UTI resources – SA
From 1 March 2024, following amendments to the SA Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011, the South Australian Community Pharmacy Urinary Tract Infection Services Scheme will be enabled. This will mean that trained community pharmacists are able to provide assessment and treatment (including specified antibiotics, as appropriate) for eligible women aged from 18 to 65 years, with uncomplicated UTIs, as assessed by a community pharmacist.
SA Community Pharmacy UTI Infection Services will support South Australian women with increased choice and access to early advice and timely treatment for UTIs. The services are complementary to those already being provided by general practitioners and will be key to women accessing services, in particular when those services are not available.
Conditions for providing SA Community Pharmacy UTI Infection Services are outlined in the SA Government Gazette notice of 2 February 2024. The SA Community Pharmacy Urinary Tract Infection Services UTI Management Protocol supports pharmacists and includes further details of the scheme, including a Clinical Flow Chart and Supplementary Information.
A condition of the scheme is that pharmacists must undertake additional mandatory training on UTIs and associated treatment options prior to offering services under the scheme. This course is one of the accredited mandatory training options available.
For more information, please refer to the South Australian Department of Health and Wellbeing website.
- SA Community Pharmacy Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Services | SA Health
- UTI treatment and contraceptive pill access | SA Health
- Community pharmacy initiatives | SA Health
Background
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a general term used to describe an infection involving any part of the urinary system.
UTI’s are very common – particularly in women and the elderly. The most common type of UTIs are bladder infections, also known as cystitis.
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria which normally live harmlessly in the bowel. If these bacteria spread into the urinary system they can cause:
- urethritis – infection in the urethra
- cystitis – infection in the bladder
- pyelonephritis – infection in the kidneys.
UTIs are a common cause of hospitalisations that are potentially preventable. Click here for more details.
PSA Resources
1. Complete PSA training program: Managing Uncomplicated Cystitis. This training module will give you the knowledge you need to identify who can be supplied antibiotics for uncomplicated cystitis, and who will need to be referred to their GP. It will also give you the knowledge you need to choose the most appropriate antibiotic to treat uncomplicated cystitis.
2. Provide UTI Self Care Card. PSA self-care fact cards provide information for individuals about self-care and preventative health. The UTI fact card provides information for individuals on the signs and symptoms of cystitis, treatment, self-care information, links to further resources and when individuals should seek medical attention.
The Self Care program is designed for pharmacies to deliver improved health care to consumers. It provides resources and training to educate pharmacy staff, add value to the consumer’s experience, and aims to increase business growth with tailored health promotions and resources. To learn more click the button below.
3. Familiarise yourself with the Cystitis treatment guideline for pharmacists.
Keep up to date on the latest information on the UTI trial, as well as many other important practice specific issues – renew your PSA membership!
