Medicines information co-designed with NACCHO
Explore our comprehensive collection of health resources
These materials cover a range of topics, including depression, hypertension, chronic pain, lung and breathing problems, and safe medication use for older adults. Each resource provides essential information about medicines, their effects, and best practices for patient care.
While they may be useful for some situations, the references below are intended to be an available tool for use only when considered appropriate for the respective consumer’s needs and circumstances. They do not replace other comprehensive resources and sound clinical consultation. Equip your team with the knowledge to promote informed decision-making and enhance the quality of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Download these resources to help improve health outcomes in your practice.
Depression
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.
Blood Pressure/hypertension
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.
Jointly produced several years ago by NPS MedicineWise, the Heart Foundation, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Aboriginal Health Council of SA Inc. (AHCSA).
Learn more about high blood pressure (hypertension):
High Blood Pressure (hypertension) leaflet
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.
Medicines list
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.
- Principles for producing best possible medicines lists– A4 Pages, booklet
- Medicines list: editable, with instructions, PowerPoint template, power point with instructions
Image library – A library of images can be used to help patients understand medications and potential side effects. Add these images to medication lists as required.
Pain
Lung and breathing problems
- Could it be COPD? Web Version & Print Version
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Action Plan
Antibiotic Shortages
Safe Use of Medicines in Older People
NACCHO worked with NPS MedicineWise to co-design some information sheets on the “Safe Use of Medicines in Older People”. In particular, the program has focused on medicines with anticholinergic effects. Approximately 21–34% of older-aged people take medicines with anticholinergic effects that can be associated with negative patient health outcomes, including the risk of fractures, and a large increase in fall-related hospitalisations (~60%), risk of dementia (~50%) and mortality (~30%). The info sheets are designed to explain the importance of being aware that some medicines cause these side effects and that a medicines review may help to reduce the risk to older people of these medicines.
- Problems from your medications?
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. - 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.
5 Questions to ask about your medicines
Contact
For any inquiries or further information about the Medicines and Pharmacy team at: medicines@naccho.org.au.
