BESTMED launches research-backed software
Research and industry collaboration is crucial to such innovations, say the Macquarie University reseachers behind the development of the new medication managagement tool.
A new university-developed digital health tool promises a safety net for managing medications for people in aged care whilst lowering administration for aged care providers.
Launched last week, BESTMED Connect allows aged care residents, their families and carers to see their medication list live and receive real-time notifications whenever a drug is prescribed, adjusted or discontinued. It means substitute decision-makers can confim consent for psychotropic medications, replacing the current manual process with an automated digital audit trail.
The evidence-based system has been built by researchers at Macquarie University’s Australian Institute of Health Innovation in partnership with BESTMED and – as announced in 2022 – almost $1 million from the National Health and Medical Research Council Medical Research Future Fund.
Professor Johanna Westbrook and Associate Professor Magda Raban, both research fellows at the AIHI’s Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, led the research and development of the new software.
Collaborations between academics and industry are “crucial” to ensuring research findings are “implemented into practice” in a timely manner, said Associate Professor Magda Raban – co-lead on the research and development of the new software.
“In the case of this collaboration, we are building an evidence-base for digital solutions that can make a positive impact on medication management in aged care,” Associate Professor Raban told Australian Ageing Agenda.
“Digital systems have huge potential for creating impact in this sector but research to understand what works and how is needed to ensure this potential is translated to real impact – and that is what we are working towards.”
Research is critical to innovation, added Professor Johanna Westbrook.
“Researchers working with industry provides a pathway to get novel interventions into practice and at scale,” Professor Westbrook told AAA.
“Our collaboration with BESTMED is a great example of bringing a diverse range of expertise to the table and translating that into a product that delivers what providers and consumers find valuable and improves care.”
Key benefits of BESTMED Connect include :
- live updates of medication changes
- avoids time printing and sending paper charts
- confirms psychotropic medication consent
- shares upcoming medical reviews
- provides visibility of pharmacy deliveries
- unlocks the next generation of medication safety.
Positive feedback from providers and families
BESTMED chief executive officer Phil Offer said it had been “a privilege” to partner with Australia’s “world class digital health” researchers.
“The research-led initiative can now be commercialised and scaled to benefit over 100,000 Australians in residential care,” said Mr Offer.
“The initial pilot received exceptional feedback from families who value the real-time notifications at the critical times in their loved one’s health journey. It provides peace of mind that they’ll be automatically alerted to help support and coordinate with their care team.”
Among those taking part in the pilot of the new module was Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT.
“We have identified time saving benefits for our clinical staff reducing paperwork and freeing them up to do what they do best; caring for residents,” said Monique Reynolds, CEO of SCC NSW & ACT.
Professor Raban said the team’s research always involved working closely with providers, government and industry. A number of research projects in aged care are currently underway.
“An example of another digital tool developed in collaboration with BESTMED is clinical decision support for antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections, which are common residential aged care,” Professor Raban told AAA.
“We are now moving to piloting this tool in facilities. Beyond our current projects, we are always looking ahead and planning our research pipeline, so watch this space.”
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