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The role of medication advisory committees in residential aged care services.

Authors :: Picton L
Lalic S
Ryan-Atwood TE
Stewart K
Kirkpatrick CM
Dooley MJ
Turner JP
Bell JS
Source :: Research in social & administrative pharmacy : RSAP [Res Social Adm Pharm] 2020 Oct; Vol. 16 (10), pp. 1401-1408. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jan 28.
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: Background: There is increasing international interest in initiatives to reduce medication-related harm and preventable hospitalizations in residential aged care services (RACS). The Australian Government recommends that RACS establish multidisciplinary Medication Advisory Committees (MACs). No previous research has specifically investigated the structures and functioning of MACs. Objectives: To explore the current structures and functioning of MACs, and identify opportunities for MACs to better promote safe and effective medication use. Methods: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with a maximum variation sample of health professionals (n = 44) across four health services operating across 27 RACS in rural and regional Victoria, Australia. Qualitative data were analyzed using deductive and inductive content analyses. Results were presented to a multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 13) to identify opportunities for improvement. Results: Deductively coded themes included composition and functioning of the MAC, education and information needs and support to better manage polypharmacy. Emergent inductively coded themes included general medical practitioner (GP) and pharmacist engagement, collaboration and effectiveness. Participation by GPs and pharmacists was variable, while no MACs involved residents or family carers. Aged care specific and multidisciplinary MACs were generally more proactive in addressing potential medication-related harm. Education to identify and report adverse drug events with high risk medications was identified as a priority. The multidisciplinary panel made 12 recommendations to promote safe and effective medication use. Conclusion: Despite all MACs having a strong commitment to medication safety, opportunities exist to improve the composition and structure, proactive identification and response to emerging issues, and systems for staff, resident and family carer training. (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)