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The role of the Australian community Pharmacist in acute wound care

Lusi Sheehan, Professor John Smithson, Karen Carter, Natalie French, Dr Nicoletta Frescos, Lara Giana, Nick Knowles, Krysti-Lee Patterson, Christina Parker, Demi Pressley, Sarah Sahana Rajah, Dr Dianne Smith, Professor Geoff Sussman, Dr Peta Tehan, Fleur Trezise
22 September 2025

Australia’s large landmass (spanning over 7 million square kilometres) and uneven healthcare distribution create significant barriers to timely medical care, especially in rural and remote areas where services can be scarce, leading to poorer health outcomes compared to metropolitan regions (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2016; Tehan et al, 2022). Long general practitioner (GP) and hospital wait times, coupled with a projected 38% increase in demand for GP services by 2032 (Cornerstone Health, 2022), places an additional strain on the system. Alarmingly, one in four Australians do not see a GP when needed, with half citing lack of appointment availability as the primary barrier (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2024). 

As a result, community pharmacies have become an essential and highly trusted component of the healthcare system, often serving as the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical advice and support (Roy Morgan, 2017; Pharmacy Guild of Australia, 2024). With an expanded scope of practice, pharmacists are increasingly managing minor acute wounds, such as cuts, abrasions, minor burns and superficial injuries, which can often be safely assessed and treated in the pharmacy setting, or referred to other healthcare professionals where necessary.

Chronic wounds, including diabetic-related foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers and pressure injuries, typically remain outside the scope of community pharmacy and are managed in primary care, outpatient or hospital settings. This best practice statement (BPS) focusses specifically on the evolving role of community pharmacists in managing acute wounds.

To meet this role, pharmacists require current, evidence-based knowledge in wound assessment and dressing selection. The wide range of wound dressings available and the nuanced requirements of different wound types can be challenging, especially for those new to this area of care. This document offers practical guidance to support informed dressing choices, explaining not just which products to use, but why these choices matter for clinical outcomes and resource efficiency.

This guidance aligns with value-based healthcare principles, which prioritise achieving the best possible outcomes over short-term cost savings. While basic low-cost dressings may appear economically beneficial, their poor performance often leads to delayed wound healing and increased waste and costs (Brindle and Farmer, 2019). In contrast, advanced dressings promote undisturbed wound healing by reducing unnecessary dressing changes, managing exudate and lowering infection risk. This approach improves healing outcomes and reduces the burden on healthcare professionals time and associated care costs (Moore and Coggins, 2021). 

To reflect these evolving standards, a multidisciplinary panel of pharmacists, podiatrists, nurses, GPs and academics convened online in March and April 2025 to review the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy teams in wound care. This BPS was developed by building on the framework established by Ousey et al (Wounds UK, 2021), which explored wound care and dressing selection for pharmacy teams in the UK, and has been adapted to suit the Australian healthcare context.

This document aims to: 

  • Inform pharmacists about the underpinning principles of best practice and the latest evidence base in acute wound care and dressing selection
  • Equip pharmacy teams to manage wounds with confidence, supporting improved clinical outcomes for people across Australia
  • Educate health professionals about the evolving and integral role of pharmacists in multidisciplinary wound care teams
  • Encourage pharmacy teams to adopt value-based approaches, moving away from routine use of traditional, low-cost dressings toward advanced products that support undisturbed wound healing.

Lusi Sheehan (Co-chair) and Professor John Smithson (Co-chair)

Download the PDF below to access the full Best Practice Statement

Disclaimer: This document has been supported by Smith+Nephew Australia.
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