Health Services Research Group

	Profile

The Health Services Research Group is a sub-unit of the Therapeutics Research Unit.

This group researches in the area of health services and quality use of medicines (getting the most benefit from the medications people take while minimising the risks). Large national studies have been conducted to improve how medicines are used in aged care homes and domiciliary settings. Recently, two large community-pharmacy focused studies were completed.

The evaluation of the Quality Care Pharmacy Program (a community pharmacy accreditation program) included surveys of community pharmacies and their customers, as well as general practitioners. The evaluation found that this program has led to changes in the structure and processes in community pharmacies and improvements in the services provided to consumers. The study into the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Dose Administration Aids (DAAs, devices into which medications are repackaged to aid medication administration) involved data collection across Australian states and territories. This study, together with another DAA study undertaken by the group has been a foundation for a new government program. A range of smaller quality use of medicines studies have also been undertaken as part of the group’s commitment to undergraduate training.

Areas of Research Include:

• How to deliver optimal health care


• How people can get the best from medicines they take


• Intervention trials & program evaluation of health services


• Studies of medication use & related services in public & private hospitals, subacute care, aged care homes & the community


• Local and national studies funded by the Commonwealth Government

• How to deliver optimal health care


• How people can get the best from medicines they take


• Studies carried out in nursing homes and hostels, mental health, private hospitals, sub-acute or transitional care and in the community


• Local and national studies funded by the Federal Government

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