Studies show up to three-quarters of aged care residents are on at least one potentially inappropriate medication.
While the research also says less than one per cent of these cases are serious, it has been shown that the more medications you take, the higher your risk of falls and other complications.
Now Goodwin is tackling the issue head-on. They have hired an accredited pharmacist, Richard Thorpe, to oversee medication reviews and cut down on the number of antibiotics and antipsychotic drugs being prescribed to residents after a successful six-month trial.
The aged care provider created the role after its work with the University of Canberra proved that while there was strong evidence pharmacists resulted in safer medication dispensation for residents, there were no facilities that had an on-site pharmacist.
It’s innovative thinking – and one that will make a real difference to Goodwin’s residents and clients.
Well done to them.
