THE upcoming MedsAware Deprescribing Action Week will help address the urgent need to broaden understanding around deprescribing, according to Kristin Michaels, CEO of Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha).
Taking place from 10-16 Mar, the campaign aims to encourage conversations around the risks associated with polypharmacy and the benefits of deprescribing.
"In Australia, 250,000 people are admitted to hospital each year due to medicated-related issues," Michaels pointed out.
"Numerous studies show that much of this can be attributed to polypharmacy and inappropriate use of medicines."
This year, MedsAware Week will focus on the safe and sustainable use of medicines, with the aim of highlighting ways to reduce the impact of medicines on the natural environment - particularly given Australia's health systems account for 7% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions.
"As health professionals we have a responsibility to be thinking about sustainability in everything we do," Michaels said.
"By taking small, conscious steps, beginning with a simple conversation between patient and health provider, we can all help reduce the environmental impact of medicines."
Since its launch in 2023, MedsAware Week has reached a cumulative Australian audience of more than 11 million, expanded its social media footprint by 30%, and enlisted seven partners representing medical, pharmacy and aged care stakeholder.
Michaels added, "Our hope for MedsAware 2025 is to show that deprescribing affords us the opportunity to not only improve medicines safety and patient care directly, but to contribute to a more sustainable and healthier planet".
Learn more about MedsAware Week here. JM
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