Implementing a randomised controlled trial through community pharmacies to support people living with severe and persistent mental illness: Lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public health orders were introduced in many countries, including Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the spread of the virus. However, for many people this led to an exacerbation of mental health symptoms, particularly those living with severe or persistent mental illness (SPMI). Additionally, the conduct of clinical research was severely impacted during the pandemic, with many difficulties encountered in the conduct of clinical trials.

Enablers and barriers to non-dispensing pharmacist integration into the primary health care teams of Aboriginal community-controlled health services.

Background: The primary health care management of chronic disease affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples requires healthcare quality and equity demands to be met, and systems that foster better team-based care. Non-dispensing pharmacists (NDPs) integrated within primary healthcare settings can enhance the quality of patient care, although factors that enable or challenge integration within these settings need to be better understood.

Objectives: To investigate enabling factors and barriers influencing integration of NDPs within Aboriginal community-controlled health services delivering primary health care.

Integrating pharmacists into Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (IPAC project): Protocol for an interventional, non-randomised study to improve chronic disease outcomes.

Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience a higher burden of chronic disease yet have poorer access to needed medicines than other Australians. Adverse health outcomes from these illnesses can be minimised with improved prescribing quality. This project aims to improve quality of care outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult patients with chronic disease by integrating a pharmacist within primary health care teams in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs).