Quality Use of Medicines

Medicine saves lives. Taking medicines is the most common treatment undertaken by millions of Australians everyday. However, there can be problems directly associated with medicine use. More than 140,000 Australians go to hospital each year due to medication related problems with up to 69% of these cases estimated to be potentially preventable.

Quality use of medicines (QUM) means ensuring that when medicines are considered necessary they are chosen wisely and used appropriately, safely and effectively. This involves providing the patient with relevant and appropriate information on their medicines and empowering them with the knowledge to use their medicines wisely in order to minimise misuse and overuse. Medicines include prescription and non-prescription medications (vitamins, mineral supplements, herbal and natural therapies).

NPS Better Choices Better Health

Home Medicines Review

For local information contact Nena Hunter at 9185 6662.