Improving medicines use

A new hub to support nurses in patient-centred care and shared decision-making

SPONSORED EDITORIAL  

Sue-Ellen Brown, Stakeholder Lead, Quality Use of Medicines Alliance 
 

A new government-funded Quality Use of Medicines hub has been developed for the APNA website. The hub brings together practical, evidence-based guidance and resources that will support nurses in delivering safer, more effective medicines use for their patients. 

Developed with input by nurses, the hub is a curated access point for clinical guides, shared decision-making tools, webinars, continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities and more – all freely available to all nurses. Content covers common and challenging areas of care, including eczema, gout, menopause and antidepressant use.  

The interface between clinical decision-making and the patient experience 

The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of nursing practice and is distinct from other types of relationship. Through sustained trust and empathy, these relationships create opportunities for an open dialogue based on a nuanced understanding of the patient’s individual lived experience. In regard to medicines management, the nurse–patient relationship has unique advantages for influencing outcomes. 

In the presence of a nurse they know and trust, patients are less likely to feel time pressured and may be more likely to disclose concerns about side-effects, difficulties with adherence or to clarify instructions. This is when nurses can translate complex pharmacological information into practical, meaningful advice tailored to the patient and their personal circumstances and health literacy needs – and then work with them to make a shared decision about what’s best for them. 

The opportunities available for nurses through the APNA Quality Use of Medicines hub will add real value to these conversations and empower nurses to support patients on their individual journeys. The following examples illustrate this further. 

Guiding patients through the eczema treatment maze 

Eczema is a chronic condition that requires long-term management and education to prevent flares and complications. However, patients often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of treatments, lotions and emollients as well as contradictory advice from health professionals about applications (such as to apply sparingly, use a little, use a lot or use judiciously). It’s easy to see how this can cause confusion and lead to distress, especially for parents of babies and small children. Referring them to a practical factsheet can be very reassuring.¹ 

Nurses are also well placed to guide patients through this maze with the help of an eczema care plan.² The plan uses easy-to-follow terminology, summarises key triggers and explains what patients/carers can do to minimise them, provides advice on flare control, reinforces the role of topical corticosteroids and provides information on how to apply them. 

Reducing stigma in gout 

Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis affecting adults, with self-reported prevalence rates of up to 6.8%. It is a lifelong condition that is associated with an increased risk of joint damage and deformity, as well as kidney and heart disease. 

It is also a condition that causes embarrassment and shame for those who experience it. Many feel judged or believe that their condition is a consequence of lifestyle choices. Nurses have an important role to play here. These self-perceptions can be challenged by explaining that gout is largely influenced by genetic factors and that too much uric acid is a primary cause.  

This shift in belief and understanding will help patients manage their condition more responsively and can be aided through a gout treatment plan,³ which nurses can introduce. Couple this with a range of consumer content, such as an animation that uses storytelling and humour,4 and nurses can empower patients to manage their condition more effectively without the shame. 

Supporting young adults on antidepressants to navigate drug interactions and risks 

Young adults living with anxiety and/or depression who have been prescribed antidepressants can face varied challenges relating to loneliness, isolation and sexuality. Often recreational substances and alcohol use can also come into play. In these scenarios, nurses are well placed to offer non-judgmental education, for example, advice about potential drug interactions and advocating for non-pharmacological interventions, such as advice about diet, the benefits of regular exercise or talk therapies.  

The new hub offers nurses a range of practical tools, such as a decision aid⁵ as well as on-demand webinars and access to an informative segment featured in Episode 82 of the Nursing Australia podcast.6  

A formula for improved outcomes 

The APNA Quality Use of Medicines hub provides nurses with a valuable extension for their practice, offering evidence-based resources and education. By integrating these tools and knowledge into everyday interactions, nurses can make a significant impact on medicines use and improve outcomes for patients. 

But ultimately improving medicines use is not just about knowledge, it is about trust, understanding and harnessing the therapeutic relationship with patients. The new hub is to help you ensure that the patients you care for get the support they need to use medicines safely and effectively. 

APNA is a member of the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance, a consortium of health sector organisations representing quality use of medicines expertise, education providers, researchers, colleges, peak bodies, member-based organisations and consumer groups. 

References 

1. Eczema Support Australia, Eczema in babies and children, Eczema Support Australia website, n.d., accessed 18 May 2026. 
2. Medcast, Eczema care plan, Medcast website, n.d., accessed 5 May 2026. 
3. Medcast, My gout plan, Medcast website, n.d., accessed 5 May 2026. 
4. Arthritis Australia, ‘Gout Explained’ [video], YouTube, 13 May 2025, accessed 18 May 2026.  
5. Medcast, Decision aid: minding your mental wellbeing, Medcast website, n.d., accessed 5 May 2026.  
6. APNA, Nursing Australia, APNA website, n.d., accessed 5 May 2026.