommendations and any impact on professional practice or patients' use of medicines.

"Most published research on prescribing influences focuses on doctors," Mr Kyle said.

"This study will investigate whether commercial activities, such as promotional tools and preferred supplier agreements, might influence the products that community pharmacists recommend to consumers.

"The results will indicate whether strategies are necessary to respond to any influences that might be identified."

The role of pharmacists in the correct use of medications is the focus of a $29,810 grant for Mr Neil Cottrell. With Dr Nissen and Ms Gina Gujral, he will investigate medication adherence in people who have had a heart attack and now take a number of medications.

"In this study a community pharmacist will regularly review and discuss medication issues with people who have had a heart attack. It is hoped that this type of regular review encourages improved use of medicines and increases the likelihood of a person taking their medicine," Mr Cottrell said.

Dr Therese Kairuz will use her grant of almost $20,000 to explore "health literacy", how well consumers comprehend health information.

"Although health information may be delivered in pharmacies, there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence surrounding consumers' misapplication of this information. This has significant implications for appropriate use of medicines and health services," Dr Kairuz said.

The University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia