A NEW pharmacist-led study will trial medication safety rounds in aged care homes to prevent medication-induced harm and improve resident care.
The study is a direct response to recommendations in the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to implement pharmacist models of care in aged care homes.
Australia is one of the first countries to implement onsite pharmacists in aged care homes, and the study will equip pharmacists, nurses and aged care workers with tools to identify medication issues early and develop safe action plans for residents.
"Aged care residents take multiple medications, and this can increase the likelihood of medication errors and adverse events," said study lead Associate Professor Janet Sluggett, from the University of SA.
"Now, as a result of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, pharmacists are working onsite in aged care homes to help address this issue, but we need to provide them with new tools to proactively address medication safety issues," she said.
A/Prof Sluggett explained that the new medication safety rounds draw on the evidence-based principles of nurse-led palliative care needs rounds, where patients are regularly monitored by a multidisciplinary team of experts to assess and cater for their changing needs.
"Our rounds will work in a similar way where pharmacists, nurses and other aged care team members engage in monthly meetings to ensure medications are being used safely and effectively."
"This pharmacist-led approach will help to identify and address potential problems with medication use, such as drug interactions, inappropriate prescriptions, and opportunities for deprescribing, with any changes identified actioned to ensure optimal resident care."
The study, funded to the tune of almost $1 million by the MRFF, will be conducted in partnership with six aged care providers and supported by a diverse team of experts in pharmacy, medicine, nursing, aged care, consumer engagement and health economics.
"With Australia's aged care system undergoing major reforms, including the introduction of onsite pharmacists, this project leverages a critical window of opportunity to develop a new care model focused on reducing medication-induced harm and improving resident's health and wellbeing," A/Prof Sluggett concluded. KB
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