Medication Matched to You

Thrive puts you in the driver’s seat with your medications. With Thrive, a highly qualified Ward MM pharmacist will work with you, your GP and your specialists (if you have them) monthly to create a proactive personalised medication plan tailored to your needs at any given point in time. It will take into account your concerns, challenges and desires while also drilling right down into your unique DNA, making sure that wherever possible, you’re not coming to harm because of your medications.

In addition, you’ll have 24/7 phone access to a Medication Specialist and a personalised online dashboard to monitor your progress.

Currently the government fund 1 full medication review, and 2 short follow ups within a 9-month timeframe. These reviews must be referred by a GP or medical specialist and are limited in the depth of information they can review. They are not using DNA to maximise the benefits of medication, do not offer 24/7 support and do not allow for sufficient ongoing adjustment to your plan by a Medication Specialist as your medications and needs change.

Yes, the same Ward MM clinical pharmacist will be in touch every time – however, please understand there may be unforeseen circumstances where this is not possible, such as illness. In this instance we will make sure the person you do speak to understands your plan and requirements.

Medication reviews improve your life and reduce the risk of drug related problems. A review will assess your medications based on current research and risk aversion, potentially reducing your medication and reducing the cost to you. Simply put, taking the correct medication could prevent dizzy spells that result in falls, frequent need to visit the toilet and other lifestyle inconveniences.

Your medication is altered gradually and you will be monitored more frequently during this period to ensure a positive outcome.

DNA testing helps us and your GP to take some of the guess work out of medication selection. DNA testing allows us to make changes to your medications if results show you are either more susceptible to side effects from certain medicines or less likely to respond to treatment (it’s all about how fast your body can ‘metabolise’ a type of drug).

Your DNA test will be processed by myDNA in their National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory in Melbourne and will provide the results to your Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist. Your reports and genetic data are your property and results remain strictly confidential. Privacy and data security protocols are fundamental to myDNA. Find out more at www.mydna.life.

It is essential that, if you want them to, your family are given information to support you in feeling your best. If you would like us to, a Ward MM Aged Care Medication Specialist can meet with your family regularly to discuss your current medications and desired outcomes.

Ward MM have developed this program in collaboration with doctors, ensuring efficient use of their time (so they have more time for you). Your Ward MM Medication Specialist will support your GP by regular visits to their clinic to;

• review your medications, collaboratively adjusting your plan to try and prevent any future medication related issues.
• provide your GP with a summary of your Medication Dashboard.
• coordinate specialist consultations with your GP when required.

*Research indicates frequently reviewing medication reducesthe number of pills, pharmacy bills and hospitalisation 

Scientific Research Sources: 

1. Steinman MA. BMJ Qual Saf Epub ahead of print (13/11/2018) doi: 101136/bmjqs-2018-008815. 2018.
2. G, Schenck AP. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2018;66(12):2394-00.
3. Lee CY, BeanlaHerity LB, Upchurch nd C, Goeman D, Petrie N, Petrie B, Vise F, et al. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2018;43(6):813-21