National QUM Awards 2006

13 June 2006

The Pharmaceutical Alliance Wins National QUM Award

The Pharmaceutical Alliance, a collaboration of three research-based pharmaceutical companies (Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline and Merck Sharp & Dohme) received the 2006 Health Industry QUM Award at the National QUM Awards at Parliament House, Canberra on 8 June.

The biennial National QUM Awards recognise excellence in supporting the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM), one of the central objectives of Australia's National Medicines Policy and is an initiative of the National Prescribing Service (NPS) and the Pharmaceutical Health and Rational Use of Medicines (PHARM) Committee.

QUM involves selecting treatment options wisely, choosing appropriate medicines if a medicine is considered necessary; and using medicines safely and effectively. QUM applies to decisions both surrounding use of medicines by individuals as well as decisions that affect the health of the whole population.

The Pharmaceutical Alliance received the Health Industry QUM Award for its project titled “Views of Quality Use of Medicines, Stakeholders’ perceptions of their needs, values and responsibilities, and the opportunities and barriers for quality use of medicines”.

The research aimed at gaining a better understanding of QUM and its application in the ‘real world’. As an evolutionary study, containing practical suggestions by contributors for overcoming barriers for QUM, the research has informed both the understanding and practice of QUM in Australia. The research is a summation of achievements made in QUM over the past fifteen years and provides a framework that will continue to inform the Australian Medicines Community for years to come.  

“We are absolutely delighted that the NPS and the PHARM Committee have recognised the contribution made by The Pharmaceutical Alliance towards increasing the quality use of medicines and identifying ways of using medicines that will maximise health outcomes,” said Steve Fry, Managing Director of Eli Lilly at that time and Chair of The Pharmaceutical Alliance.

“The Pharmaceutical Alliance will continue to work collaboratively on research projects that contribute to the evidence base and demonstrate the value of innovative medicines to improve health outcomes, when used appropriately in the community,” he said.

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For further information: Rachel Reyna (02) 9795 9153