Medication safety and support for RACH residents
Brisbane North PHN is proud to be supporting the implementation of the Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist measure in all Residential Aged Care Homes in our region.
Aged Care Onsite Pharmacists
Brisbane North PHN works with Aged Care Onsite Pharmacists (ACOPs), Pharmacy providers and Residential Aged Care Homes (RACH) to support the quality and safe use of medicines for all residents.
What is an ACOP?
An Aged Care On-Site Pharmacist (ACOP) is a credentialed pharmacist who works within a 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 RACHs.
This Measure aims to:
- improve medication use and safety in RACHs, 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.
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.
Information for Pharmacists
Thinking of becoming an ACOP? Or have a Pharmacist in mind that you would like to ask to be your ACOP? Download our handy brochure with all the information you need.
Are you already an ACOP working in the Brisbane North region? Join our ACOP Community of Practice today to connect with other ACOPs, share information and resources, find opportunities for collaboration, and provide one another with peer support. To register your interest, fill in a contact us form and one of our friendly staff members will reach out to help you sign up.
Explore if an ACOP is right for your facility
One-on-one support calls are now available for all RACHs in the Brisbane North PHN region to discuss the Measure and explore if this is a good fit for your current circumstance. To book in one-on-one support, fill out a contact us form and one of our friendly staff members will contact you to arrange a suitable time.
