The role of pharmacists in mental health and suicide prevention has been recognised in Federal Parliament by MP Emma McBride during a speech marking presentation of the final report of the Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
Ms McBride said that as a pharmacist she understood the “valuable role of pharmacists and other allied health workers in mental health and suicide prevention.
“Community pharmacists are often the first point of contact for many people experiencing mental ill health problems.
“Their role can span through to key members of multidisciplinary teams in acute inpatient settings.
“To support pharmacists in this role, the committee recommends evaluation of pharmacy mental health training and support for more mental health training for pharmacists and pharmacy staff.”
The final report also recommends that the Australian Government add Medicare Benefits Schedule items to support case conferencing in the treatment of mental illness for allied health professional attendance, including pharmacists.
In a section devoted to pharmacists, the report says pharmacists are involved across the spectrum of mental health, from providing highly accessible community hubs to being part of a multidisciplinary team in a psychiatric ward.
It notes that in response to the bushfire crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government “further utilised pharmacists to ensure Australians had continued access to medicines even if they could not get to the doctor for a renewed prescription. The temporarily expanded arrangements – Continued Dispensing (Emergency Measures), which includes most Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines supplied through community pharmacies – were subsequently extended until 31 December 2021”
It recommends that “the Australian Government consider continuing and expanding the Continued Dispensing arrangements, which have enhanced access to vital medicines and improved patient outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic including for those living with mental ill health, especially in regional, rural and remote areas”.
