To extend evidence of medication safety in mental health settings, the Commission appointed the University of South Australia to undertake the scoping study Medication safety in mental health. The study focused on medication safety issues in mental health in hospital and community settings, and was informed by a national and international literature review and consultations with key stakeholders in Australia.
The study found that existing medication safety practices and strategies may not be in widespread use across mental health services in Australia. The report recommended that strategies proven to be successful in improving medication safety in general health, be adapted and implemented in mental health settings. The report also identified areas where further work is indicated to improve medication safety in mental health settings.