Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) release Transitions of Care resource for doctors, pharmacists and patients.
Developed by AdPha and RACGP in collaboration though their respective expert committees, a first-of-its-kind Medication Management at Transitions of Care resource kit is now available to help Australians, and their care teams, through one of the riskiest stages of the patient journey.
Available now for public access through both AdPha and RACGP, the Resource Kit comprises three resources to support clear, accurate and timely communication as patients transition through care providers:
- Practice Update: Medication Management at Transitions of Care clearly defines the role of the hospital pharmacist, general practice pharmacist (GPP), and the general practitioner (GP) in delivering safe and quality medication management services to their patients transitioning between acute and primary care.
- Resource for healthcare professionals: Safe Medication Management at Transitions of Care supports healthcare professionals in ensuring safe and effective medication management during patient transitions between care settings.
- Resources for consumers: Medication safety when moving between the community and hospital helps consumers manage their medicines safely when moving between home and hospital. Recognised as a key issue by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, transitions of care typically involve complex care arrangements, multiple care providers and interdisciplinary teams at various stages of care.
AdPha President Tom Simpson FANZCAP (Leds&Mgmt) says it is imperative that doctors, pharmacists and patients are provided with the tools and resources they need to safely navigate this complex area of a patient's health journey.
"Research shows medication-related adverse events occur in approximately 20% of patients following discharge, two-thirds of which are considered preventable," he said.
"Safely transitioning from primary to acute care, and back to primary care following a significant health event, relies on clear, accurate and timely communication between healthcare providers in both sectors, and with the patient and/or their carer.
"Often, it is the lack of clear, accurate and timely communication, and clearly defined, agreed responsibilities at transitions of care, that lead to medication-related errors and adverse events.
"As pharmacy and medical teams work together to guide patients through care transitions, it's fantastic they now have a resource kit to promote continuity of care, optimise medication management, and reduce the risk of medication-related issues.
"I'd like to acknowledge all those at AdPha and RACGP involved in the development of this important resource. It's wonderful to see such collaboration across our respective professions, practicing interdisciplinary partnerships to improve patient care."
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright says the new resources are a valuable tool.
"Improving the transitions in care between general practice and hospitals is a priority for the RACGP," he said.
"We are proud to have partnered with Advanced Pharmacy Australia to develop the Medication Management at Transitions of Care Resource Kit. These resources are a valuable tool that will support patient safety and reduce medication mishaps when people are transitioning between the community setting and hospital.
"Appropriate clinical handover reduces the risk of readmission to hospital after discharge. These resources will strengthen collaboration between specialist GPs, general practice-based pharmacists, and hospital pharmacists to ensure best practice team care and better patient outcomes."
The Transitions of Care resources are available here.
