Living with multiple medicines

NPS MedicineWise has launched a new web resource to help people understand what it is like living with multiple medicines. Comprising more than 300 videos, audio clips and quotes telling people’s stories of their own experiences with multiple medicines, this resource was developed using the DIPEx method—an evidence-based methodology developed and used in the UK over the past 10 years by Oxford University and the Healthtalkonline research group.

NPS MedicineWise spokesperson and manager of NPS Medicines Line Sarah Spagnardi says the “Living with multiple medicines” hub taps into the lived experience of people who take multiple medications.
“The videos and content will allow consumers to relate to others in similar situations and engage in active decision making about their medicines and health,” says Ms Spagnardi.
“We also encourage health professionals to explore the new web resource to help them get a better understanding of the experience of living with multiple medicines.”
Some of the themes explored through this project include what it is like to adjust to multiple medicines, travelling with medicines, keeping a medicines list, problems people can have and communicating with health professionals. The website also includes an introductory video from Professor Ric Day AM.
This is the first project using the DIPEx method to look at medicines independent of a particular medical condition.
The project was undertaken in conjunction with the University of Sydney, La Trobe University and Monash University.
Presenting on the project methodology at a plenary session at the recent National Medicines Symposium 2014 held in Brisbane, Dr Lorraine Smith from the Sydney Pharmacy School said that people with health problems want high-quality information and support to provide answers to their questions.
“It’s important for people to be able to tap into the lived experience, to relate to others’ experiences, make decisions about their health management and communicate effectively with health professionals,” she said.
“There are web based resources for people with chronic conditions but most are anecdotal and are not derived from research. This is why the new “Living with multiple medicines” hub, developed using the DIPEx methodology, is so valuable: it’s an evidence-based, free, web-based multimedia resource designed for patients, families, friends, health professionals, carers and policy makers.”

Bachelor of Pharmacy Program at Sydney Pharmacy School

The Bachelor of Pharmacy program provides students with the core skills and knowledge required for the effective delivery of pharmaceutical care and the ability to proceed to research. Students will study the chemical, physical, pharmaceutical, and pharmacological properties of medicinal substances and the application of these in the pharmacy profession. The Faculty of Pharmacy has an enviable national and international reputation that means students will study and interact with world-renowned academics and enjoy access to best practice teaching laboratories and cutting-edge technology.
*

Do you have questions about Sydney Pharmacy School and about studying pharmacy at Australian universities? Contact OzTREKK’s Australian Pharmacy Schools Officer Rachel Brady at rachel@oztrekk.com, or phone Rachel toll free at 1-866-698-7355. Find out how you can study in Australia!