Aims: This presentation summarises the PHARMA-Care National Quality Framework1, a consensus-based framework with suggested quality indicators (QIs) to inform the evaluation of quality use of medicines in Australian residential aged care homes (RACHs).
Methods: Framework development commenced with a qualitative study to identify stakeholder needs (n=61 semi-structured interviews, two focus groups) and a systematic review to identify relevant QIs (n=442 QIs identified). A two-round modified Delphi study involving 25 experts identified 17 QIs with high scores for importance, feasibility and amenability to change. Selected Australian and international aged care and medicines-related quality frameworks (n=22) were reviewed to identify key domains related to quality monitoring. The framework was drafted with the assistance of an expert working group, top-rated QIs were incorporated, and the contents were revised following a national stakeholders’ workshop and consultation period.
Results: The framework comprises five domains: 1) person-centred care; 2) governance, leadership, and culture; 3) safety and quality; 4) communication and collaboration; and 5) access and equity, along with six enabling factors. The framework includes a set of 10 QIs, prioritised for refinement and examination at the population-level using existing aged care datasets, mapped to the framework domains. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating quality use of medicines in RACHs.
Conclusions: The PHARMA-Care National Quality Framework, endorsed by four Australian peak bodies, provides an evidence-based foundation for health care professionals, aged care providers, policymakers and other stakeholders to guide the evaluation of quality use of medicines in RACHs.