Good Medicine Better Health – Resources

Good Medicine Better Health is a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited learning modules and consumer resources. They have been developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners and their communities to improve quality use of medicines on a range of health topics. Prior to closing down in December 2022, NPS MedicineWise had developed these modules and resources in collaboration with NACCHO; the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP), including practicing members; the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT); and others. NACCHO is caretaking this program until longer-term support is secured.

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Learn about high blood pressure and medicines that can help

About high blood pressure

Many people with high blood pressure don’t feel sick or look sick. This means most people don’t know they have high blood pressure.

But high blood pressure can make your body sick, even if you can’t feel it.

Find out why high blood pressure is a problem and things you can do about it.

Find out more about high blood pressure

Medicines for high blood pressure

Some people need medicine to keep their blood pressure right, even if they’re feeling well.

Here are some common types of medicines for blood pressure. Learn about how your medicine works and how to use it safely.

Learn about depression and what can help

About depression

Many things keep you strong – your spirit, your family, your Elders, your community and your Country.

Depression is an illness that can stop you feeling strong inside. It can happen to anyone, at any age.

Family, community, and culture are very important for healing. Help yourself by eating good tucker, being active and doing things you enjoy. Some people need extra help, such as talking to a counsellor or taking medicines.

Learn more about depression:

Mental health and young people: finding the path that works for you
WellMob: social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Headspace: information and an online community for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Beyond Blue
iBobbly is a social and emotional wellbeing app from Black Dog Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

About medicines for depression

There are many things you can do to help depression.

Some people need medicines to help them cope better with worries or sadness.

Learn about how medicines can help you heal and things to know when you’re taking them.

Find out more about medicines for depression

Learn about using medicines safely

5 questions to ask about medicines

Understanding your medicines will help you get the most from them.

Ask these 5 questions about your medicines and how to use them safely.

Find out more

Keeping a medicines list

Some medicines can make you sick when you use them together.

A medicines list can help you and your health worker keep track of your medicines. They can check your medicines are safe to be used together.

Find out more

A library of images can be used to help patients understand medications and potential side effects. Add these images to medication lists as required.

View image library

Problems from your medicines

Sometimes your medicines can cause unwanted effects (side effects). You can work with your doctor to find out if your medicines are causing problems for you and what you can do about it.

Find out more

A medicines review in your home

It can be hard to keep track of your medicines.

A medicines review in your home can help make sure they are working well for you.

Find out whether a check of your medicines might be helpful for you and how it works.

Find out more

Preparing a medicines list

Two women using digital tablet smiling and laughing

A medicines list tailored to clients’ and communities’ needs will contribute to informed decision-making about medicines, and improve quality of care when people transition between healthcare providers.

NACCHO Medicines Resources Group and NPS MedicineWise have used available evidence, current guidelines, and practical experience to outline five principles to guide the healthcare industry and professionals in developing medicines lists that are appropriate for use by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

These principles are now available to download as separate pages or as the complete booklet.

medicines-list-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people We have a range of resources to help you talk with your patients about their medicines. These resources have been developed by NPS MedicineWise in partnership with NACCHO and other peak bodies.

Find all the resources here

Medicines lists for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Single pages

Download PDF

Booklet

Download PDF

Medicines list templates

A medicines list template has also been prepared, to support quality use of medicines among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and healthcare providers.

The Medicine List template is available as a PowerPoint (.pptx) or PDF (.pdf) file. The PowerPoint (.pptx) template can be edited, allowing providers to personalise the list if required. Versions of the template have also been created, with instructions on how to complete the entry fields, including example medicines and images.

Medicine List editable form

See Medicine List instructions

Medicine List PowerPoint template

See Medicine List PowerPoint instructions

Abbreviations

The information was first published on 20 July 2022. All reasonable care was taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition.