Researchers tackle one of our biggest health challenges Researchers from the Kolling Institute will support a national project to address the inappropriate use of medications in residential aged care.
The initiative, to be co-ordinated by Monash University’s Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, was awarded $2 million through the Medical Research Future Fund. It will see pharmacists embedded in residential aged care facilities, so they can implement evidence-based recommendations to improve the use of psychotropic medications in people living with dementia and in aged care.
Through this project, pharmacists will work closely with nurses, GPs, residents and their families to provide training in managing changed behaviours and to co-ordinate education using evidence-based resources. Kolling researcher Professor Sarah Hilmer, a leading geriatrician and clinical pharmacologist, has welcomed the opportunity to be part of the research team. “Importantly, this project will help implement best practice for the vulnerable people living in aged care,” she said.
The group will lead the development of quality use of medicines indicators for antipsychotics, benzodiazapines and antidepressants. The four-year program will be run in partnership with the University of Queensland, Flinders University, University of Sydney and five aged care providers in Western Australia, Victoria, NSW and Queensland. “Importantly, this project vulnerable people living in aged care,” she said. “It’s exciting to work with this multidisciplinary team to improve care in this complex environment.” will help implement best practice for the
Australian research suggests more than
60 per cent of residents use psychotropic medications, like antidepressants on a regular basis, and more than 90 per cent of residents experience one or more medication-related problems.
“It’s exciting to work with this multidisciplinary team to improve care in this complex environment.”
The project will involve the NSW Therapeutic Advisory Group, which is chaired by Sarah.
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NSLHDNEWS | 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
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