People in rural communities rarely have the opportunity to contribute to national policy debates, so the Pomona and Districts Community House gladly accepted an offer from the Consumers’ Health Forum of Australia (CHF) to hold two forums jointly as part of the CHF Community QUM (quality use of medicines) Project.

The forums brought together 55 people from Pomona and its hinterland. The area is home to about 4,200 people and is located about 25 minutes inland from Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Participants included consumers from disability, carers’ and parents’ groups, other interested people and a variety of health professionals.

Participants raised many issues about medicines and their use. These were documented to provide a record of the community’s concerns. A few of the issues are highlighted below.

CHF will also use the list of issues — along with lists from similar forums elsewhere — to develop and lobby for consumer-friendly medicines policies and future quality use of medicines activities.

Good quality information

Participants felt that independent written information was essential if they were to use medicines wisely, but they did not want information that was too technical or patronising.

Participants said they found it hard to know where to find accurate and appropriate information. Some people mentioned websites they thought were credible, and the facilitator listed several reliable sources, including the National Prescribing Service and Health Insite.

Participants also stressed the importance of medicines information being up to date, particularly safety information. The sessions were conducted not long after the risks associated with a common arthritis medicine hit the national news, and some participants who were taking the medicine had experienced considerable uncertainty about the implications for them. The group suggested that mechanisms were needed to ensure that they were made aware of important medicines information.

Generic medicines

Participants understood that using generic medicines saved them and the Australian Government money. However, they were uncertain about the safety and effectiveness of such medicines, because many of them had received conflicting information. They thought their uncertainties could be alleviated if they had more information about generic medicines.

Medicine names

Participants felt that the similarity in the names of some medicines could cause confusion, especially for people whose first language was not English, people with limited literacy, people who took many medicines, and people who had just been discharged from hospital. They wanted clear labels that emphasised the active ingredients of medicines not just the brand names.

Side effects and interactions

Participants felt that some doctors did not warn them about the likelihood of experiencing unwanted side effects. As a result, when they experienced unexpected side effects, they were unlikely to continue taking the medicine. They believed they would be more likely to continue taking such medicines if their doctors told them about the possible side effects when first prescribing the medicine.

Participants also felt that doctors and pharmacists should routinely ask people how well the medicines they have prescribed or dispensed are working, so that they know what effects the medicines are having on the person.

What next?

The forum was so successful that the Pomona and Districts Community House has decided to hold another one in May 2006. The theme of the next forum will be the wise use of medicines by people with type 2 diabetes. Already many organisations and individuals have agreed to be involved.

Throughout the day, displays and demonstrations will be held on a range of type 2 diabetes-related health and medicines issues, as well as alternative and conventional treatments for the condition.

In the morning, students from local primary schools will be invited to participate in various activities.

In the afternoon, CHF will facilitate a Community QUM session. A panel of experts including Queensland Health, Diabetes Australia, the local diabetes support group, and the local doctor, pharmacist, dietitian and podiatrist will talk about managing diabetes. Panel members will be available after the forum to answer personal questions.

For further information about the project, contact the Consumers’ Health Forum of Australia on 02 6273 5444 or visit www.chf.org.au.