Quality Use of Medicines
Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) is central to the National Medicines Policy. Its goal is to make the best possible use of medicines to improve health outcomes for all Australians by:
- Selecting management options wisely
- Choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary
- Using medicines safely and effectively
This recognises that many people maintain their health without using medicines, while for others, medicines play an important role in maintaining health, preventing illness and curing disease.
QUM is generally associated with the consumer interface in relation to the supply of a medicine in the marketplace. However, the principles underpinning QUM have implications for all aspects of the entire life cycle of a medicine.
The promotion of QUM requires a partnership approach, a close collaboration between consumers and other relevant stakeholders in a consultative manner; to recognise and support the activities of other stakeholders; and to create an environment that supports QUM.
Go to http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/nmp-quality.htm for further information on QUM and to download the National Strategy for Quality Use of Medicines.
The non-prescription medicines industry is a key partner in expanding and promoting QUM and the comprehensive implementation of the National Medicines Policy.
The following are some examples of mechanisms and initiatives that contribute to QUM:
- Development of criteria for consumer-focused labelling
- Providing healthcare professionals with information and education. Pharmaceutical representatives are very important partners in QUM. They assist the healthcare professional in achieving QUM by providing accurate and balanced product information.
- Compliance with ASMI’s Code of Practice, which sets standards for all promotional activities, ensuring that information is current, accurate, balanced and not misleading either directly, by implication or admission
- Compliance with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code of all consumer advertising of medicines
- Provision of Consumer Medicine Information for Pharmacist-Only medicines that are based on and consistent with the Product Information and written in accordance with the Writing About Medicines for People – Usability Guidelines for Consumer Medicine Information.
National Medicines Policy
The National Medicines Policy was first developed in 1999 and aims to improve the health of Australians.
Side Effects of Medicines
The answers to commonly asked questions about the side effects of medicines.