Cristen Fleming, Lead Virtual Pharmacist.
A research project in eight hospitals is being used to examine how telehealth technology can connect local staff to pharmacy experts to help improve safety and outcomes for patients.
Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Rural Director of Medical Services, Dr Shannon Nott, said, “The Virtual Clinical Pharmacy Service is part of a research project that aims to improve the use of medications for patients at hospitals without an onsite hospital pharmacist.”
Using telehealth, local healthcare teams work with ‘virtual pharmacists’ to review each patient’s medications, provide advice and make recommendations.
The introduction of the Virtual Clinical Pharmacy Service has drawn strong support from rural hospitals, who see early benefits for their patients.
The eight sites, six from WNSWLHD and two from FWLHD taking part in the project are, Balranald MPS, Bourke MPS, Canowindra Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Cobar Hospital, Gilgandra MPS, Narromine Hospital, Warren MPS and Wentworth MPS.
The project will finish in June 2021, with the results used to guide any future expansion.