Enhancing lives through dialysis care

In Australia, over 15,000 individuals depend on dialysis to manage chronic kidney disease and related health conditions. For these patients, dialysis is not just a medical procedure but a lifeline, essential to maintaining their quality of life.

The rigorous regimen of regular treatments, coupled with the necessity for regular medication management, poses a significant challenge for both patients and healthcare providers.

The challenge: Ensuring seamless dialysis support

The complexity of managing dialysis extends beyond the procedure itself. Patients require a steady supply of both prescription and over-the-counter medications, which must be administered to ensure the chronic condition is managed effectively and safely. Disruptions in medication supply can lead to severe health consequences, making a reliable supply chain crucial.

The solution: A managed access program

Recognising these challenges, Akesa, in collaboration with The Pharmacy Common (TPC), supported the launch of a managed access program designed to enhance the quality of life for dialysis patients. The program enabled the seamless delivery of medications directly to patients’ homes across various Australian states. This removed the burden for patients to travel, instead receiving treatment in the comfort and privacy of their own homes with the support of visiting nurses, thereby improving wellbeing, enhancing patient lifestyle, and reducing demand on the hospital system.

The approach: Comprehensive medication management

To meet the specific needs of this program, the Akesa implemented a multi-faceted approach:

1. Order management: Weekly and top-up orders were received from the program coordinator, detailing patient information and required medication quantities. TPC verified patient details and order history to ensure accuracy in medication dispensing.
2. Medication dispensing and packaging: Prescription-only items were dispensed using prescriptions on file, and both prescription and over-the-counter medications were packaged according to patient needs.
3. Shipping and tracking: Medications were dispatched to specified addresses, with TPC tracking each shipment to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
4. Prescription renewal communication: Regular communication with nurse practitioners was maintained to renew prescriptions as needed, ensuring an uninterrupted medication supply.

The impact: Enhanced patient care and operational efficiency

The managed access program yielded significant benefits for both patients and healthcare providers:

• Responsive intelligence: TPC identified an impending discontinuation of a prescription item and proactively advised the program coordinator on the required script and transition process. This early intervention prevented any disruption to patient treatment.
• Enhanced patient care: The program ensured uninterrupted and convenient medication delivery to patients’ homes, significantly improving their treatment experience.
• Reliable supply chain: Close collaboration with the customer and patients, along with meticulous record-keeping, ensured all medications were delivered on time and in the correct quantities.
• Efficient prescription management: Regular communication and proactive management of prescription renewals helped maintain continuous care for patients, minimising disruptions to treatment regimens.
• Streamlined documentation: A systematic approach to electronic and physical documentation ensured compliance with regulatory standards and facilitated efficient program management.

A commitment to patient-centric solutions

The success of this managed access program underscores the ability of Akesa and The Pharmacy Common to deliver tailored pharmaceutical services that meet complex healthcare needs. By ensuring precise medication management and delivery, TPC demonstrated its commitment to enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.

Contact us to learn more about how we can support your managed access program needs.

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About AKESA

At Akesa, we specialise in managed access programs. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your access needs.

Image by Julian Bock on Unsplash.