Australian Pharmacist

Wherever pharmacists practise, there are patients with anxiety – patients who are managing well, patients who are managing not so well, and patients in crisis.

When it comes to person-centred care, bespoke tailoring to every patient’s healthcare needs is fundamental.

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that is expected to become even more prevalent by the end of the decade. Despite its commonness, our understanding of the disease has evolved to acknowledge inflammation as a mediator of degenerative changes and pain.

Thom, 37, a regular patient of the pharmacy, presents their venlafaxine repeat for dispensing. You know this has been prescribed for PTSD and ask how they have been going with their treatment. They disclose that their symptoms have been difficult to manage over the last few weeks and that they don’t feel like their medication has been working as well. Thom explains that a friend mentioned MDMA could be used for PTSD, and they’re now considering taking it to help them feel better.

A new study highlights the importance of pharmacists collecting data and identifying why dispensing errors happen in order to significantly reduce how often they occur.

WA’s ECP of the Year Jade Swarbrick MPS is passionate about patient-centred care and mental health advocacy in her GP pharmacist role.