The MedicineInsight data collection, developed by NPS MedicineWise, is a leading national primary healthcare data collection used by general practice, researchers, policy makers and other key stakeholders across the healthcare system to enable safety and quality improvement. The Commission is supporting the continuity and development of this unique data collection into the future.
General practices and researchers participating in this program were contacted by NPS MedicineWise in late 2022 advising them of this change in custodianship and providing information about the future arrangements for the data collection.
Now that the Commission has become custodian, processes are being put into place to support the continued and appropriate use of the data collection.
The Commission is undertaking a new ethics process with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners National Research and Evaluation Ethics Committee (RACGP NREEC). This ethics application is expected to be considered by the RACGP NREEC in early 2023, following which the Commission will be contacting general practices to seek their consent to continue to participate in the MedicineInsight data collection.
Undertaking this process will provide assurance to participating general practices and the community that the data collection is treated sensitively and appropriately and will strengthen the foundations for the future of the data collection.
While the ethics application is being considered, there will be a temporary pause in the acceptance of new requests for access to the MedicineInsight data collection. During this time the Commission will continue to provide updates on the progress and expected timing for recommencement of new requests.
The Commission greatly appreciates the support of the general practice community during this time and will be in contact with practices directly over the coming months to confirm their continued participation in this longstanding and invaluable program, and to commence the consent process. We look forward to working with you now and into the future.
More information
Visit Quality Use of Medicines or email QUMprogram@safetyandquality.gov.au.