RESPONDING to the findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, a recent government initiative aims to improve medication management in residential aged care facilities by introducing on-site pharmacists.
The pharmacists will play a crucial role in regularly reviewing medications, instilling confidence in residents and their families about the care provided.
The pharmacists will collaborate closely with aged care staff to ensure medication regimens are tailored to individual needs and facility requirements.
The government's plan involves allocating funding to pharmacies to employ pharmacists who will work on-site within residential aged care settings, serving in a clinical capacity.
The Health Dept stated in cases where community pharmacies are unable or unwilling to participate, Primary Health Networks will facilitate the engagement of pharmacists on behalf of the aged care facilities.
The initiative aims to achieve several objectives, including enhancing understanding of residents' unique medication needs, improving the safe and appropriate use of treatments, ensuring continuity in medication management, and providing easy access to pharmacy advice for both staff and residents.
To ensure pharmacists' competence, the Australian Pharmacy Council will continue to develop courses and accreditation standards. JG
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