19 August 2016


Review of the role of pharmacy in primary healthcare

As part of the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement, the Minister for Health and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia committed to an independent review of pharmacy remuneration and regulation.

discussion paper was released in July seeking stakeholder feedback, and the RACGP is developing a formal submission drawing on the expertise of members, RACGP Expert Committees and Faculty Boards.

The discussion paper challenges the current modus operandi of private pharmacy practice and the inherent tension and conflict between best practice and commercial influence.

The RACGP has, on multiple occasions, raised appropriate concerns around proposed changes in the scope of practice for pharmacy, and the limited evidence that health outcomes would be improved.

We have persistent concerns around appropriate expertise in the triaging of undifferentiated clinical presentations, specific health screening, indemnification issues, and the potential for fragmentation of care.

Many of us have mutually supportive clinical interaction with our local pharmacy colleagues, but this is not universal.

The RACGP recognises the potential expertise of a clinical pharmacist within the GP-led medical home concept in which care is contextual and records are centralised: some practices already have this system in place and anecdotal reports are positive.

The review also raises the issue of the sale of retail products in community pharmacy, including of non-evidence based therapeutic goods.

The RACGP has already been proactive in this space with the release of a position statement on homeopathy in June 2015, which called on pharmacists not to sell or recommend homeopathic products.

The RACGP submission on the discussion paper will be reasoned and evidence-based, and all members will be kept in the loop.

Frank R Jones
President RACGP


RACGP member forum at GP16

The RACGP member forums were introduced earlier this year to increase engagement and encourage dialogue between RACGP members nationwide.

The second RACGP forum will be held at GP16 in Perth, Friday 30 September, 11am – 12.30pm, and will explore the member-selected topics ‘Revalidation’ and ‘Digital Disruption’.

The forum will be hosted by award winning journalist Ali Moore and includes panellists Dr Bastian Seidel, Dr Evan Ackermann, Dr Janice Bell, Dr Nathan Pinskier, Dr Marcus Tan and Professor Lambert Schuwirth.

The forums have been developed via member feedback, and provide a new and innovative opportunity for members who are not on RACGP boards or committees to discuss emerging topics and important issues shaping the future of general practice. Members are encouraged to submit their questions for the panel to advocacy@racgp.org.au.

View the inaugural member forum here.  


Convocation voting and comments close today

The RACGP has received two item submissions from members for Convocation, which will be held during the GP16 Conference in Perth on Friday 30 September.

Convocation is an opportunity for RACGP members to raise matters of importance with other members and inform Council about issues GPs consider significant. Resolutions passed by Convocation are not binding on Council, however all items passed by Convocation will be considered.

The opportunity for members to vote and comment on the two submissions closes today at 4.00 pm AEST Friday 19 August.


Clinical pearl: Walking canes for knee osteoarthritis

People with knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) experience pain and decreased ability to move. Daily use of a walking cane or stick can reduce the load transmitted through the affected knee(s), improving pain and function.

Patients should be trained in the use of a cane or stick on the contralateral side to ensure optimal outcomes. It is important to inform patients that they may walk more slowly during the adaption process, but after one to two months of regular use, they will become more confident and walking with a cane will be easier and quicker.

For more information about the use of canes for knee OA, including a walking stick training video, refer to the RACGP’s Handbook of non-drug interventions (HANDI)


In Practice poll question – Standards patient feedback

The RACGP is currently consulting with all stakeholders on the development of the 5th edition Standards for general practices (5th edition) (the Standards). The current draft is available to download from the Standards development page.

The indicators in the 5th edition of the Standards have been written with a focus on outcomes and patients, including the proposed patient feedback indicators which provide increased flexibility for practices in obtaining feedback from their patients.

Collecting and responding to patient feedback has been shown to improve clinical effectiveness and patient safety, adherence to recommended medication and treatments, and preventive care. Patients appreciate knowing that their feedback is taken seriously and acted on where possible.

To assist the RACGP’s continued development of these indicators and the accompanying patient feedback guide, we are seeking your opinion on the most appropriate method for patient feedback collection for your practice.


Media enquiries

Journalists and media outlets seeking comment and information from the RACGP should contact:

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor