New tailored medication service an easy pill to swallow
Older Australians will soon be able to access tailored medication management following a partnership between Australia’s leading medication review company and aged care providers Allity and Uniting AgeWell.
More than 66 percent of Australians aged 75 years and older are taking five or more medications each day (Source: Shutterstock)
The program, created by Ward Medication Management (Ward MM) and named Thrive, is a new clinical pharmacy service providing ongoing personalised medication plans in what is a world-first model of person-centred care.
With more than 66 percent of Australians aged 75 years and older taking five or more medications each day, the service reduces the risks of harm caused by taking multiple medication through DNA analysis, in-depth collaboration with the individuals health care team, regular medication plan updates and around-the-clock access to a team of clinical pharmacists specialising in geriatric medication.
The program is tailored through face-to-face consultations, DNA testing that determines the correct medication and dosage for every individual, medication coaching and 24/7 access to a specialist geriatric clinical pharmacist.
A simple DNA swab can reveal which medications an individual can metabolise well and which can’t, helping the tailored medication plan minimise side effects and maximise quality of life.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ward MM, Fiona Rhody-Nicoll hopes the service will provide peace of mind for carers and families.
“Thrive is designed to deliver a personalised approach to medication management and has been developed in response to the 400,000 Australians that have adverse drug reactions each year,” she says.
“Working in collaboration with GPs, our team of highly trained clinical pharmacists from Ward MM provide ongoing medication management plans to elderly Australians in need of support. This service will encourage independence whilst also increasing the quality of life for so many Australians suffering the effects of mismanaged medication.”
Head of Clinical Strategy and Development at Allity Aged Care, Stephen Wiblin says Thrive will help manage any medication side effects older Australians experience.
“Thrive provides another layer of care for those who are experiencing any negative effects of medications they’re taking. We strive to ensure the experience for residents is the best it can be and the patient-centric model of Thrive has proven to be highly effective in achieving this.”
General Manager Strategy and Business Development at Uniting AgeWell, Fonda Voukelatos is looking forward to seeing older Australians remain living independently for longer thanks to Thrive.
“We are excited to be one of the founding partners of Ward MM’s Thrive and provide proactive medication care to our clients. By collaborating with GPs and specialists, the Thrive service ultimately enables clients to live independently for longer.”
Thrive aims to deliver better healthcare outcomes, while lowering healthcare costs and will be available to all Australians from January next year, with a limited number of Allity residents already reaping the benefits and Uniting AgeWell clients living at home next in line.
The service will be available to older Australians living in aged care homes from $52 a week and those living independently for $72 a week, but can also be funded through a Government Home Care Package.
For more information on Thrive visit wardmm.com.au
