Expanding the role of pharmacists may lead to increased patient ‘misdiagnosis’

RACGP President Doctor Nicole Higgins says pharmacists being allowed more diagnostic and treatment capabilities won’t ease pressure off doctors. General Practitioners have raised concerns over a plan to expand the role of pharmacists in New South Wales which allows them to treat a range of conditions that would normally require a doctor’s opinion. “What we’ve seen in the UK is its actually increased delayed presentation and misdiagnosis,” Dr Higgins told Sky News Australia. “So, we need to make sure that people do what they’re best at doing and what they’re trained for.”