Improving medicine selection for older people - do we need an Australian classification for inappropriate medicines use?

Abstract

General practitioners manage complex medicine regimens and multiple comorbidities in older people. While medicine use usually leads to benefits for older people, the process of prescribing medicines is becoming increasingly complex. The quality use of medicines (QUM) is one of the four central objectives of Australia's National Medicines Policy. The National Strategy for the Quality Use of Medicines, launched in 2002, outlines key approaches and principles to achieve QUM.