Introduction of New Clinical Care Standard by ACSQHC to Address Psychotropic Medicine Use in Cognitive Disability and Impairment

By Jeff Gibbs

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) has today announced the launch of a pivotal new national standard aimed at enhancing the care for individuals with cognitive disabilities or impairments. The introduction of the Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard is a critical advancement in promoting safer and more effective treatment protocols across the healthcare spectrum.

Background and Rationale for the New Standard

Recent decades have witnessed a 60% surge in the prescription of psychotropic medications across Australia. Despite a modest reduction in antipsychotic use among the elderly— prompted by heightened awareness of associated risks—the prescribing rates remain alarmingly high, particularly among vulnerable populations. Notably, older individuals and those residing in aged care facilities are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of these medications, including cognitive decline, heightened risk of falls, strokes, and mortality. Additionally, approximately one-third of individuals with intellectual disabilities are prescribed psychotropic drugs, exposing them to potentially severe short and long-term side effects.

Scope and Impact of the Standard

The new Standard seeks to mitigate the inappropriate utilization of psychotropic medications and emphasizes patient safety. It prioritizes non-pharmacological interventions as the foremost approach for managing challenging behaviours such as aggression and agitation. Psychotropic medications are advised as a last-resort measure, following the ineffectiveness of alternative strategies or in situations posing signifcant risk to the individual or others.

The Standard advocates for tailored non-medication strategies that respect the individual’s needs and preferences, developed in consultation with their family and other authorized caregivers. This approach underscores the commitment to upholding the dignity and autonomy of individuals with cognitive impairments. Expert Insights and Support

Key health experts have endorsed the signifcance of this new Standard. Conjoint Associate Professor Carolyn Hullick, Chief Medical Offcer at the Commission, stresses the necessity for mindful prescribing practices given the limited benefts and substantial risks associated with psychotropic medications in this demographic. Professor Julian Trollor from the University of New South Wales and Juanita Breen from the University of Tasmania also highlight the importance of objectivedriven prescribing, continuous monitoring, and the potential to reduce medication dosages in favour of non-pharmacological alternatives.

Implementation Across Settings

The Standard is applicable universally across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, aged care facilities, and community services, ensuring that individuals with cognitive disabilities receive consistent and coordinated care irrespective of the setting.

Professor Eddy Strivens emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts and effective communication, particularly during care transitions, to maintain continuity and effcacy of treatment plans and to support decisionmaking processes that honour patient autonomy.

Collaborative Efforts for Enhanced Care

In a collective endeavour to address these issues, the Commission has collaborated with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to issue a Joint Statement against the misuse of psychotropics in managing behaviours in disabled and elderly populations.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard marks a signifcant step forward in improving the quality of care and safety for Australians with cognitive disabilities or impairments. It aligns with ongoing efforts to reform health care, aged care, and disability support systems across the nation. The complete Standard and accompanying resources are available on the Commission’s website at safetyandquality.gov. au/psychotropics-ccs.

New research partnership to tackle hearing loss

An exciting new collaboration has been established between the Ear Science Institute Australia and the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), uniting Australia’s leading hearing researchers in a concerted effort to enhance treatments for the millions affected by hearing impairments.

National Acoustics Laboratories Director, Brent Edwards, emphasized the signifcance of the collaboration, stating, “This partnership harnesses the collective expertise of some of Australia’s most dedicated and forward-thinking hearing researchers, all committed to profoundly improving hearing healthcare globally.” Hearing loss is among the world’s most prevalent health issues, with projections suggesting that by 2050 nearly 2.5 billion individuals will experience some form of hearing impairment. This partnership aims to foster substantial advancements in the quality of life for those affected by hearing loss, both in Australia and worldwide. By pooling their vast resources and data, both institutions are poised to transform hearing health care. The Ear Science Institute Australia, recognized globally as a forpurpose centre of excellence, combines scientifc research, medical innovation, and clinical practice to pioneer new treatments for ear and hearing conditions, ultimately striving to discover a cure for hearing loss.

Ear Science Institute’s CEO, Sandra Bellekom, commented on the future implications of the partnership, “Looking forward, this alliance with National Acoustic Laboratories opens new pathways for sharing knowledge, which will enhance the delivery of cutting-edge, personalized hearing solutions and expand access to superior hearing care for people around the world.”

Government Online Portal to help Seniors Save

The NSW Government has launched a new online portal designed to support seniors in navigating fnancial challenges during the cost-of-living crisis. This initiative comes as a response to the needs of the state’s elderly population, which makes up one in six residents, with two-thirds depending primarily on government pensions or allowances for income. The hub acts as a comprehensive resource, consolidating access to fnancial assistance and over ten additional government services in one user-friendly location.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib emphasized the hub’s role in alleviating the impact of fnancial pressures by providing a centralized point for seniors to fnd discounts, deals, and necessary support tailored specifcally to their needs. The platform includes an interactive map to help users easily locate offers available through the Seniors Card and the Senior Saver Card.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison highlighted the hub’s importance in fostering an inclusive society, offering seniors a simplifed means to access a wide range of information, from managing fnances to preparing for emergencies and understanding health and housing options. The hub, part of the OneCX program, integrates content from 17 state and federal initiatives, ensuring that it serves as an effective one-stop shop for senior residents.

Museum of Brisbane Relaunches Walking Tours

This autumn, the Museum of Brisbane rejuvenates its acclaimed walking tour program with a range of historical explorations, including the premiere of a limited-run, immersive theatrical experience titled “Walking with on the Hill,” “Walking in Wartime,” and “Brisbane City: Past and Present,” alongside the new addition, “Walking with Vida.” This unique theatrical journey, led by Natalie Cowling portraying the renowned artist Vida Lahey, offers

Vida.” Since its inception in 2020, the program has attracted thousands to delve into the city’s storied past, with tours consistently popular among both locals and tourists.

The upcoming season features traditional favourites like “History participants a vivid step back in time. Visitors will explore signifcant locations that inspired Lahey and discover the personal histories behind some of Brisbane’s most famed landmarks. With the initial sessions already sold out, this tour promises to captivate a wide audience.

Zoe Graham, CEO and Director of the Museum of Brisbane, expressed enthusiasm about the return of these enriching cultural experiences.

“These tours are more than just walks; they are keys to unlocking the profound narratives of Brisbane’s history, from tales of Aboriginal elders to episodes of wartime resilience that shaped our modern city,” she stated.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also commended the program, noting, “The Museum of Brisbane excels in making our city’s rich history accessible and engaging through these meticulously curated tours.”

Further details and bookings for the walking tours, including ticket prices and available dates, can be found on the Museum of Brisbane’s website. Whether it’s tracing the footsteps of historical fgures or reliving the city’s transformative events, these tours offer invaluable insights into Brisbane’s heritage.

Federal Government Revamps Carer Payment to Boost Flexibility and Support for 2.65 Million Australian Carers

The Federal Government announced today signifcant modifcations to the Carer Payment system, designed to enhance fexibility for Australia’s 2.65 million carers. Minister for the Department of Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, emphasized the government’s commitment to enabling carers to integrate employment, education, and volunteer activities more seamlessly into their schedules.

“Many carers fnd themselves underemployed, working fewer hours than they would prefer, and often struggle to pursue educational opportunities,” Minister Rishworth explained. The government plans to address these challenges by revising the participation limits for the Carer Payment, allowing carers greater leeway in managing their work, study, and volunteering hours over a four-week period, as well as modifying the

Temporary Cessation of Care days to offer needed respite.

Key changes include extending the allowable work hours for Carer Payment recipients from the current 25 hours per week to 100 hours across four weeks. This adjustment aims to provide carers with the ability to better organize their work commitments around their caregiving responsibilities without jeopardizing their benefts. Additionally, travel time, educational activities, and volunteering will no longer count towards the participation cap, a change that will particularly beneft carers in regional and remote areas.