Date:24/08/12

Aus state delivers electronic medication management programme

Managing medication electronically is under the spotlight in the Australian State of New South Wales – with the government allocating US$170 million (AUD$170 million) on an ambitious medications management programme, the FutureGov reported.

This Electronic Medications Management System is part of a raft of e-health reforms being spearheaded by the State Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner and policy architects across the public healthcare network.

During an interview with FutureGov Magazine, Minister Skinner said there is often a lack of clarity about the way medication is prescribed. There have been episodes – both public and unreported – where inadvertent accidents have occurred due to inappropriate medication, or lack of access to the right information.

Minister Skinner said an integrated sharing of information remained crucial, especially as patients moved between personal physicians, clinicians, nurses and other healthcare providers within the system.

"Medication error remains the single most common type of medical incident reported at hospitals," she noted. "There are also cases of omissions or overdose that may or may not be reported." The impact of "adverse drug events and medication errors" is being felt throughout the State’s public healthcare system. An independent study shows these oversights are costing public hospitals US$380 million (AUD$380 million) each year.

These oversights stem from inadvertent errors and sometimes poorly-coordinated information between healthcare providers. The State’s Electronic Medications Management System seeks to significantly reduce errors, while improving patient safety and supporting a quality use of medicines.

This initiative also supports informed decision-making, especially at the grassroots, Minister Skinner said. "It’s all about improving the quality and safety of activities involving the acquisition and use of medicines across NSW health services." The problem is compounded because there are different settings within a state-run healthcare environment. Medication may be prescribed differently, or delivered at various times, and places to a patient.

This medication may come in different permutations, and often from different sources, or prescribers. Additionally, consumers often source over-the-counter drugs that may not be reported to a treating clinician. The healthcare sector needs a more integrated knowledge base about what is being prescribed, its effects, and overall monitoring regimes, Minister Skinner observed. A detailed review, rethink, planning and delivery of electronically-supported programmes will help plug existing information gaps. "We’re investing millions of dollars in healthcare," Minister Skinner noted. "The patient’s interest is crucial.

Electronic medication management offers an important step with building a complete picture of patients’ history." New South Wales’ Electronic Medications Management System has featured several pilots and trials. Funding for this initiative was first announced in June 2011 – with a broader roll-out scheduled through to 2018.

This initiative factors in medication safety policies and guidelines involving hospitals, clinicians, personal GPs, specialists and allied health professionals. E-health reforms being showcased at FutureHealth Forum Australia, Wednesday 17th April 2013 Sydney, Australia

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