Pharmacist Prescribing: Safety Fears Rise Amid Injury Data

A significant public safety risk associated with expanding pharmacists' prescribing authority is under scrutiny following new data. Analysis of 16,000 claims against medical practitioners over five years indicates that one in five individuals involved in prescription-related incidents sustain serious injuries. Avant, Australia's largest medical indemnity insurer, is calling for a halt to the nationwide expansion of autonomous pharmacist prescribing until a robust national safety framework is established.

This warning emerges as prescribing powers for trained pharmacists are being broadened across Australia. New South Wales is set to trial the management of chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and COPD, while Victoria has begun allowing the resupply of menopause hormone therapy. These developments are occurring despite concerns raised by healthcare bodies regarding potential diagnostic errors and conflicts of interest, advocating for a collaborative approach between GPs and pharmacists focused on patient safety and history.

However, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has contested Avant's concerns, attributing the data to a 'turf war' and emphasizing that pharmacists operate under the same therapeutic guidelines as doctors. They argue that trained pharmacists can manage low-risk treatment within their scope, referring more complex cases to general practitioners. The Guild also advocates for pharmacists to be permitted to prescribe more tightly controlled Section 8 drugs.