Pharmacists welcome Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the peak national body for pharmacists in Australia, welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of their intention to launch a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The Royal Commission is expected to investigate quality of care in private and government-run aged care facilities following the exposure of cases of neglect, elder abuse and other concerns.
“Inappropriate use of medication in aged care has been a concern for many years,” said PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson.
“We’ve seen reports that indicate over 50% of residents in some aged care facilities are receiving sedative type medications, have suboptimal pain control, and are taking medications that are no longer necessary. Crushing of medications puts residents at greater risk of side effects, including falls.”
The ABC’s Four Corners program has screened the first of a two-part investigation into the treatment of older Australians in aged care homes, including examples of inappropriate medicines use.
“These reports are particularly distressing to our members,” said Dr Jackson. “Pharmacists are a key group of health professionals who understand how much medicine safety and quality directly impacts the health and wellbeing of vulnerable residents in aged care facilities – both negatively and positively.
“Better co-ordination and greater investment in healthcare professionals like pharmacists needs to be built into the operation and design of aged care facilities.
“Research shows positive health outcomes are delivered in models where pharmacists and pharmacy services are embedded and integrated within aged care facilities. These pharmacists support doctors in making the right decisions about the use of medications, guide nurses in the correct administration of medications, and regularly review medications residents are taking.
“Unfortunately, what we see in practice is that all too often they are not there, and it is our aged care residents who pay the price,” said Dr Jackson.
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Media contact:
Jarryd Luke
Senior Communications Officer
0487 922 176
