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:
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.
Management of skin conditions can only be offered to patients with symptoms of:
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'.
If you are a pharmacist or pharmacy owner who has not participated in earlier stages of the NSW Government Pharmacy Trial but are interested in joining the dermatology trial, please contact the University of Newcastle at NSWPharmacyTrial@newcastle.edu.au.
A limited number of additional pharmacies may be able to join the trial. The University of Newcastle team will guide you on eligibility requirements.
Mandatory training
The research team will provide you with guidance on training requirements once your participation is confirmed.
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.
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).