Activating pharmacists to reduce the frequency of medication-related problems (ACTMed): a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial.

Publisher: Australasian Medical Publishing Co Country of Publication: Australia NLM ID: 0400714 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1326-5377 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 0025729X NLM ISO Abbreviation: Med J Aust Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: : Pyrmont, NSW : Australasian Medical Publishing Co.
Original Publication: Sydney : Australasian Medical Pub. Co.

Pharmacists* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*; Humans ; Australia ; Delivery of Health Care ; Queensland

Background: Medicines are the most frequent health care intervention type; their safe use provides significant benefits, but inappropriate use can cause harm. Systemic primary care approaches can manage serious medication-related problems in a timely manner.
Objectives: ACTMed (ACTivating primary care for MEDicine safety) uses information technology and financial incentives to encourage pharmacists to work more closely with general practitioners to reduce the risk of harm, improve patients' experience of care, streamline workflows, and increase the efficiency of medical care.
Methods and Analysis: The stepped wedge cluster randomised trial in 42 Queensland primary care practices will assess the effectiveness of the ACTMed intervention. The primary outcome will be the proportion of people at risk of serious medication-related problems - patients with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - who experience such problems. We will also estimate the cost per averted serious medication-related problem and the cost per averted potentially preventable medication-related hospitalisation.
Ethics Approval: The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee approved the pilot (2021/HE002189) and trial phases of the ACTMed study (2022/HE002136). Access to Patron data was granted by the Patron Data Governance Committee (PAT052ACTMed). Access to linked hospitalisations and deaths data are subject to Public Health Act approval (pending).
Dissemination of Findings: A comprehensive dissemination plan will be co-developed by the researchers, the ACTMed steering committee and consumer advisory group, project partners, and trial site representatives. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will be supported in leading community-level dissemination.
Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (pilot: ACTRN12622000595718; 21 April 2022; full trial: ACTRN12622000574741; 14 April 2022).
(© 2023 The Authors. Medical Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of AMPCo Pty Ltd.)

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MRFQ1000023 Medical Research Future Fund (Australian Government)

Keywords: General practice; Patient safety; Pharmacist; Primary care; Quality assurance, health care

ANZCTR ACTRN12622000595718; ACTRN12622000574741

Date Created: 20230816 Date Completed: 20231003 Latest Revision: 20231004

20231215

10.5694/mja2.52073

37586750