PHARMACISTS have voiced their support for the Federal Government's $500 million cash injection into the aged care sector.
As part of the Government's response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Interim Report $25.5 million has been set aside for medication management programs (PD yesterday), in an effort to reduce medication misadventure and curb the use of chemical restraint in residential aged care facilities.
The fresh funding has been welcomed by Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (AACP) Chair, Dr Stephen Carter, who noted that while medication management reviews (MMRs) were only part of the structure to improve quality use of medicines in the sector, the additional funding "could only benefit the health care teams caring for older Australians".
"As one of the major credentialing bodies for accrediting pharmacists to conduct remunerated medication reviews in this country, the AACP supports this funding increase and stands ready to work with government as it implements changes to the current medication management programs to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medicines, and improved health outcomes for all older Australians," Carter said.
SHPA CEO, Kristin Michaels, also backed the Government's commitment, but flagged concerns that pharmacists' advice was not acted upon by prescribers.
"Investment to improve access to Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMRs) for aged care residents is welcome," she said.
"We are mindful, however, that research shows, in many cases, the majority of pharmacy recommendations made through RMMRs do not translate into action by prescribers."
Michaels said pharmacists in specialty geriatric roles were uniquely positioned to determine if antipsychotic medicines prescribing is appropriate, and recommended that pharmacists be embedded into aged care teams.
"Looking beyond the Royal Commission, the fact remains most aged care facilities do not have a pharmacist on staff, despite research consistently finding beneficial outcomes from the provision of clinical pharmacy services," she said.
"SHPA will continue to advocate for investment in clinical pharmacy services for aged care residents so pharmacists can identify and manage medication-related issues and reduce harm."
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