Published on 18 Mar 2009 at 06:18 pm

Since the release of the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement in 2005, there has been significant concern that it doesn’t reflect the process for medication management in Aged Care Facilities and Private Hospitals. In light of this, the Australian Government has released a discussion paper proposing fundamental changes to the supply of PBS medicines in these settings. To support a more efficient system with a greater focus on care, APHS has compiled an extensive submission commenting on current guideline inefficiencies and potential reforms.

One of the key recommendations supported by APHS is the introduction of a prescription-less PBS model. This is a critical reform in order to relieve the administrative burden currently placed on private hospitals and aged care facilities. This model has been successfully trialled by APHS, as well as several other Victorian pharmacy providers, in various private hospitals over the last 10 years. In introducing this model the patient or resident’s medication chart can be used as the pharmacy order for the supply of PBS medication, as well as a record of medication delivery and drug administration. This not only decreases the level of paperwork but is a major step towards improving patient safety.

Another proposed reform is to potentially extend authority applications, allowing pharmacists to seek authority for medication with approved indications. This could apply to medication which does not require clinical information to confirm dosage, i.e. that determined by pathology results. By introducing a streamlined authority process, under the principles of medication continuance, this would not only relieve the administrative onus on Medical Practitioners but increase the timeliness of medication dispensing. This presents an important step forward, especially in the case of aged care facilities where the majority of residents require long-term therapy for chronic conditions.

Working in partnership with private hospitals and aged care facilities, APHS understands the ongoing problems encountered by healthcare staff as a result of the PBS guidelines. To support a strong working relationship, APHS is focused on driving reform which benefits our clients and their ability to deliver superior care. For your interest we have uploaded a complete overview of the APHS Submission.

APHS Submission to the Review of the Existing Supply Arrangement of PBS Medicines in Residential Aged Care Facilities and Private Hospitals: