UQ pharmacy students support quality use of medicines in our RACHs

Brisbane North PHN's Healthy Ageing team recently hosted two fourth-year pharmacy students from The University of Queensland (UQ) on a research placement.

The students applied their Quality Use of Medicine knowledge to investigate access to end-of-life medication in Residential Aged Care Homes across our region.

UQ students Anna and Tapiwa made a valuable contribution to the PHN through their research project findings, and also gained experience from a different perspective in health.

“Before this placement, I wasn’t very familiar with Brisbane North PHN, but I now recognise the breadth of their role in strengthening primary care across the community, including but not limited to aged care. Working with them in the context of end-of-life medicines showed me how they support collaboration and help address real barriers in care delivery," said student Anna.

"This experience has taught me the value of strong health partnerships and reminded me of the difference that timely, coordinated care can make for patients and their families, lessons I will carry with me into my future career." – Anna.

“Before the placement, I did not really know about the Brisbane North PHN or about the work that they do. Over the course of the 6-week placement, my perception of the PHN has changed. I am now more aware that the PHN plays a huge role in identifying any gaps in the healthcare system with the main aim of improving the health system in various ways. This placement taught me about the work that goes into planning out a project, it also taught me the importance of teamwork and communication, and these are some of the things that I will take forward with me,” said Tapiwa.

We wish Anna and Tapiwa the best in their future careers.