Overdose related deaths are a tragedy. Many people are committed to combating this problem. At MediSecure we will work to find solutions that prevent these tragic deaths. Let’s view this presentation and know more about International Overdose Awareness Day 2015.
2. MediSecure CEO acknowledges International
Overdose Awareness Day 2015
As the CEO of MediSecure, I am pleased to
recognize and acknowledge International
Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). The theme
for this year’s IOAD is Rethink and Remember,
and our thoughts are with the families and
friends that have sadly suffered the loss of a
loved one through the social scourge of an
overdose.
medisecure.com.au
3. All overdose related deaths are a tragedy.
Many people are committed to combating
this problem and to find solutions that
prevent these tragic deaths. As part of a
company that works with medical
professionals, my attention has long been
directed to preventing fatal overdoses as a
result of prescription medicines. This is a
widespread and serious issue that still
remains largely unknown and unremarked
upon within the Australian community.
4. Prescription medicines, when prescribed by a medical professional
seem innocuous. The use of medicines such as benzodiazepines and
opioid analgesics is increasingly common.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners estimates
that 7 million prescriptions for benzodiazepines are written in Australia
each year. Between 1991-2010, the Australian population increased
by 29% while the opioid prescription base supply to Australia
increased 228%.
This growth is remarkable and troubling. The consequence has
been a rise in accidental overdose deaths.
medisecure.com.au
5. The solution to this problem must be
multifaceted and it must be actioned
immediately. On this important day, I
am compelled to note that many of
these overdose deaths are
preventable. It is time for the Australian
community to increase awareness and
education on the potential dangers of
prescription medicines and thanks to
the work of organisations such as
Penington Institute and ScriptWise, this
important issue is being increasingly
recognised. However, education alone
is not enough.
medisecure.com.au
6. • There are many health professionals who are
committed to reducing the harmful consequences
of prescription medication addiction.
• But to do this they need better clinical information
at the point of care. That is why I am so proud of
the tool that MediSecure has developed.
7. DrShop is Australia’s first Real Time Prescription
Monitoring [RTPM] tool and it brings clinical
information to prescribing clinicians at the point of care
about their patient’s previous prescription history. When
it comes to prescribing medicines with a strong risk of
dependency, having access to such tools and the
clinical data is imperative for clinicians.
medisecure.com.au
8. I strongly urge all clinicians to find out more about real
time prescription monitoring. The implementation of
RTPM has been demanded by peak medical bodies,
drug and alcohol experts and Coroners across Australia
as an essential step forward in addressing this
escalating problem. We have made the tool available to
all clinicians at no cost so there is no barrier to adoption
and use.
medisecure.com.au
