Consultant Pharmacists Australia (CoPA) is on a mission to empower Australians with the essential knowledge and support necessary for safe and quality medication management. The primary focus of CoPA, is shining a spotlight on the federally funded Home Medicines Review (HMR) service. Currently, around 140,000 Australians per year receive referrals for a HMR from their general practitioner, but CoPA members believe that many more could benefit from this service.
Recent statistics serve as a reminder of the critical importance of appropriate medication management. Approximately 500,000 Australians present to emergency departments each year due to medication-related issues, resulting in around 250,000 hospital admissions, half of which are preventable.
CoPA recently launched a nationwide consumer awareness Community Service Announcement (CSA) designed to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals managing multiple medications. The CSA prominently features Deborah Hawthorne, Consultant Pharmacist of the Year for 2023 and CoPA’s founder, along with other highly respected credentialed pharmacists as they provide indispensable support for medication use.
Deborah and her colleagues say, “The goal of the Home Medicines Review program is to help consumers get the best out of their medications and reduce the risk of medication-related harm. While HMRs have been available for over two decades, raising awareness about access to them is needed.”
“As pharmacists, we deeply understand the concerns and impacts medications can have on a person’s life, especially when managing numerous prescriptions and supplements,” Deborah emphasized.
“HMRs, undertaken by credentials pharmacists, are a free service accessible to the majority of Australians. They aim to offer guidance and support in medication management.”
Deborah elaborated, “HMRs are a patient-centred service that can empower individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their medicines, effectively navigate changes, prevent and manage potential side effects, and maximise the benefits of their medications.” The CSA also highlights that an HMR involves collaboration between patients, their carers, pharmacists, and doctors.
Consultant Pharmacists Australia urges all healthcare providers and individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier future by initiating conversations about a HMR with their GPs. This dialogue is key to accessing this vital service, bringing care and confidence into your home, and ensuring that everyone receives the support they need to manage their medicines effectively.
