On this page
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About the NSW Pharmacy Trial
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Eligible patients
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Mandatory training
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Authority to supply specified restricted substances
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More information
About the NSW Pharmacy Trial
The NSW Pharmacy Trial allows appropriately trained pharmacists to manage common skin conditions. As part of this trial they can provide some medications usually only available with a prescription.
The trial is run by the University of Newcastle in association with the University of Technology Sydney, University of New England, Charles Sturt University, The George Institute for Global Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, peak bodies and other professional organisations.
The trial will ensure patient safety is promoted while allowing for robust data to be gathered. The findings from this trial will inform the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in our healthcare system.
As part of the NSW Pharmacy trial, participating pharmacists:
- can help manage minor skin conditions for eligible patients, including herpes zoster (shingles), impetigo (school sores), atopic dermatitis (eczema) and acute exacerbations of mild plaque psoriasis –
from 19 July 2024 until 31 August 2025.
- were able to help manage uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) for eligible women aged from 18 to 65 years (inclusive) – closed as of 31 May 2024. Pharmacists can now provide UTI management services as part of their usual practice.
Visit
Treatment of UTIs - information for pharmacists.
Eligible patients
As part of the trial, specific eligibility criteria are in place to ensure patients receive appropriate care.
Pharmacists must refer to clinical management guidelines or protocols when assessing a person's eligibility, assessment and overall management, which may include referral to a GP or an Emergency Department.
Skin conditions
Management of skin conditions can only be offered to patients with symptoms of:
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mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) and are aged between 6 months and 65 years old (inclusive)
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shingles (herpes zoster) and are 18 years and older
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school sores (impetigo) and are 12 months and older
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acute exacerbations of mild plaque psoriasis and are 18 years and older.
The research team will provide additional guidance around inclusion criteria for participation in the trials. Please refer to the
NSW Health Authority, which provides information on what is considered an 'approved pharmacy' and an 'approved pharmacist'.
Mandatory training
To ensure safe clinical care and familiarity with the specific requirements of the trial, all participating pharmacists must complete mandatory training before providing any services.
The research team will provide you with guidance on training requirements once your participation is confirmed.
Authority to supply specified restricted substances
Participating pharmacists providing services related to minor skin conditions must comply with the
Authority allowing pharmacists to supply medications (dermatology).
This Authority only applies to pharmacists who are participating in the trial.
More information
For questions specifically relating to the research trial, please refer to the FAQ document on the NSW Health website or email NSWPharmacyTrial@newcastle.edu.au.
Each phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR).
