|
A
touch screen, a scanner, a label printer and you have dispensing
Tiwi Islands style.
But not for everyone - just those being able to access the Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme through the special arrangements made possible
for remote Aboriginal communities using Section 100 of the National
Health Act
In the Northern Territory a range of Schedule 3 and 4 medicines
can be prescribed by Aboriginal Health Workers (AHW) and registered
nurses working in designated remote health clinics.
Sixty two percent of all medicines supplied through the touch
screen on Bathurst Island coming under this category. The HIC
pays the cost of PBS items as they come in to the clinic dispensary
so there is not the need for a doctor's prescription before the
goods are paid for.
The
only requirement is for the NT PoisonsAct to be followed and
this then covers the supply made by AHWs and RNs.
A selection is made from the touch screen for the directions
which are then printed on a label together with the name of
the medicine, the client and the date of supply.
The keypad on the screen can also be used for special
directions not included in the options. |
Pictured
right, trainee Pharmacy Technician Linda White selects the
next button on the touch screen after having scanned the product.
The database knows what controls there are over the supply
and whether a doctor's prescription is needed. In this case
(doctor's prescription) the operator is prompted to put in
the name of the prescribing doctor. |
 |
View
of keyboard and screen
Aboriginal
language words can be used in the directions to meet the needs
of the individual clinic.
So PBS is covering the cost of the medicines, and the money saved
by the health clinic can be put towards improving the quality
of the service.
Sounds simple and it is.
The final detail is being put to the touch screen software by
Webstercare in Sydney and then the Tiwi Health Board will start
to markets the program to other clinics in the Northern Territory.
This will be done through a subsidiary company, Mirrijini, which
is the Tiwi word for medicine.
In addition to the software program, Mirrijini will also be promoting
the Websterpak system for dose administration to replace the dosette
box.
Pictured
below is Libby cutting foil involved in the dispensing process
 The
s100 PBS to remote clinic arrangements are a boost to the NT due
to the fact that existing practices can be followed.
If there was the need for a doctor signature there would be no
where near the advantages, as doctors are simply not at every
clinic.
Bathurst Island is fortunate to now have its own pharmacist to
supervise the activity in the clinic and apply best practice principles
to the improvements taking place.
PBS funding being available for medicines prescribed by all registered
clinicians means the "saved" funds can be put towards
a better quality in the way medicines are handed out and provide
training for all clinicians and clients in current therapeutics.
This is a "win - win" situation and one that could be
mirrored in other parts of Australia were it not for the complex
nature of the rules that follow Section 85 prescribing and dispensing.
 |
A
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all readers.
From
Rollo Manning and all the gang at Tiwi
|
|
.jpg)
