The first national consensus list of high-risk medicines in Australian residential aged care has been developed, along with a tool for clinicians to help reduce preventable harm.
Monash University researchers, together with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and medication safety experts, have identified 15 high-risk medications or medication classes that require specialised monitoring in aged care settings.
These medications carry a significant risk of serious harm or death if misused or used in error.
Health professionals and health service organisations are required to have systems in place to identify and mitigate the risks associated with high-risk medications specific to their setting, but existing high-risk medication lists are not tailored to the unique and complex needs of aged care.
The OZ-ABCD mnemonic fills a critical void in Australia’s aged care safety resources, said lead author Dr Amanda Cross, a senior research fellow at Monash University’s Centre for Medicine use and Safety.
“We need a high-risk medication list that is tailored to the needs of Australian residential aged care.
“The OZ-ABCD tool gives busy clinicians and aged care staff a simple, memorable way to identify high-risk medications and ensure systems and monitoring are in place to keep residents safe.”
The OZ-ABCD mnemonic offers a clear, practical tool to support education and improve practice. It stands for:
Opioids
Z-drugs and benzodiazepines
Antipsychotics and lithium
Blood thinners
Chemotherapeutic agents and methotrexate, and
Diabetes agents with high risk of hypoglycaemia
The list was developed through a rigorous national consensus process involving a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals and medication safety experts.
“The tool will support better education and clinical practice, ultimately reducing the incidence of preventable medication-related injuries among vulnerable older Australians,” said Dr Cross.
The research paper ‘Development of a High-Risk Medication List for Australian Residential Aged Care: A Modified Delphi Study’ is published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing.
