The safety of medication use among CALD groups is a key focus of recent research by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Dr Imaina Widagdo, a researcher from the Adelaide University, lead a study on medication safety in Australia among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.
According to Dr Widagdo, 29% of patients receiving medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) were born overseas—highlighting a significant gap in understanding and medication use among patients with limited English proficiency.
Approximately 45% of PBS recipients with limited English proficiency use six or more different types of medication. Dr Widagdo notes that this is also a major concern for pharmacists, as they need to ensure that patients fully understand the information provided regarding their medications.
Dr Widagdo also highlights the importance of using interpreter services, which—despite being available free of charge—have not yet been optimally utilised by pharmacists.
What is the significance of these research findings, and what measures need to be taken to protect CALD groups from the risk of medication misuse?
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