Quality Use of Medicines

The purpose of the General Practice NSW Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) program is to foster linkages between the Pharmacy Guild Australia (PGA), NPS and the Divisions network in NSW with the view to improving the quality use of medicines in NSW.

The Program fosters formal links with the HMR Facilitators Program and with the National Prescribing Service (NPS). Informal relationships are also maintained across GP NSW programs and NSW State Health where QUM may be an issue.

The MMR Facilitator Services Program

The Home Medication Review (HMR) (also known as Domiciliary Medication Management Review - DMMR) is a consumer-focused, structured and collaborative service provided in the community setting which aims to optimise quality use of medicines and consumer understanding. It involves the consumer, their general practitioner, their pharmacy, and other relevant members of the health care team in a comprehensive review of medications in the home setting

The Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMR) is a mirror service provided to Commonwealth funded residents of aged care facilities.

The MMR Facilitator Services Program provides support, advice, education and information to pharmacists and GPs in their local area about HMRs and RMMRs. MMR facilitators are employed in most Divisions of General Practice across Australia.

The program is part of the Fourth Pharmacy Agreement between the Pharmacy Guild Australia (PGA) and DoHA and jointly administered by the PGA and the Australian General Practice Network.

The Pharmacy Guild Australia (NSW) State Co-ordinator has main carriage of this program and provides mentoring, advice and training for the facilitators in NSW. General Practice NSW provides support and advice to the State Co-ordinator and Divisions while liaising with several stakeholders and across a range of programs to work towards a coordinated QUM approach in NSW.

The National Prescribing Service

NPS is an independent, non-profit organisation providing medicines information and resources for consumers, health professionals, members and stakeholders involved in Quality Use of Medicines.

GP NSW works with NPS to disseminate information to Divisions on NPS programs and to find linkages between NPS and Division programs.

More information

To find out more about QUM, contact Claudia Giugni at General Practice NSW on 02 9239 2912 or email claudiagiugni@gpnsw.com.au