Transition of Quality Use of Medicines programs
From 1 January 2023, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) became the custodian of Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) functions. This follows the redesign of the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program outlined in the 2022-23 Federal Budget.
More information on these QUM functions will be provided as the transition progresses in 2023.
Overview
Under the redesigned QUDTP Program, the Commission is responsible for a range of QUM functions. This includes the maintenance of some materials and resources previously developed by NPS MedicineWise.
The Commission recognises the expertise and commitment of NPS MedicineWise staff and acknowledges the significant contribution of NPS MedicineWise to Australia’s health system.
Our organisations worked together closely during the initial transition period to support continued access to QUDTP funded materials and resources. Throughout the next phase of the transition, the Commission will engage with consumers, clinicians and policy experts, and will provide further information as the work progresses.
Programs and Services
QUM functions transitioning to the Commission include:
- MedicineInsight - a quality improvement program for primary care and post-market surveillance of medicines
- MedicineWise App and Doctor’s Bag App - apps to support consumers, carers and health professionals
- Choosing Wisely Australia - an initiative to support clinicians, consumers and healthcare stakeholders to reduce unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures
- National Medicines Symposium – a symposium that brings together organisations, individuals and decision makers in the health sector to discuss and debate key issues around quality use of medicines and health technologies
- MBS and PBS Practice Reviews – reviews of individual general practitioner data for dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) medicines or ordering of Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) tests related to a specific clinical area to support professional development and quality improvement
- Value in Prescribing bDMARDs materials - specialist education program materials on responsible prescribing
- NPS MedicineWise website materials and online learning platform - provides clinicians, consumers and carers, health services and students with a range of resources and online education and training
- RADAR - evidence-based information on new medicines and medical tests, and changes to listings on the PBS and MBS
The Commission is facilitating continued access and availability of resources and materials developed by NPS MedicineWise under the QUDTP Program via the NPS MedicineWise website and online learning platform, and the Choosing Wisely website.
Contact
For more information on the QUDTP Program and transitioning functions, please contact: QUMProgram@safetyandquality.gov.au