In welcome news to consumers and those suffering from urinary tract infections (UTIs), Priceline Pharmacy has been selected to trial-run a new method of prescribing treatments and medicines for non-severe or complicated infections. Priceline Pharmacy staff Becky Wright and Andrew Douglas are excited and hopeful about this development and explained what this could mean in the future.
As a first-year pharmacy student, Becky feels confident and assured about how this will open up more avenues for staff members, and is excited about the quick development during her early tenure.
“It’s expanding the circle of practice, and there’s more I’ll be able to do than when I first went in”
This is of particular note as it will allow for not only broader practice for pharmacy and medical staff as a whole, but also takes the weight off the medical system as it allows nurses and doctors – who are already overloaded – to share the load with pharmacies regarding urinary tract infections, and with hopes this will grow to cover more issues.
“We’ll be able to treat patients who haven’t been able to reach a doctor, and we don’t want them filling up the hospital. Nurses and doctors are already stretched, so we can provide an avenue for people to come in. We’re always open. I think it’s a great win for patients” says managing pharmacist Andrew Douglas.
Urinary tract infections typically affect women aged eighteen to sixty-five, with this group being the focus of the new prescription model. Whereas previously pharmacists were limited to sachets, pads, and temporary fixes, or having to place patients on hold for a few days while ordering medicine, this will allow quick and efficient action.
“If they found out on, say, a Friday, they wouldn’t have to wait until Monday, they can get stuff coming straight away. It’s going to be nice that when people come in we can give them something that will actually treat it” says Becky.
One-on-one consults will be required to evaluate the severity of the infection, but this a non-issue that doesn’t phase the Priceline staff, with Becky speaking on its ease of application.
“That’s already started, there’s a lot more consults in pharmacy rooms which is really exciting”.
Andrew is hopeful that this model can expand to cover other common infections and illnesses that can be easily treated on a pharmaceutical level, taking further strain off hospitals and doctors and opening up more access to the average person. Andrew hopes that common ailments such as high blood pressure, reflux issues, and high cholesterol, all of which currently can’t be prescribed by pharmacists, but if the UTI prescription trial succeeds will open up possibilities to these and other problems.
“Pharmacists will be able to practice to their full scope,” he explained. “There’s a lot of people out on the street who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so we’d be able to screen them.”
“There are so many more conditions we’ll be able to treat. It’s great for customers, great for the pharmacy, and great for the healthcare system,”
Griffin Palen
