Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha)’s Standard of practice for pharmacy services specialising in transitions of care guides best practice pharmacy care in the higher risk spaces between care settings.
Available now in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research (JPPR) this new Pharmacy Standard claims to protect patients from harms arising from transitions of care – one of three key priority areas identified by the World Health Organization’s third Global Patient Safety Challenge:Medication Without Harm.
Lead author Katie Phillips FANZCAP (ToC, PrimCare) – Chair of Standard of Practice Working Group and Chair of the AdPha Transitions of Care and Primary Care Leadership Committee – says the Standards come at an important time as pressures on our health system increase with an ageing population.
‘People who have a safe and informed transition of care have better outcomes, are less likely to be readmitted to hospital, and have more time to do what is important to them.
‘Improving medication safety during transitions of care is everyone’s responsibility, and requires commitment and collaboration across all levels of the acute and primary care sectors.
‘Pharmacy services specialising in transitions of care are perfectly placed to lead the way, and transitions of care stewardship is now more than just a pipedream. These Standards have been decades in the making and a testament to all those who have pioneered in this space.
‘They will enable best practice for the provision of pharmacy services specialising in
transitions of care while complementing other significant publications, such as the forthcoming ACSQHC Medication Management at Transitions of Care Stewardship Framework.’
AdPha President Tom Simpson says the Standard highlights the critical contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants to ensure Australians receive optimal care while moving between healthcare providers.
‘Research shows medication-related adverse events occur in approximately 20% of patients following discharge, two-thirds of which are considered preventable.
‘We also know through studies that pharmacist-led interventions lead to substantial reductions in these hospital visits, emergency department visits and hospital readmissions compared to usual care.
‘Pharmacy teams are integral to supporting transitions of care episodes, which often involve
complex care arrangements. They facilitate continuity of care, optimise medication management and minimise the risk of medication misadventure.
‘These Standards will support the important work these advanced pharmacists do and help reduce avoidable medication-related errors, adverse events and hospitalisations.
‘I’d like to congratulate Katie and the team and supporting organisations including the Australian Association of Gerontology, Australian Patients Association and Australian Self-Care Alliance for bringing these important Standards together.’
The Standard of practice for pharmacy services specialising in transitions of care is now available through the October issue of the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research (JPPR), Australia’s leading scientific pharmacy journal, free to AdPha members.
