Pharmacy Screening Program

The Living Well, Your Way Pharmacy Screening Program aims to proactively identify patients with potential heart and lung conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), then refer them to their nominated General Practice for further assessment, testing and potential diagnosis.

Participating pharmacists are seeking patients to undertake screening who are exhibiting risk factors and early symptoms of heart and lung conditions. These may include smoking, high blood pressure, ankle swelling, and breathlessness. View brochure

Screening involves a questionnaire about a person’s health and symptoms, with some patients undertaking micro-spirometry testing. Once complete, if required, a referral may be sent to the patients’ preferred General Practitioner for follow up.

Pharmacists may further assist patients with prescribing to available community services including: smoking cessation, exercise programs, drug and alcohol counselling, and more.

The Pharmacy Screening Program was born out of a pilot program in 11 pharmacies during 2023-2024. These pharmacies assisted with the design and testing of the screening tools and implementation of screening activities in store. This year, the program has expanded to include 27 pharmacies throughout the Murrumbidgee region. 

The program aims to create a seamless patient journey, supporting referral for early intervention and effective chronic disease care and management through timely access of local general practices and community-based services. Through multidisciplinary collaboration between pharmacies and general practice, the program proactively enables patients to remain healthier in their community.

Participating pharmacies delivering the screening program are supported by the Living Well Your Way Community Pharmacist, provided with Micro-spirometer equipment, consumables, and instore promotional materials, and education opportunities for pharmacy staff.

This community-based program was made possible through Living Well, Your Way initiative with support from Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, Murrumbidgee Local Health district and funded by NSW Health.