Pharmacy Daily | AdPha and RACGP team up on transition

ADVANCED Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) have released the Transitions of Care resource for doctors, pharmacists and patients.

A collaboration between AdPha and RACGP through their respective expert committees, the Medication Management at Transitions of Care resource kit is now available to help patients and their care teams through one of the riskiest stages of the patient journey.

The Resource Kit comprises three resources to support clear, accurate and timely communication as patients transition through careproviders:

1. Practice Update: Medication Management at Transitions of Care clearly defines the role of the hospital pharmacist, general practice pharmacist, and the GP in delivering safe and quality medication management services to their patients transitioning between acute and primary care.

2. Resource for healthcare professionals: Safe Medication Management at Transitions of Care supports healthcare professionals ensure safe and effective medication management during patient transitions between caresettings.

3. Resources for consumers: Medication safety when moving between the community and hospital helps consumers manage their medicines safely when moving between home and hospital.

AdPha President Tom Simpson said it is imperative that doctors, pharmacists and patients are provided with the tools and resources they need to safely navigate this complex area of a patient's health journey.

"Research shows medication-related adverse events occur in approximately 20% of patients following discharge, two-thirds of which are considered preventable.

"Safely transitioning from primary to acute care, and back to primary care following a significant health event, relies on clear, accurate and timely communication between healthcare providers in both sectors, and with the patient and/or their carer.

"Often, it is the lack of clear, accurate and timely communication, and clearly defined, agreed responsibilities at transitions of care, that lead to medication-related errors and adverse events."

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the new resources are a valuable tool.

"We are proud to have partnered with Advanced Pharmacy Australia to develop the Medication Management at Transitions of Care Resource Kit," Dr Wright said.

"These resources are a valuable tool that will support patient safety and reduce medication mishaps when people are transitioning between the community setting and hospital."

The resource kit is HERE. KB