Medication management issues perceived by pharmacists and disability caregivers while supporting people with disability.

Background: Australia has a notable gap in guidance for pharmacists, caregivers and disability service providers in: (i) supporting people with disabilities (PWD) within the medication management cycle, (ii) understanding their obligations for providing high quality care, and (iii) preventing medication-related harm.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify medication management issues for PWD from the perspective of disability caregivers and pharmacists when supporting PWD with their medication.

Methods: A qualitative study design using semi-structured interviews of pharmacists and disability caregivers was undertaken across six different states or territories in Australia.

Results: Interviews were conducted with registered pharmacist participants (n=10), and disability workers (n=10). Seven themes emerged for both pharmacists and caregivers, with most sub-themes and codes concordant between the two cohorts. Clinical issues, particularly related to polypharmacy and psychotropic use; confidence in providing medicines and medication information accurately to PWD; practical and behavioural issues caregivers experienced when administering medication; challenges in providing individualised and person-centred care to PWD; inadequate communication and transfer of information between healthcare professionals, caregivers, and PWD; insufficient disability awareness training for pharmacists and medication training for caregivers; and challenges working with provider organisations within the current practice environment were described.

Conclusions: This study highlighted seven areas where issues were perceived to arise in medication management for PWD. By understanding the issues perceived by those directly providing care, it may be possible to improve medication management. Further research is needed to understand the perceived role of pharmacists in supporting medication management for PWD and their caregivers, and how enabling pharmacists scope might reduce medication-related risks and support QUM in this sector.