The Impact Of Electronic Medication Administration Records (e-MAR) On Medication Administration Safety And Nurses' Work
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,675.00
Summary
The demands on health systems, both nationally and internationally, are growing, exacerbated by an ageing population and health workforce shortages. The incorporation of information technology into new health care delivery models promises both improvements in the safety and efficiency of care delivery. Medication errors are one of the most significant safety issues for health care systems. Medication management occupies a significant amount of nurses' time, and is also fraught with error potenti ....The demands on health systems, both nationally and internationally, are growing, exacerbated by an ageing population and health workforce shortages. The incorporation of information technology into new health care delivery models promises both improvements in the safety and efficiency of care delivery. Medication errors are one of the most significant safety issues for health care systems. Medication management occupies a significant amount of nurses' time, and is also fraught with error potential. One-third of all medication errors that cause patient harm arise from medication administration errors (MAEs). Electronic medication administration records (e-MARs) provide the potential to make the administration of medications safer for patients by reducing error rates, and also by allowing nurses to more efficiently manage medication tasks. However there is very limited research from Australia or overseas which has examined whether they computerised system work and in fact reduce error rates or save nurses time. In this project we will conduct prospective, controlled observational studies to determine the effectiveness of an electronic medication administration record (e-MAR) to reduce MAEs and the amount of time nurses spend in the medication administration process. The project will apply innovative data collection tools using PDA software purpose-built for these studies which have undergone extensive pilot testing in clinical settings. The results will have important implications for hospitals across Australia and internationally as they consider the implementation of e-MARs. This research will provide the first comprehensive data of medication administration errors in Australia against which future preventative error strategies can be evaluated. The results will provide the evidence needed to develop recommendations about how to reduce MAEs and improve the design of e-MARs.Read moreRead less
Cognitive Pharmaceutical Services To Mental Health Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,473.00
Summary
It is estimated that more than 450 million people are suffering from a mental illness at any one time. Medications are the main method of treatment for people with mental illnesses. The types of medications used for mental illnesses are commonly associated with side effects and high rates of discontinuation. The aim of this research is to develop a pharmacy management service, in conjunction with other health care professionals, to help patients and their carers to manage their medications.
A Long-Lasting Oral Drug Delivery System Using Spiky Silica Nanoparticles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
This project aims to develop a novel silica nanoparticle-based delivery system for long-lasting oral drug delivery. The particles will be engineered with a spiky morphology that will increase adhesion to the gastrointestinal tract enabling sustained drug release for days or even weeks. Longer lasting oral drug formulations would make it much easier for patients to adhere to the treatment schedules required in chronic diseases like HIV and increase the effectiveness of therapy.
An Investigation Into The Efficacy Of Medication Warnings About Driving
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$47,427.00
Summary
It is recognised that the impairing effects of psychotropic medications can have harmful effects on traffic safety, particularly in the case of sleep medications such as benzodiazepines, however the effectiveness of these labels is largely unknown. The PhD will evaluate two approaches to medication warnings used in Australia and France. Results will inform patient care and prescribing advice and labelling, and could support the adoption of the model European labelling.
Improving Medicine Adherence In Kidney Transplantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,953.00
Summary
More people require kidney transplants which are in short supply. Poor adherence to prescribed medicines risks kidney transplant rejection and increased morbidity. This project will develop and test a program to help adults requiring a kidney transplant to take their medicines as prescribed. Better medicine adherence results in improved graft life, general well-being, and reduced health care costs. Our industry partners share this vision of improved health for kidney transplant patients.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction In Atrial Fibrillation (CRAFT)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$153,975.00
Summary
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) affects 240,000 Australians and rates of AF are rising. AF presents a significant economic burden. AF is debilitating and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, or premature death. People with AF have high levels of cardiovascular risk and recommendations suggest they make lifestyle changes. These recommendations are not strongly evidence based. We aim to test if a lifestyle intervention can improve adherence and develop evidence to support the recommendations.