New tool for pharmacists to help customers self-screen for poor circulation

1 in 5 Australians are affected by Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), commonly called poor circulation. It is a progressive disease that impacts walking capacity and quality of life. A new pre-screening tool is now available for pharmacists to assist customers they believe may be at risk of PAD.

 

“Australasia has the highest PAD burden worldwide, yet up to 50% of sufferers are asymptomatic, which leads to underdiagnosis. We developed this screening tool for pharmacists because, as the most accessible health care professionals, they play a frontline role in community health. Pharmacists have an opportunity to identify potential sufferers,” said Dr Martha Mackay, Head of Medical and Scientific Affairs at Actegy Health.

 

“Due to aging populations and increases in cardiovascular risk factors, PAD is increasing in prevalence. The new pre-screening tool can help pharmacists to support people that they believe could be at risk of poor circulation and encourage them to seek further - and earlier - investigation with their GP,” continued Dr Mackay.

 

Designed to help understand the risk factors, signs and potential symptoms of PAD, the tool can be downloaded here. By answering 18 questions, the person is provided with a score that indicates their level of risk.

• Score 0-1: Patient is less likely to have PAD, however if concerned, should reach out to a doctor for advice

• Score 2-5: Patient would benefit from having a conversation with their doctor around PAD
• Score 6 and more: Patient should be recommended to see a doctor for further investigation

The tool has been developed by Actegy Health, makers of Revitive Circulation Booster – a drug-free therapy option using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) that is clinically tested and proven to improve circulation during use. It is the only device of its kind to be endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and included as a medical device with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (ARTG: 283529).

 

Recent clinical studies have shown a 3x more improvement in pain-free walking when Revitive (EMS) therapy is combined with a supervised exercise program.*

 

“Pharmacists can play a key role in identifying Australians that may be at risk of poor circulation and helping them to seek help early because by improving circulation and enabling people to be more active in their day to day lives, can have an incredible impact on their overall health.” finished Dr Mackay.

*Based on median % change when combined with 6-week supervised exercise program compared with supervised exercise only. (Babber A, Ravikumar R, Onida S, Lane TRA, Davies AH. Effect of footplate neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional and quality-of-life parameters in patients with peripheral artery disease: pilot, and  subsequent randomized clinical trial. Br J Surg. 2020;107(4):355-363. doi:10.1002/bjs.11398.)​

 

Do not use if fitted with an electronic implanted device such as a heart pacemaker or Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD), you are pregnant, being treated for, or have symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): such as pain, swelling and tenderness, heavy ache, warm or red skin in the leg. Always read the label. Follow the instructions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

 

About Actegy Health AU/NZ - Makers of Revitive

Actegy is a family-owned company started in 2003 with a mission to create life-changing drug-free health solutions that enable people to get more out of life. Over the last decade, Actegy Health has continued to develop and improve its range of products, working with designers, engineers and medical experts from leading UK universities. Revitive products are medical devices which have been rigorously tested to ensure their efficiency and safety.

 

Media Links

https://retailpharmacymagazine.com.au/new-tool-for-pharmacists-to-help-customers-self-screen-for-poor-circulation/

 

https://www.pharmacyitk.com.au/new-tool-for-pharmacists-to-help-customers-self-screen-for-poor-circulation/