​​About the NSW Pharmacy Trial

Pharmacists participating in the trial can:

  • supply certain treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) to women aged from 18 to 65 years (inclusive) who meet the eligibility criteria from May 2023, and  
  • continue a prescription for the resupply of a low-risk oral contraceptive pill (the pill) for women aged from 18 to 35 years (inclusive) that meet the eligibility criteria from September 2023.

The management of UTIs and provision of the pill will be conducted under a trial run by the University of Newcastle in association with the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, University of New England, Charles Sturt University, The George Institute for Global Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

The UTI trial commenced in May 2023 with a feasibility study testing the service in real world conditions. From 31 July 2023, the trial expanded to include more than 1000 participating pharmacies. The contraceptive pill trial began in September 2023.

A trial framework ensures that patient safety is promoted and allows the gathering of robust evaluation data. The findings from this trial will inform the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in our healthcare system.

Pharmacists are not able to provide these services outside the trial.

Participating in the trial

Expressions of interest to participate in the trial closed on Wednesday, 15 November 2023.

An expression of interest does not guarantee pharmacies or pharmacists participation in the trial.              

The pharmacy and pharmacist registration information are reviewed by the trial research team to ensure eligibility conditions are met, including:

The consultation room or area must:

  • not to be used as a dispensary, storeroom, staff room or retail area
  • provide adequate privacy
  • have adequate lighting
  • be maintained at a comfortable ambient temperature
  • have a hand sanitisation facility
  • have ready access to a hand washing facility
  • have sufficient floor area, clear of equipment and furniture, to accommodate the person receiving the consultation and an accompanying person, and to allow the pharmacist adequate space to manoeuvre.

Eligible patients

As part of the trial, specific eligibility criteria are in place to ensure patients receive appropriate care.

If patients do not meet the eligibility criteria to receive the service by their pharmacist as part of the trial, they will be referred to appropriate alternative care, including their GP or an Emergency Department.

Pharmacists must refer to clinical management protocols when assessing a person’s eligibility, assessment and overall management, which may include referral to a GP or an Emergency Department.

For treatment of UTIs, patients must be:

  • female
  • aged between 18 to 65 years (inclusive)
  • displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated UTI.

To receive an extended supply of the pill, patients must:

  • be aged between 18 to 35 (inclusive)
  • be taking a low-risk oral contraceptive pill for contraception reasons (to prevent unplanned pregnancy)
  • have taken the pill continuously for two years, as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner. ​

The patient is eligible if they have run out of repeats or their prescription has expired, as long as they meet the above criteria.​

The trial team will provide additional guidance around inclusion criteria and screening questions if you are accepted to participate in the trial.

Pharmacists are not able to provide these services outside the clinical trial.

Mandatory training

To ensure safe care and familiarity with the specific requirements of the trial, all participating pharmacists must complete mandatory training before providing any services.

The trial team will provide you with guidance on training requirements.

​Authority to supply specified restricted substances

View the Authority allowing participating pharmacists to supply medications (UTI) and the Authority allowing pharmacists to supply medications (Oral contraceptive pill) as part of the trial.

The Authority extends only to pharmacists that are participating in the trial.

For more information

For any enquiries about the NSW Pharmacy Trial, email: NSWPharmacyTrial@newcastle.edu.au.

The NSW Pharmacy Trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). View the Trial registration.

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Current as at: Tuesday 9 January 2024
Contact page owner: Pharmaceutical Services