The federal government’s decision to overturn a commitment to provide $345.7 million over four years to fund the embedding of an accredited pharmacist in residential aged care homes is as disappointing as it is surprising, the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) says.
“Regular medication reviews and Improved medication management in aged care homes was a recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission aimed at improving the quality of care in residential aged care,” ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson says.
“A successful trial in selected aged care homes in 2021 found residents were able to have their medications reviewed and managed onsite by an accredited pharmacist. It also ensured the pharmacist was able to interact with the resident’s GP and provide advice to on site clinical staff.
“Regular reviews of medication for residents and access to on site advice is critical to ensuring the types of medication prescribed and dosages remain relevant. This ensures quality and consistency of standards of the review.
“Medicines clearly have beneficial effects which can improve health and wellbeing, but some may also have harmful unintended consequences. An accredited pharmacist on site can review medication where a resident has had unintended effects to ensure dosages are administered correctly.
“The government has announced that the funding for pharmacy services to aged care homes will go towards community pharmacists to conduct Resident Medication Management Reviews (RMMR).”
