Counties Manukau pharmacists to help manage gout

Counties Manukau pharmacists to help manage their patients’ gout

With 2.7% of the adult New Zealand population suffering from gout, the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) has identified this condition as providing significant potential for community pharmacists to help their patients manage the medicines for this condition and demonstrate the value of pharmacy interventions.

The project has been developed in consultation with key groups already working in the area of gout management and prevention, including Arthritis NZ, Counties Manukau DHB and Middlemore Hospital. This approach attempts to identify and fill gaps in existing programmes without duplicating existing effort.

The project will be run in Counties Manukau because of the extreme incidence of gout in the area. Ultimately, the Guild would like the concept funded by DHBs.

Pharmacists in this area can opt in to be involved in this project and so far the response has been very positive. Interested pharmacists have been invited to attend a Continuing Professional Development seminar on Thursday 3 March with guest speakers Peter Gow, Associate Professor of Rheumatology at Counties Manukau District Health Board, and Waikato pharmacist Leanne Te Karu. Participants will be provided with resources for pharmacists and pharmacy staff, as well as marketing resources to promote the project. The pilot starts on Monday 7 March and runs for six weeks.

Gout is becoming more common around the world as sugar consumption and obesity increases. “This project should lead to doctors, nurses, pharmacists and patients combining their knowledge to promote behaviours that will reduce the burden of this terrible disease on the sufferers and their families,” says Peter Gow

“The Guild believes it is vital for the future of community pharmacy that we raise awareness with our stakeholders, particularly Government officials and politicians, of the value of the pharmacist’s role in managing conditions like gout,” says Annabel Young, Guild Chief Executive.

The goals of the project are for pharmacists to help their patients assess and increase their understanding of the disease. This is also an opportunity for them to encourage patients to address lifestyle factors.

ENDS

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