10 October 2008

With just a few weeks left to participate, more than 2270 pharmacists and intern pharmacists have signed up for the National Prescribing Service Limited’s (NPS) new-look Pharmacy Practice Review, which is aimed at extending the quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Most of the enrolments in the diabetes counselling and action resource were made via the NPS website. The new kit is easier to follow, encourages greater engagement with patients and encourages patients to volunteer more information.

“We’ve had good feedback about the diabetes review kit and the number of enrolments to date is another indication we have come up with an effective tool - pharmacists say they are using the materials to better communicate with their patients, which is yielding positive results,” said NPS Deputy CEO, Ms Karen Kaye.

Of those who have enrolled to date, 933 are pharmacists and 1338 are intern pharmacists. Enrolment remains open and those who complete the activity by 24 October 2008 will receive feedback in February 2009.

Participants who complete the review benefit from receiving an individualised report that includes personal results, aggregated results of all participants and expert commentary on the aggregate results. Individualised feedback allows pharmacists to determine their training and development needs through self-assessment of current practices against professional standards, core competencies and effective pharmacy practice in the management of diabetes.

Participating pharmacists also demonstrate a commitment to provide patients with the best possible quality of care in medicines management.

The review package is a part of NPS’s broader vision to encourage quality use of medicines by enabling pharmacists and health professionals to deliver best-practice management care. The review uses best practice guidelines to help pharmacists examine current practice, consider introducing changes, evaluate and reflect on these changes, and to monitor their progress.

To take part in the new Pharmacy Practice Review go to www.nps.org.au/healthpro, email us or call 02 8217 8700 and return the forms to NPS when you have completed the activity.

The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation that supports the quality use of medicines. It provides accurate, balanced, evidence-based information and services to help people choose if, when and how to use medicines to improve their health and wellbeing. This information is based on critical analysis of current evidence, and is consistent with national guidelines. It is reviewed by independent researchers and experts in clinical pharmacology, medicine, general practice and communication. NPS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.