Home Medicine Reviews in Mildura
Bronwen Walker, a Mildura resident, accepted an in-home medication review offer and subsequently reduced her medication dosage with the help of pharmacist Brooke Shelley. Home Medicine Reviews, available across Australia, aim to minimize incorrect medication use.
Pharmacist's Concerns
Brooke Shelley, a pharmacist in the Mallee region, is limited to 30 government-funded at-home reviews per month. She reports that after reaching this limit, she must choose between turning patients away or working without pay.
"These caps really unfairly put professionals in an unfair situation where they're having to choose who receives care."
Shelley notes higher chronic disease rates in the Mallee, many requiring medication.
Funding and Telehealth Issues
Funding for at-home medication reviews has not been indexed since 2019. A travel allowance of $125 is provided for round trips of 200 kilometers or more, with no increase for longer distances. Telehealth was funded during the COVID-19 pandemic but not currently.
"In rural areas, telehealth is not something we do for convenience. We do it to improve access."
Shelley notes that nearly $20 billion is spent on medicine annually in Australia, with less than 1% on medication safety programs.
Government Response
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia urged the federal government to reinstate telehealth funding. A government spokesperson stated that the monthly cap ensures program sustainability and that additional reviews can be done at patient expense. They would not pre-empt changes in the upcoming federal budget.
Outcomes
Walker reports positive changes in her quality of life after reducing medications. She knows others unable to access reviews due to patient limits.