Some pharmacists could soon be able to use the title of doctor, in a move medical professionals have warned will put patient safety at risk.
This week Health Minister Mark Butler announced the introduction of a new Masters of Pharmacy qualification under changes to the Australian Qualification Framework.
It means graduates of a new Level 9 Extended Masters of Pharmacy degree will earn the title of Doctor of Pharmacy.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen warned it could cause confusion for patients and undermine appropriate care.
“Pharmacists are an important part of the health system, but they’re not doctors,” she told Medical Forum.
“The title of a health professional is really important to making sure patients understand the skills and expertise of practitioners and inappropriate use of title can really confuse patients.
“We shouldn’t let them get away with confusing title with scope.”
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins also warned of risks to patient safety, adding that the government should be making the health system easier for patients to navigate, not more confusing.
“The professional title ‘doctor’ has only applied to medical practitioners, and that’s what patients expect it to mean – a doctor with medical training,” she said.
“If the title no longer reflects the years of medical education and training a physician completes, it blurs the lines further for patients in what’s already an increasingly complex medical system.
“Patients may delay care or miss opportunities for a medical professional to spot serious illnesses because they saw ‘a doctor’ of pharmacy, not their GP.”
But Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Professor Trent Twomey said the move will better prepare graduates of pharmacy for the future and elevates the profession in line with the recognition given to other health professionals such as physiotherapists, podiatrists, optometrists and dentists.
“It’s an important step forward for future community pharmacists who will soon be able to start their careers with the highest possible qualification,” he said.
“It provides recognition for the extended scope of clinical practice being undertaken by pharmacists and will be better for pharmacists, patients and primary healthcare.”
The AMA has previously spoken against the introduction of expanded scope of practice for pharmacists, with several states and territories now giving pharmacists a larger role in treating some mild conditions.
In WA an expanded role for community pharmacists was introduced in August this year allowing them to deliver care for a range of conditions including mild to moderate shingles, acne, dermatitis, musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, nausea and vomiting, urinary tract infections and wound management.
Dr McMullen called for clarity on what the new extended masters would provide training in and what scope of practice pharmacists who complete the training will have.
“We’ve been very clear that we don’t agree with the extended scope for pharmacists that’s already been announced in many states and territories,” she added.
“We do think there has been an unsafe expansion of the number of conditions that can be diagnosed and treated in pharmacy. This could further confuse the public and pose risks to the public through inappropriate care.”
As of November 20, there has been no announcement from the Australian Qualification Framework — the policy guide for regulated qualifications in the Australian education and training system — on the introduction of the extended Masters of Pharmacy.