*Disclaimer: This article was published in 2020 and reflects the information available at that time.
Pharmacists may be aware of the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot – Queensland (UTIPP-Q) program. The UTIPP-Q program is a research pilot program to investigate the supply of specified antibiotics, without a prescription, by pharmacists working in Queensland QCPP-accredited pharmacies.
PDL continues to support the profession and members in the provision of professional services. PDL representatives have provided input regarding risk management considerations for this service via the UTIPP-Q Steering Advisory Group.
Full service details and program resources are available to all pharmacists from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) or the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Details and resources
The following points offer a summary:
- Approved by Queensland Health to commence on 19th June 2020 under a Drug Therapy Protocol (DTP). See Drug Therapy Protocol – Pharmacist UTI Trial
- The treatment protocol and DTP must always be followed
- The service must be managed and recorded in full through the GuildCare NG UTIPP-Q module, even if supply is not provided, alternative therapy recommended, or if a referral to a medical practitioner is offered
- GuildCare NG UTIPP-Q module is available at no cost for all QCPP-accredited pharmacies in Queensland (unrelated to other GuildCare subscriptions)
- Service can only be provided by registered pharmacists who have successfully completed the training and consented to the pilot guidelines. (Note: Interns and pharmacy students are excluded)
- Service is only available from Queensland pharmacies with current QCPP accreditation
- Individual pharmacists must successfully complete the online module available from the PGA or PSA websites. These are available irrespective of membership of the organisations. Once registered, pharmacists can provide the service only at a UTIPP-Q registered pharmacy
- The service can only be provided face to face i.e. not via a telehealth service model
- As part of the registration process, individual pharmacists must confirm their indemnity insurance policy covers this service. The PDL Master Policy automatically provides cover for this service. Members do NOT need to advise PDL of participation in the pilot program
- Community pharmacies must be QCPP accredited and be registered with the pilot program
- Pharmacy owners must confirm their business insurance policy provides cover for this service.
Risk management
The training module and associated documentation provides guidance, templates, and data collection information.
The following are some risk management considerations flagged by PDL:
- Review or develop appropriate policies and procedures before commencing the service
- The service must only be provided by a UTIPP-Q registered pharmacist. Allocation of tasks to other staff members is not appropriate
- Privacy and confidentiality are vital, and discretion should always be used
- Ensure the patient understands that the follow-up call may be from the pharmacist providing the initial service or another UTIPP-Q registered pharmacist
- Discuss the service fee and cost of medicine prior to supply, and explain the service fee will apply in cases when the pharmacist decides medicine supply is not appropriate
- Ensure all contraindications to therapy e.g. allergy or previous reactions, drug interactions, etc. are confirmed during the consultation process
- Referrals to a GP should be completed in a professional and clinical manner
- Accuracy and security of electronic transmission of referrals or records is vital
- Clear communication with clients is needed to ensure:
- Participants are fully informed and can provide informed consent for participation in the research evaluation of the service
- The responsibilities of the pharmacist are clearly explained
- Participants are appropriately counselled, including provision of CMI
- Ensure participants comprehend all advice given including duration of therapy, reasons for non-supply and referral
- The follow-up service is explained
- Comprehensive documentation of all aspects of the pharmacist’s activities is vital
- As with any clinical service, appropriate records should be kept. This includes completing the recording process as per the protocol even if supply is not provided. All data is beneficial for the pilot irrespective of the outcome of the service scenario
- Any incident or complaint should be reported to PDL as soon as possible.
More information
PDL Director for Qld and Deputy Chair, Gilbert Yeates joins PDL Professional Officer, Gary West, to discuss the new Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot in Queensland.
This alert was sent to Queensland-based and surrounding NSW-based PDL members.
For immediate advice and incident support, call PDL on 1300 854 838 to speak with one of our Professional Officers. We are here to support our pharmacist members 24/7, Australia-widld
