Pharmacy antibiotic prescribing trial to go live within weeks, despite GP protests

RACGP says it carries the risk of misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis and antibiotic resistance
Antibiotics

The pharmacy antibiotic prescribing trial for UTIs is set to begin in a matter of weeks despite opposition from the main GP groups.

The final protocol is yet to be signed off by the Queensland Government, which announced the trial last year with little public justification.

But while the details have remained a mystery, Australian Doctor has been told that, under trial, the pharmacists will be allowed to write scripts for patients aged 18-65 with uncomplicated UTIs.

It will be mandatory for pharmacists to conduct consultations in private rooms to protect patient privacy and only registered pharmacists who have undergone additional training will be involved.