Abstract for presentation at National Medicines Symposium 2006

A national strategy promoting improved access to and quality use of medicines in palliative care

  • A/Prof Geoff Mitchell, Discipline of General Practice, University of Queensland, Australia
  • Debra Rowett, Drug and Therapeutics Information Service, Repatriation General Hospital, Australia
  • Dr John Aloizos, Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council
  • Prof David Currow, Department of Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University, SA, Australia
  • Prof Peter Ravenscroft, Chair, Palliative Medicines Working Group, Australia

    • Purpose: To increase access to and quality use of medicines in palliative care.
    Method: The Australian Government has provided funding under the National Palliative Care Program to:
    Identify priority medications used in palliative care not currently available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS);
    Develop a framework for consideration of these medications by the PBAC which takes account of the Australian drug regulatory processes; and
    Foster a clinical research agenda to further the evidence base for the use of medications within the community for people with life-limiting illness.
    Results: A new section was introduced into the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits dedicated to palliative care medicines on the PBS on 1 February 2004.
    All listings in the palliative care section are ‘Authority required’. The initial authority provides for a maximum of 4-months’ therapy for palliative care patients. Where continued therapy is required, authority approvals for subsequent prescriptions are for a maximum of one month’s supply only, unless the prescriber consults with a palliative care specialist or palliative care service in which case up to 4-months’ supply may be requested again.
    A range of medications have been added to the palliative section with drug utilisation indicating that at this stage the majority of use has been for a maximum of 4 months therapy. The new section is intended to be used together with medicines currently available on the PBS in the general section of the Schedule (such as opioid analgesics), increasing the options available to use medicines for palliative care in the community setting.
    Conclusion: This strategy improves equity of access and increases the ability of all clinicians to improve the provision of palliation in the place of patient’s choice.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd