The Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) team was established at Waitemata DHB in 2004. We focus on ensuring medicines are used safely and effectively for people in the Waitemata district.
We have developed a range of materials for patients, health professionals and those who have an interest in medicine safety.
The aims of the QUM team are:
-
To reduce adverse events associated with the use of medicines
-
To promote the evidence-based use of medicines
-
To improve patient concordance in taking their medicines
-
To promote the timely and accurate communication of information about a patient’s medicines between healthcare providers in both primary and secondary care.
Steering group
This group consists of a consumer representative, and members from Waitemata DHB who are currently involved in primary or secondary care in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, nursing and management. The steering group provides direction and advice to ensure the best results are achieved from the projects for Waitemata.
Resources
Patient information is available on this site. This is intended for patients and their families to read and guide them through their medication use. Please ask your general practitioner or pharmacist if you have any further questions.
Health professional information is intended for general practitioners, practice nurses, pharmacists and midwives to read and assist them when caring for their patients.
SafeRx™ is an ongoing initiative from the QUM team. It aims to promote the safe use of medicines which may cause harm if not used correctly. Many of these medicines play an important role. However, they are sometimes referred to as high-risk medicines because they may require extra care when being prescribed, dispensed or administered. This initiative has been expanded to include non high-risk medicines under the 'healthy prescribing' banner.
Please
visit the SafeRx website for resource material that has been compiled for primary care health professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and midwives. These resources include full information sheets, practice points, and links to further information. If you have any questions, please
email us.