Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network urges pharmacists to enlist in ASPIRE trial

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is inviting local pharmacists to join a directory of credentialled pharmacists as part of a study assessing medication reviews after patients leave hospital.

MPHN is taking part in the University of Sydney ASPIRE trial, which aims to evaluate a new approach to medication reviews for patients transitioning from hospital care to home settings, with the goal of preventing harm and reducing rehospitalisation rates.

MPHN’s Chief Data Officer Dr Jason Bennie (PhD) said medication-related problems are common following discharge from hospital.

"It’s quite common for people leaving hospital to experience confusion regarding their medications, especially if changes were made during their hospital stay," Dr Bennie said.

"This risk is heightened among people taking multiple medications and older adults."

As part of the ASPIRE trial, MPHN is aiming to establish a directory of accredited local pharmacists interested in providing medication reviews for Murrumbidgee residents recently discharged from hospital.

MPHN is one of four participating primary health networks in New South Wales and Queensland taking part in the study.

Medication reviews are government-funded services provided by GPs and accredited pharmacists to check that a person’s medicines are safe and appropriate. Currently, few people who might benefit are offered a medication review when they leave hospital.

The directory forms part of MPHN’s participation in the ASPIRE trial to enhance uptake of Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) in the Murrumbidgee region and will be available until its expected end date of June 2025.

“We’re hoping to get as many accredited pharmacists to sign up to the directory as possible, as this is an issue that’s happening right across the region,” Dr Bennie said.

“The more pharmacists we have taking part in the study, the more care we’ll be able to provide to local people to ensure they’re taking the right medication to help with their recovery and keep them out of hospital.”

Pharmacists can join the directory at bit.ly/MPHNASPIRE 

For more information about the ASPIRE Study, visit aspiretrial.com.au