Related Experiment Videos
Evaluating Australia's National Medicines Policy using geographical mapping
E E Roughead1, G R Monteith, K J Harvey
1School of Pharmaceutical, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Australia, Australia. libby.roughead@unisa.edu.au
Internal Medicine Journal
|March 12, 2002
Summary
A new mapping tool, the Quality Use of Medicines Mapping Project (QUMMP), visually displays medicine quality initiatives across Australia. This helps identify underserved regions and plan future health strategies effectively.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Policy
- Geographical Information Systems
Background:
- Proliferation of quality use of medicines (QUM) activities in Australia since the 1990s.
- Lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding the nature and extent of these QUM activities.
- Need for a coordinated mechanism to map and manage QUM initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a geographical mapping facility as an evaluative tool.
- To aid in the planning and implementation of Australia's national policy on the quality use of medicines.
Main Methods:
- Development of a web-based database integrated with geographical mapping software.
- Identification of QUM projects through various funded programs and direct outreach.
- Data collection on project distribution by geographical region, type, target group, stakeholders, funding, and evaluation methods.
Main Results:
- The Quality Use of Medicines Mapping Project (QUMMP) database was established, containing 901 projects as of September 2001.
- Sixty-two percent of projects were concentrated in Australian capital cities.
- Significant variation in project distribution was observed across states, with rural and remote areas showing limited activity.
Conclusions:
- Geographical mapping effectively identifies areas with high and low QUM activity.
- Analysis of project types and regional distribution aids in identifying unaddressed target groups and service gaps.
- The QUMMP serves as a crucial tool for policy planning, implementation, and the continued advancement of Australia's QUM policy.