Pharmacy Screening and Education Program

Living Well, Your Way worked with pharmacies across the Murrumbidgee to implement a screening program that identifies patients at risk of chronic disease and connects them with their general practitioner (GP) for early assessment and diagnosis.

An additional education component was also introduced, enabling pharmacists to provide in-pharmacy education to patients already diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or CHF (Congestive Heart Failure).

Screening Program

The Pharmacy Screening Program was designed to identify patients at risk of COPD and CHF and connect them with their general practitioner (GP) for early assessment and diagnosis.

Program Objectives:

• Expand the role of rural community pharmacists in chronic disease screening

• Establish a formal referral pathway between pharmacists and GPs

• Identify and refer patients who may not have yet consulted their GP for chronic disease symptoms

Many patients seek symptom relief at their local pharmacy before visiting their GP, making pharmacists uniquely positioned to detect early signs of chronic disease and facilitate timely medical intervention.

How the Program Worked:

1. When a patient presents at a pharmacy, they may be identified as at risk

2. With patient consent, the pharmacist conducts a free screening for potential heart and lung conditions

3. If results indicate concern, the pharmacist refers the patient to their nominated GP for further evaluation

Positive Impact & Feedback

Participating pharmacists reported overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the benefits of screening and spending more time with patients to support early intervention and better health outcomes.

This initiative strengthened the connection between community pharmacies and general practice, ensuring patients received timely care and support for chronic disease management.

Thank you to the participating pharmacists and their staff, local GPs, and the patients who took part in the program.

Patient stories have highlighted the real benefits of the program, including new diagnoses that may not have been identified otherwise.

Education Program (COPD/CHF MedsCheck)

During the pharmacy screening program, pharmacists identified patients already diagnosed with COPD or heart failure who, while not eligible for screening, had a low level of health literacy regarding their condition and its management.

A COPD/CHF MedsCheck service enabled pharmacists to identify where patients needed further support or education—such as understanding their condition, correct medication use, adherence, healthy eating, smoking cessation, exercise, and vaccination.

Through these consultations, pharmacists provided tailored information to help patients better manage their chronic disease, improve health outcomes, and reduce the risk of hospitalisation.