A research grant to increase pharmacy involvement in preventing cardiovascular disease is on offer.
The Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement Research and Development Program invites applications from researchers to develop a service that involves community pharmacists in assisting patients to reach and maintain target blood pressure levels.
Research projects should examine how pharmacists can best be involved in assisting with in-pharmacy and self-managed blood pressure monitoring, and address ways to improve compliance with medication regimens. The World Health Organization estimates that two-thirds of patients treated for high blood pressure still suffer the condition as a result of poor compliance with their medications.
"More than half of all people with high blood pressure are either unaware they have it or are not receiving treatment. For people who are diagnosed and receiving treatment, poor compliance to their medicines is a major problem and is a significant contributor to the low levels of blood pressure control seen in the community," said Kos Sclavos, president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
"Studies have shown that pharmacists have a key role in assisting with the management of patients with high blood pressure and in reducing the incidence of stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and renal failure in the community.
"This research project is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in developing a service that will have real and measurable health benefits for Australians," Mr Sclavos said.
Applications close 6 June 2008. For details visit the web site at
www.guild.org.au/research or contact
research@guild.org.au.