Page 1606 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 2 June 2021
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The ACT government recognises that these growing harms call for responses and actions by Australian governments. Building on the strong foundations of the DORA real-time prescription monitoring system, Canberra Script will give doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists in the ACT more information about what medicines their consumers are being prescribed. This information will support practitioners to provide safer care for their patients.
Canberra Script includes real-time alerts and notifications, through compatible software, that a patient may be exhibiting signs of misuse by receiving prescriptions of the same medication from multiple locations. Canberra Script closes the loop by ensuring that all health professionals involved in the care of a patient have access to the full monitored medicines history from across Australia. By having access to the full monitored medicines history for ACT residents, the health professional can intervene and reduce harm from the misuse of prescription medications. This is particularly important in the ACT as we are surrounded by New South Wales. Having that cross-border access is absolutely vital.
Canberra Script is just one way we can reduce harm from drug misuse, of course. The ACT government is continuing to invest in evidence-based and informed harm minimisation responses to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, for the safety of the Canberra community.
DR PATERSON: Minister, how is the ACT government collaborating with health practitioners to ensure that Canberra Script benefits the community?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: The development of Canberra Script demonstrates the really positive work that can be accomplished together with an extensive range of stakeholders from across health care to develop solutions that support better care in the community. Throughout the development of Canberra Script, there has been a strong focus on engagement to meet local practitioner needs and show the value of real-time prescription monitoring for practitioners.
A stakeholder engagement group has advised on system features, on implementation, on the development of health practitioner training packages and on consumer information. Key partners in the development of Canberra Script include Painaustralia, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Capital Health Network and other health sector peak bodies that are best placed to encourage the use of Canberra Script.
Importantly, the ACT government is working with partners to ensure a consumer-focused approach to implementation. We are making sure that information supporting Canberra Script’s rollout does not stigmatise consumers who are taking monitored medicines, is sensitive to healthcare needs and supports those consumers to continue to navigate through the health system.
Through key partners and champions, we are working hard to achieve high-level uptake of Canberra Script among health practitioners. The vision is that all those who
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