Abstract
Introduction/Background
Poor medication management is a critical and intractable problem in residential aged care (RAC). Pharmacist-led medication reviews can reduce medication-related problems in RAC residents; however, their uptake is low despite the availability of a government-funded residential medication management review (RMMR) service. This study explored stakeholders' perceptions of RMMRs and the potential role of digital systems.
Method
We conducted 13 individual interviews and three focus group discussions with RAC consumers (n=6), staff (n=3), RMMR pharmacists (n=6) and prescribers (n=5). Interviews explored the current processes, perceived challenges and opportunities and suggestions for a digital tool to support the RMMR delivery. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed using an inductive coding approach.
Results/Findings
All stakeholders valued medication reviews in RACs. Despite a strong desire for involvement, consumers reported lacking knowledge and opportunities for effective engagement in the RMMR services. Healthcare providers perceived the current RMMR process as fragmented (resulting from siloed role perceptions among providers and a lack of interoperability between existing digital systems), lacking effective collaboration between healthcare providers, and limited by provider capacity (for example, lack of awareness and time constraints). Strengthening professional collaboration and GP-pharmacist communication, integrating digital systems, educating GPs, training pharmacists in holistic RMMRs, and supporting consumer engagement were discussed as enablers of RMMRs. For a digital tool aimed at facilitating RMMRs, stakeholders suggested features such as initiating referrals, managing consent, viewing progress, outcomes and reports, and integrating with RAC clinical and medication management systems for efficient information sharing.
Implications/Key Message
RAC consumers and healthcare providers share positive beliefs about RMMR services. However, the current fragmented state of digital systems as well as the limiting socio-organizational environment in RACs hinder the delivery of effective medication review services. An all-accessible and integrated digital tool could enhance the RMMR process and outcomes for residents in RACs
Poor medication management is a critical and intractable problem in residential aged care (RAC). Pharmacist-led medication reviews can reduce medication-related problems in RAC residents; however, their uptake is low despite the availability of a government-funded residential medication management review (RMMR) service. This study explored stakeholders' perceptions of RMMRs and the potential role of digital systems.
Method
We conducted 13 individual interviews and three focus group discussions with RAC consumers (n=6), staff (n=3), RMMR pharmacists (n=6) and prescribers (n=5). Interviews explored the current processes, perceived challenges and opportunities and suggestions for a digital tool to support the RMMR delivery. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed using an inductive coding approach.
Results/Findings
All stakeholders valued medication reviews in RACs. Despite a strong desire for involvement, consumers reported lacking knowledge and opportunities for effective engagement in the RMMR services. Healthcare providers perceived the current RMMR process as fragmented (resulting from siloed role perceptions among providers and a lack of interoperability between existing digital systems), lacking effective collaboration between healthcare providers, and limited by provider capacity (for example, lack of awareness and time constraints). Strengthening professional collaboration and GP-pharmacist communication, integrating digital systems, educating GPs, training pharmacists in holistic RMMRs, and supporting consumer engagement were discussed as enablers of RMMRs. For a digital tool aimed at facilitating RMMRs, stakeholders suggested features such as initiating referrals, managing consent, viewing progress, outcomes and reports, and integrating with RAC clinical and medication management systems for efficient information sharing.
Implications/Key Message
RAC consumers and healthcare providers share positive beliefs about RMMR services. However, the current fragmented state of digital systems as well as the limiting socio-organizational environment in RACs hinder the delivery of effective medication review services. An all-accessible and integrated digital tool could enhance the RMMR process and outcomes for residents in RACs
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2024 |
Event | 13th Health Services Research Conference: Health Services Research in the Digital Age - Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Duration: 4 Dec 2024 → 6 Dec 2024 https://eventstudio.eventsair.com/hsr-2024-conference/ |
Conference
Conference | 13th Health Services Research Conference |
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Abbreviated title | HSR 2024 |
Country/Territory | Australia |
City | Brisbane |
Period | 4/12/24 → 6/12/24 |
Internet address |