Fred IT, Healthily and two peaks hope to make understanding medication easier and improve outcomes.
A program to help people with osteoporosis keep on top of their medication has received federal funding.
The 12-month program will target 30,000 Australians with a script for osteoporosis medications through 500 community pharmacies.
The $1.1 million Consumer Health Literacy grant is funded by the federal Department of Health and Aged Care under the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Pathology program.
The program will be run by a collaboration between Healthy Bones Australia, the not-for-profit peak organisation for people with osteoporosis; the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, and two information technology companies – Fred IT Group and Healthily.
It will integrate Healthily’s patient education platform, GoShare, and Fred IT Group’s pharmacy dispensing software, Fred Dispense Plus.
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Patients will receive an information package about their medication via SMS at the same time as their medication is dispensed.
“We know that poor medication adherence is a key factor in osteoporosis management, leading to increased risk of fractures and poorer long-term health outcomes for patients,” said Tina Campbell, CEO of Healthily.
“By providing easy-to-understand, resources at the point of dispensing, we are ensuring that patients, particularly those from CALD communities, have the knowledge they need to manage their condition effectively and improve their adherence to prescribed osteoporosis treatments.”
Paul Naismith, CEO of Fred IT Group, said the collaboration between the two IT companies showed the important role that technology could play in improving health.
“By automating the distribution of resources through community pharmacies, we are making it easier for patients to access the information they need to manage their osteoporosis and take their medications as prescribed, with the support of their pharmacist.
“This solution ensures that all patients, regardless of background, are supported in their journey to better bone health.”