RECOMMENDATIONS proposed by the Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's calling for improved access to quality medication management reviews for people receiving aged care are being welcomed by the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA).
SHPA CEO, Kristin Michaels, said recommendations highlighted by the Counsel Assisting, reflected the importance of facilitating hospital pharmacist expertise at crucial points in the care journey of older patients.
"The crucial role of pharmacy in aged care is undeniable, with Australian research indicating 91% of aged care residents take at least five regular medicines, and 65% take more than 10, every day," she said.
"The recommendation (18) to engage a pharmacist as part of minimum allied health care, supported by capped base payments per resident and activity-based payments for the direct care provided, is a strong step toward reducing medicines misuse and medication-related hospitalisations and injuries among this vulnerable cohort.
"Importantly, and as advocated by SHPA, the presence of a dedicated geriatric medicine pharmacist will ensure the optimal efficacy of Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMRs) for aged care residents, and we welcome the recommendation (70) to allow and fund pharmacists from 01 Jan 2022 to conduct reviews on entry to residential care, and annually thereafter."
Michaels also voiced support for recommendations focused on transition of care, noting "care teams are flying blind if medication histories and medication reconciliations are not conducted and communicated clearly after care transitions".
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