Home medicines review (Australia)

A service to optimize medication use in Australia

Home Medicines Review (Australia)

The Home Medicines Review (HMR) is a collaborative service in Australia designed to enhance the quality use of medicines and reduce medication-related problems. It involves a comprehensive review of a patient's medications by a qualified pharmacist in the patient's home, followed by a report to the patient's general practitioner (GP).

Home Medicine Review Process

Purpose

The primary aim of the Home Medicines Review is to optimize the use of medications and improve health outcomes for patients. It targets individuals who are at risk of medication mismanagement, such as those taking multiple medications, recently discharged from hospital, or experiencing changes in their medication regimen.

Process

The HMR process begins with a referral from a GP to an accredited pharmacist. The pharmacist then visits the patient at home to conduct a thorough review of all medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and complementary medicines.

During the home visit, the pharmacist assesses the patient's understanding of their medications, adherence to the prescribed regimen, and any potential drug interactions or side effects. The pharmacist then prepares a report with recommendations, which is sent back to the GP for further action.

Benefits

The Home Medicines Review offers several benefits, including:

• Improved medication adherence and understanding.
• Identification and resolution of medication-related problems.
• Enhanced communication between healthcare providers and patients.
• Reduction in hospital admissions related to medication issues.

Eligibility

Patients eligible for an HMR include those who are at risk of medication mismanagement, such as older adults, individuals with complex medication regimens, or those with chronic conditions. The service is funded by the Australian Government under the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Challenges

Despite its benefits, the HMR program faces challenges such as limited awareness among patients and healthcare providers, logistical issues in coordinating home visits, and funding constraints.

Pharmacist conducting a review

Related pages

• Pharmacy in Australia
• Medication management
• General practitioner
• Medicare (Australia)