Medication safety and support for RACH residents
Brisbane North PHN works with Aged Care Onsite Pharmacists and Residential Aged Care Homes to support quality and safe use of medicines for residents.
Aged Care Onsite Pharmacists
Brisbane North PHN works with Aged Care Onsite Pharmacists (ACOPs), Pharmacy providers and Residential Aged Care Homes to support quality and safe use of medicines for residents.
What is an ACOP?
An aged care on-site pharmacist (ACOP) is a credentialed pharmacist who works within a residential aged care home (RACH). The ACOP brings their expertise in medication management and pharmacotherapy to provide collaborative and integrated care for all residents as part of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. They work closely with GPs, RACH nurses, other health care professionals, and facility management to improve health outcomes of residents, build confidence with families and carers, and improve processes.
Additional reading: role description for the aged care on-site pharmacist.
The ACOP Measure
Since 1 July 2024, funding has been available for community pharmacies and aged care providers to employ on-site pharmacists in residential aged care homes.
This Measure aims to:
- improve medication use and safety in residential aged care homes, including safe and appropriate use of high-risk medications
- provide continuity in medication management, such as day-to-day reviews of medications and prompt issue resolution
- provide easy access to pharmacist advice for residents and staff
- integrate on-site pharmacists with the healthcare team, including local general practitioners, nurses and community pharmacies
- increase understanding of individual resident needs.
For more information on the Measure and eligibility, visit the Department of Health Disability and Ageing's ACOP website.
To find out more about claiming the Measure and funding pathways visit, the Pharmacy Program Administrator's site.
ACOP in action
List benefits for RACH, patients, MDT
Link to 6 minute video from HNECC
Link to how ACOPs improve compliance under the New Aged Care Act flyer from the PHN Coop
Care Provider Connect
To enable better access to Pharmacy support for RACH residents within our region, Brisbane North PHN has created a portal to provide an avenue for:
- ACOPs and pharmacy providers to advertise their availability to provide services to residential aged care residents
- RACHs to advertise they have residents seeking an ACOP
- ACOPs and RACHs to more easily identify and connect with a facility or service provider matching their needs and requirements.
