General Facts
Quality Use of Medicines
What is quality use of medicines?
Quality use of medicines means ensuring that medicines are used most effectively
to achieve longer and better lives. This includes prescribing and providing
access to the right medicine for each particular patient. Quality use will
also require the use of other forms of treatment when these are more appropriate
or complement the medicines prescribed. Quality use will further ensure that
a prescribed medicine is having its intended effect and that the patient is
using it properly.
What is the impact of improper use of medicines?
The National Health Survey of 1995 revealed that over 6.5 million Australians
had taken a medication in the previous two weeks.1 Most
people who use their prescribed medicine to treat an illness receive a major
health benefit without significant complications. However, problems with medication
may arise because of intentional abuse, misuse, interaction between drugs and
side effects. In more serious cases, this can lead to hospitalisation or the
need for further treatment. Inappropriate use of medicines in general can lead
to patient discomfort, inadequate treatment or wastage of taxpayer funds.
Who defines "quality use"?
Governments, prescribers, educators and consumers all see quality use of
medicines differently. In particular, doctors may consider that prescribing
restrictions or guidelines limit their freedom to prescribe a medicine for
an individual patient, given the individual's medical need, coexisting conditions
and patient history. Similarly, governments and advisory bodies want to encourage
what they see as best practice to improve health outcomes and contain cost.
All parties agree that further research to aid the clinical judgement of doctors
will assist the quality use of medicines.
Why is quality use of medicines difficult to achieve?
Quality use of medicines requires cooperation between healthcare providers
and consumers, as well as quality information on the best paths of treatment.
These factors are not always present. Quality use may be undermined if cost
considerations are given undue emphasis over restoring the patient's health.
What has been done to improve the use of medicines?
Australia has had a national strategy on the quality use of medicines since
1992. The current strategy aims for a national approach involving all stakeholders.
It further aims to improve knowledge about best practice and communicate this
information to healthcare providers.2Programs
implemented include the development of information for consumers on medicines,
medication review kits for health professionals, and the development of a best
practice model for managing medication in aged care facilities. The Government
also funds the National Prescribing Service (NPS) to provide healthcare professionals
with information on medicines.
What role has the medicines industry played in improving
the quality use of medicines?
The peak body of Australia's medicines industry, Medicines Australia, has
stated that its members are committed to the quality use of medicines. It has
recently further enhanced its Code of Conduct to ensure that promotion of medicine
includes the necessary information to assist doctors to prescribe appropriately
and within the guidelines of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The
pharmaceutical industry also aids the quality use of medicines through the
development of prescribing support programs and contributing to doctors' continuing
medical education.
What impact will improved technology have on quality
use of medicines?
The information technology revolution is already improving the use of medicines
in several ways. It is providing doctors with better information to decide
on the right treatment for a patient. Barcoding and scanning technology reduces
the rate of medication errors by providing additional checks before a patient
is given treatment. Finally, data technology also allows doctors to access
a patient's previous clinical history, including other medications, before
prescribing. There are still many opportunities to improve access to these
technologies in the healthcare system and ensure patients receive the most
appropriate treatment.
The Pfizer Australia View
- Quality use of medicines is a high priority as it ensures that patients
get the full benefit of medicines and that the taxpayer gets maximum value
for the healthcare dollar.
- Doctors aim to make the best decisions for their patients as individuals
and, where possible, should be supported with quality information rather
than constrained in their treatment options.
- A partnership approach between the National Prescribing Service and the
pharmaceutical industry can more effectively promote quality use of medicines.
- Information technology through prescribing support software, improved
patient data and product identification has the capacity to significantly
improve the quality use of medicines.
1. Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare, Australia’s
Health 2002
2. Commonwealth of Australia 2002, National Strategy for the Quality Use of
Medicines; and Quality Use of Medicines. Statement of Priorities and Strategic
Action Plan 2001-2003