JB: We are slowly getting ready to conduct medication review in Polish pharmacies. Does this form of assistance to patients also function in Australia?
KG: The patients taking multiple medications hale the opportunity to visit the pharmacist for a longer consultation at least once a year, where all treatments and problems related to them are discussed in detail. The consultation report may be sent to the doctor if the pharmacist believes that some changes in the treatment might be required. Consultations are always free of charge for the patient and the pharmacy may apply for reimbursement: maximum once a year for a given patient. Additionally, if the patient is taking many medications or is simply not able to remember when to take the medications, the pharmacist may offer to pack drugs into a weekly blister wherein each day is subdivided into separate compartments labelled as “morning”, “noon”, “evening”, “before bedtime” etc., according to the individual needs. The service is additionally payable and non-refundable. However, it does not significantly affect the average patient’s budget, and it definitely improves pharmacotherapy.
JB: What other forms of pharmaceutical care are already implemented in Australia?
KG: Pharmacists also instruct patients on how to use inhalants or other unconventional forms of drug administration. They advise on the selection of a formula for new-borns, on the use of medical devices, e.g. special dressings, on hygiene measures for incontinence, and the use of medical equipment such as nebulizers, crutches, walkers, shower stools for the elderly, etc.
JB: Australia is the habitat of the eucalyptus, a plant respected in modern European medicine. The leaves and the essential oil of the eucalyptus plant have pharmacopeial and herbal monographs. Is it also appreciated in its homeland?
KG: Eucalyptus-based products are mainly used for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Essential oil is sometimes used for inhalation in catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract or as an addition to the liquids used in air humidifiers.
JB: What does herbal medicine look like in Australia? Is it respected by conventional medicine?
KG: Herbal medicine is not popular in Australia. Pharmacies do not even sell herbal teas or other herbal drugs. Herbal teas can be purchased in supermarkets or herbal shops. The choice is definitely poorer than in Poland.
JB: What pharmacopoeia is valid in Australia? Is it used in everyday work in pharmacy?
KG: The UK Pharmacopoeia is valid in Australia. However, I haven’t come across its being used in practice. Both doctors and pharmacists rely on Australian drug lists.
JB: We have already talked about paying for drugs, but what does the health care system, preventive health care, as well as the access to doctors and other health care professionals look like? What is the state contribution to the cost of health services, prophylaxis, etc.?
KG: Every Australian resident or citizen is entitled to participation in the health care reimbursement and drug reimbursement system. Additionally, most Australians pay for private health insurance. With private insurance (depending on the degree of insurance, of course), you can use private medical treatment or private hospital treatment for free or for a reduced fee. You can choose a doctor and shorten the waiting period for medical treatments. You can also reduce the contributions paid for the obligatory health insurance (so-called Medicare Levy).
JB: How would you describe a visit to a doctor in Australia?
KG: In Australia, you can visit a general practitioner at a public clinic, free of charge, or a private one, where the patient pays for an appointment. The visit may be covered partially or fully by private insurance, or sometimes some costs may be covered by Medicare. You can go to a specialist with a referral from a general practitioner (waiting time for an appointment at the state’s expense is long).
JB: What about prophylaxis? In such a modern country it is probably at a very high level?
KG: Health prophylaxis is advertised, recommended and sometimes also reimbursed. Patients come to the pharmacy not only for medicines, but also for vaccinations and advice on making changes to their lifestyle that would improve their health.
JB: Do you think pharmacists in Australia are respected by the community? Is the pharmacy still under development or is it stabilized?
KG: Pharmacy is working efficiently. The profession of the pharmacist is respected both by other healthcare professionals and patients.