Helping You Get the Most from Your Medications
GP Referral → Pharmacist Review → Personalised Recommendations → GP Follow-Up
Managing medications can sometimes be confusing, especially if you take multiple medicines, have recently had changes to your treatment, or are experiencing side effects.
A Home Medication Review (HMR) is a comprehensive review of your medications conducted by an accredited pharmacist. The purpose of the review is to improve medication safety, ensure your medicines are working effectively, and help you better understand and manage your health.
While Home Medication Reviews are most commonly conducted in the patient’s home, the location of the review can be discussed and arranged according to the patient’s preferences and individual circumstances.
What Is a Home Medication Review?
A Home Medication Review is a government-funded service that provides patients with a thorough assessment of all medications they are taking, including:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
- Herbal and natural products
- Inhalers and medication devices
An accredited pharmacist reviews your medicines, discusses any concerns you may have, and provides recommendations to help ensure your medications are being used safely and effectively.
The pharmacist then prepares a report for your GP, who will discuss any recommendations with you and determine whether any changes to your medication management are appropriate.
Why Consider a Home Medication Review?
A Home Medication Review can help you:
✔ Ensure your medications are safe and effective
✔ Better understand why you are taking each medication
✔ Receive personalised advice tailored to your health needs
✔ Address concerns or questions about your medicines
✔ Identify possible medication interactions
✔ Reduce the risk of medication-related problems
✔ Improve medication adherence and confidence
✔ Better manage chronic health conditions
✔ Check inhaler, insulin pen, eye drop or medication device technique
✔ Support carers and family members involved in medication management
✔ Ensure medication lists are accurate and up to date
✔ Reduce the likelihood of medication-related hospital admissions
How Does an HMR Work?
Step 1: Speak with Your GP
Your GP at Newtown Medical Centre can assess whether a Home Medication Review may be beneficial for you and provide a referral.
Step 2: Pharmacist Consultation
An accredited pharmacist will arrange an appointment to conduct a comprehensive review of all your medications.
While reviews are commonly conducted in the patient’s home, the review location can be arranged to suit the patient’s preferences and circumstances.
Step 3: Medication Review and Recommendations
The pharmacist will review your medications, identify any concerns, and develop recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Step 4: GP Follow-Up
Your pharmacist and GP work together to review the recommendations and implement any appropriate changes to help optimise your medication management.
Why Are Reviews Often Conducted at Home?
Many patients find a home-based review particularly valuable because it allows the pharmacist to:
- Review all medications in one place
- Identify duplicate, expired or unnecessary medicines
- Discuss medication storage and organisation
- Review medication schedules and routines
- Assess medication device technique
- Provide advice tailored to your daily lifestyle
- Support family members or carers involved in medication management
However, patient comfort, privacy and convenience are important. The location of the review can be discussed and arranged according to the patient’s individual needs.
Who May Be Eligible?
A Home Medication Review may be available to patients who:
- Hold a current Medicare card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card
- Live independently in the community
- Have an identified clinical need for a medication review
- May be at risk of medication-related problems or adverse events
- Would benefit from additional support managing their medications
Your GP will assess your individual circumstances and determine whether a Home Medication Review is appropriate for you.
Who Is Not Usually Eligible?
Home Medication Reviews are generally not available to:
- Permanent residents of Residential Aged Care Facilities
- Patients currently admitted to a public or private hospital
- Patients receiving care in a day hospital facility
- Permanent residents of other government-funded residential care facilities
If you are unsure whether you may be eligible, our team can assist.
Who May Benefit from a Home Medication Review?
You may benefit from an HMR if you:
✔ Take five or more regular medications
✔ Take multiple medication doses each day
✔ Have had significant medication changes within the last three months
✔ Take medicines that require close monitoring
✔ Have experienced side effects or possible medication reactions
✔ Feel your medications are not providing the desired benefit
✔ Occasionally forget to take medications or find them difficult to manage
✔ Use inhalers, insulin pens, injections, eye drops or other medication-related devices
✔ Have difficulty managing medications due to:
- Vision impairment
- Reduced dexterity
- Memory concerns
- Cognitive difficulties
- Literacy challenges
- Language barriers
✔ Regularly see multiple healthcare providers, including specialists
✔ Have recently been discharged from hospital
✔ Have questions or concerns about your current medications
