A system for monitoring quality standards in the provision of non-prescription medicines from Australian community pharmacies.

There is a growing trend, globally, for consumers to self-medicate with non-prescription medications for common ailments. Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants are thought to be in a unique position to support consumers' purchases of these medicines through the application of knowledge and skills, in an environment in which safety and quality remains paramount. Standards of practice have been developed by the profession to address the provision of these medicines, using a consumer-focused and risk management approach.

Monitoring quality standards in the provision of non-prescription medicines from Australian Community Pharmacies: results of a national programme.

Introduction: Standards of practice have been developed by the pharmacy profession to address the provision of non-prescription medicines, using a consumer-focused and risk management approach. The application of these standards in Australian community pharmacies has been monitored since 2002 by the Quality Care Pharmacy Support Centre (QCPSC).

Methods: Between September 2002 and September 2005, 7785 standards maintenance assessment visits were conducted in 4282 pharmacies, using pseudo-patient methodology.