IN AUSTRALIA, an estimated 400,000 emergency presentations and 250,000 hospital admissions are related to potentially preventable medication-related problems each year, at a cost to the healthcare system of more than $1.4 billion.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a new approach to reducing medication-related problems in primary care.
Published last week in the Medical Journal of Australia, the aim of the ACTMed (ACTivating primary care for MEDicine safety) trial, HERE, the first of this type of intervention in Australia, of a general practice-based intervention for reducing the risk of serious medication-related problems.
The trial will also look at the impact on healthcare costs, healthcare efficiency and coordination, and patients' experience of care.
ACTMed uses information technology and financial incentives to encourage pharmacists to work more closely with general practitioners to reduce the risk of harm, improve patients' experience of care, streamline workflows, and increase the efficiency of medical care.
The study protocol outlines a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial in 42 Queensland primary care practices that will assess the effectiveness of the ACTMed intervention aimed at improving medication safety and reducing adverse events.
The trial is being conducted in two phases, with the pilot phase completed and the main trial already underway.
The primary outcome will be the proportion of people at risk of serious medication-related problems - patients with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - who experience such problems.
The trial will be supported by a data safety monitoring board, which will be responsible for monitoring patient safety throughout the trial.
The trial will also be registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, to ensure that the study is conducted in accordance with established ethical guidelines.
The findings of the trial will be distributed through a comprehensive dissemination plan, which will be developed by the research team, the steering committee, the consumer advisory group, project partners, and representatives from some participating practices.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will be supported in designing and leading meaningful community-level communication in formats of their choice, say the researchers.
The study is expected to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of a digital strategy for reducing medication-related problems in primary care. JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 11 Sep 23
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