Updated medication management practice guidelines now available.
22 April 2020
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has updated practice guidelines for pharmacists on conducting medication management reviews and providing Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) services to residential aged care facilities to incorporate current best practice when providing these services.
The Guidelines for comprehensive medication management reviews provide pharmacists with best practice guidance when providing medication management review services, such as Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) and Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMRs).
PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said the updates to these guidelines are timely given the recent Federal Government announcements to make medication review programs available via telehealth and allow two additional HMR and RMMR follow-ups with patients following the initial review.
”The revised guidelines are designed to support pharmacists in providing quality medication management services and improve the quality use of medicines in the community,” he said.
“Pharmacists have an important role to play in reducing medication-related harm and ensuring medicines are used safely and appropriately.
”These guidelines will also provide guidance and support for pharmacists in implementing program changes in practice, such as the utilisation of follow-ups after the initial HMR or RMMR.”
They include guidance on considerations when recommending and undertaking follow-ups after the initial review, as well as highlighting the importance of collaboration and communication with the healthcare team and the role of pharmacists as part of this team when providing medication management review services.
The Guidelines for Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) services provides best practice guidance for pharmacists providing Quality Use of Medicines services in residential aged care facilities.
Information is provided on how to plan and undertake QUM activities that form part of a QUM Plan for the facility and will contribute to continuous quality improvement.
There are also examples of QUM activities that pharmacists may undertake and suggestions for the frequencies at which these activities should be undertaken are provided.
These Guidelines have been developed with funding provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and can be found at: www.psa.org.au/mmg
Media contact: PSA media: 0487 922 176
