26 The Tasmanian Electronic Medicines Formulary-Better Hospital Medicines Information at the click of a button
Award categories: Leadership Award through new Ways of Working
Contact: Medication Strategy and Reform/ Statewide Pharmacy/ THO-S/NW&N
03 6233 4949
A formulary is a list of the pharmaceutical medicines available for use at an organisation, and the conditions for their use. In
the hospital context, a formulary manages the availability of high cost, high risk, high usage medications, to ensure clinically
appropriate use and cost-effectiveness.
The aim of the Formulary project was to provide an electronic resource for all Healthcare staff involved in medication
management to assist them in making cost-effective, evidence based decisions when prescribing, administering and dispensing
medications in Tasmanian Public Hospitals. Prior to this, the formulary was not adequately documented and there was not a
simple method of eliciting medication availability and indications resulting in potentially inconsistent access to medication
across the state.
The project involved an extensive clinical consultation process, working closely with HealthCare Software to develop an IT
solution and concurrently delivering significant cost savings of around $500K through several Quality Use of Medicines
(QUM) initiatives and the development of a Preferred Medicine concept.
From June 2013, Health care professionals have access to a web based medication Formulary application available on
desktops and smart devices to allow easy access to medicines information across the state. This web based formulary is
believed to be the first of its kind in Australia and is generating significant interest from other jurisdictions.
The Medicines Formulary Project has been a truly collaborative effort, sponsored by the three Chief Executive Officers of
the Tasmanian Health Organisations and the Deputy Secretary of System Purchasing and Performance. A dedicated group of
doctors, pharmacists and nurses from across the state have worked collaboratively to develop the content and the technical
framework was developed by a Tasmanian company HealthCare Software. The Medicines Formulary is an excellent example
of working together to improve the best use of medicines in a cost-effective way to support improved health outcomes for
Tasmanians.
The Tasmanian Electronic Medicines Formulary has benefited patient care across the Tasmanian Public Hospitals and their
associated Rural Inpatient Facilities by creating statewide consistency around access to and use of medicines and encouraging
efficient, cost effective and evidence based use of medicines.
The electronic Medicines Formulary is designed to be a one-stop-shop for doctors, nurses and pharmacists working in
Tasmanian Hospitals to access electronic information about medicines available for use in hospital. The Formulary is available
via web browsers on computers and smart devices.
This single point electronic resource supports patient safety and best practice, by providing Doctors, Nurses and Pharmacists
with quick and easy access to all necessary information for prescribing and administration of medicines in Tasmanian
Hospitals. The central portal has the capability of linking local and national guidelines, the PBS, EVIQ and other databases,
Antimicrobial Stewardship Database, Paediatric dosing guidelines, Medicine Information Resources including the AMH, Mims,
Therapeutic Guidelines and consumer product information, as well as in/out-patient availability and essential prescribing and
regulatory requirements. For nursing staff, guidelines and protocols for the administration of medications are readily
available. Pharmacists can access the Formulary to regularly review and update it with new information about medicines and
their availability. Also, importantly, the Formulary includes information to help patients and carers better understand the
medicines that are prescribed for them.
The Formulary supports doctors’ decision making processes by providing easy access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
prescribing information as well as local and national medicines resources and guidelines. The cost comparative information
within the Formulary will also assist healthcare professionals to choose the best cost-effective medicines for their patients,
helping to keep medicines funding sustainable in our hospitals and also for our patients when they leave hospital and continue
to access medicines in the community.