Pharmacy Daily | Pharmacy and the path to ‘optimal care’

A recent report published in the Medical Journal of Australia confirms the potential for community pharmacies to make a significant contribution to reducing the cost of unnecessary hospitalisations. The study by researchers at the University of SA and the BUPA Health Foundation shows that as many as one in four older hospital patients could have avoided admission had their medication and health risks been better managed. The researchers concluded that a quarter of hospital admissions were preceded by ‘sub-optimal care’, with up to $300 million being spent per year to treat elderly patients who were not on the correct drug regime. This report builds on the strong evidence that adverse medicine events account for thousands of hospital admissions per year. A relatively modest investment in the quality use of medicines would significantly reduce unnecessary hospital stays and premature aged care facility admissions. A comprehensive community pharmacy program addressing prescribing, adherence and compliance issues would provide the full value of the community’s investment in PBS medicines.

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