Improving timely access to palliative care medicines

Collaborating for better access 

To support palliative care in the community, SEMPHN partnered with North Western Melbourne PHN, Eastern Melbourne PHN and the Pharmaceutical Society Australia on an innovative Palliative Care Access to Core Medicines (PCAM) project, expanding on NWMPHN’s initial project to cover all of Greater Melbourne in 2023. 

The PCAM project aims to assist people who wish to die at home through timely access to essential medicines. A key component of the project is the establishment of a new evidence-based Core Medicines List (CML). The CML identifies endorsed medicines used to manage end-of-life symptoms (such as pain, delirium, nausea, dyspnea, and noisy breathing) and provides an interactive map of local pharmacies who have agreed to stock the medicines. The CML was developed in collaboration with local palliative care providers, including GPs and nurses. 

A whole-of-system outcome 

The CML streamlines the prescription, supply, and use of medicines for end-of-life symptoms. In turn, pharmacists and prescribing professionals (such as GPs) can anticipate availability, patient discomfort is reduced, and caregivers feel more confident in looking after their loved ones. Additionally, by supporting people to die at home, pressure on the hospital system is reduced. 

Prior to the CML, there was no way of knowing which pharmacists stocked palliative care medicines, which made home care difficult and often resulted in multiple pharmacy visits for emerging or urgent symptoms. 

By working closely with the Pharmaceutical Society Australia and local pharmacies, we’ve enlisted 108 pharmacies listed in the south east Melbourne catchment. The PCAM webpage with the interactive map receives 500 monthly visits. 

SEMPHN Palliative Care Project Coordinator, Sue Johns, says the resource creates synergy in primary health care, and benefits everyone involved. 

Through an evidence-based and collaborative approach, the PCAM project and CML have been able to improve timely access to palliative care medicines for residents in south east Melbourne, increasing health professional and caregiver confidence and enabling people to spend their last moments comfortably at home.

How does MyMedicare work?

Patients nominate their preferred general practitioner which allows their healthcare information to be shared with the right people at the right time. Patients can self register or be invited by their practice following an initial discussion.

By registering with MyMedicare, patients and practices can access a range of benefits, including longer MBS-funded telephone calls, triple bulk billing incentives for telehealth consultations, and tailored care for complex chronic diseases. 

My Health Record displays the MyMedicare registered practice and the general practioner the patient has selected, facilitating effective communication amongst healthcare providers.