QUM report helps manage antipsychotic medicine use in residential aged care facilities

Aug 12 2013

NPS MedicineWise and Webstercare have collaborated for the first time on a project to assist in the review of antipsychotic medicine use in residential aged care facilities. 

The new functionality in the Webstercare Medication Management Software (MMS) allows pharmacists to produce a report on the use of antipsychotic medicines in each residential aged care facility for which they supply medicines.

NPS MedicineWise CEO Dr Lynn Weekes AM says that evidence suggests there is extensive off label use of antipsychotics for dementia patients in residential aged care.

“While they can occasionally be effective for short term aggression and psychotic symptoms – we see them being used too often, for too long at high doses and in dangerous combinations,” says Dr Weekes.

“Incorrect use of these medicines can have serious consequences including an increased risk of falls, hip fractures and even death.”

The new reporting mechanism will enable pharmacists to provide information to staff working in residential aged care facilities and aid them in understanding, analysing and effectively managing the appropriate use of antipsychotic medicines for their residents.

Dr Weekes says that the new, in-depth quality use of medicines (QUM) report in the Webstercare software provides staff with objective measurements that enable them to establish a baseline and identify patterns of use over time, and even compare their antipsychotic medicine use with published studies.

“By partnering with Webstercare on this project, we hope to ensure a more appropriate use of antipsychotics in residential aged care facilities in the long term,” she says.

Webstercare CEO Mr Gerard Stevens AM says that NPS MedicineWise and Webstercare are committed to supporting the aged care industry in its endeavour to ensure the safe use of antipsychotics and to improve care in line with evidence-based guidelines.

“The QUM report identifies residents who may benefit from a medicine review from their doctor,” says Mr Stevens.

“It will provide valuable data for the local Medicine Advisory Committees within residential aged care facilities to review at their regular meetings. The residential aged care facilities that were part of the pilot program received it very positively, saying that the report has the capability of changing practice.

“The report could also help a residential aged care facility meet the Accreditation Standards for Residential Aged Care in areas such as continuous improvement, medication management and behavioural management.”

The QUM reports are available as part of pharmacies’ latest software update of Webstercare’s Professional and Professional Plus Medication Management Software (MMS).