An Australian minor ailments scheme

Researchers from the Graduate School of Health UTS have evaluated a consultation service for community pharmacists to triage, manage and appropriately refer patients to general practitioners (GPs) for minor ailments through agreed referral pathways for the first time in Australia.

The research was conducted between July 2018 and March 2019 and saw 894 patients recruited. The evaluation of the service demonstrated extremely positive results at both the patient and economic level, and the potential impact if the consultation service is implemented on a larger national scale.

National implementation, underpinned with national and state self-care policy, would contribute to greater efficiency of health care resources by directing patients to the most appropriate healthcare destination. 

A number of recommendations are presented in the report for consideration by federal and state policy makers, primary health networks, professional organisations, the pharmaceutical industry and practitioners.

These recommendations demonstrate the significant opportunity for pharmacists, GPs and other health professionals to operate in a collaborative professional capacity to best meet the healthcare needs of their patients.

Download reports

Like to know more?

Please email Sarah Dineen-Griffin.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.