Inside Pharmaceutical Care: Expert Insights on Medication Management & Wellness
In a recent episode of Conversations with G&G, the spotlight turned to one of healthcare’s most trusted, yet often underappreciated, professionals: the community pharmacist. Guest speaker Emily Shears—an experienced pharmacist with a background in both pharmacy and sports science—shared her insights on how pharmacists play a critical role in supporting carers and older adults, especially when it comes to managing medications safely at home.
More Than Just Stickers on Boxes
Emily began by addressing a common myth—that pharmacists simply dispense medication and put stickers on boxes. In reality, pharmacists are medication experts who undergo five or more years of training, including rigorous university coursework and practical internships. Their role in healthcare goes far beyond the pharmacy counter: they are often the most accessible health professionals and a vital source of advice and support for patients, carers, and families.
Medication Misadventure: A Preventable Risk
One of the leading causes of hospitalisation among older adults is medication misadventure—preventable errors in taking or managing prescribed medications. Whether it’s missing doses, taking the wrong combination, or confusion over timing, these issues can have serious health consequences.
“For anyone on multiple medicines,” Emily explained, “especially those taking nine or more, it's vital to have regular reviews. This is called polypharmacy, and it carries a higher risk for interactions and errors.”
The Power of Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs)
One powerful tool in combating medication mismanagement is the Home Medicines Review (HMR). Coordinated by a GP and carried out by a credentialed pharmacist, the HMR involves a comprehensive in-home visit to assess not just the medications being taken, but also the lifestyle and environment in which they're taken.
“When I worked as a pharmacy outreach pharmacist, I loved visiting people in their homes. I could see what was in the fridge, whether safety rails were installed—things that told a much bigger story than a clinic ever could,” Emily shared.
These insights help pharmacists create tailored reports shared with the person’s GP, which can lead to further referrals to dietitians, occupational therapists, or other health professionals as needed. It's a collaborative approach that puts the patient’s needs at the centre of care.
Supporting Better Medication Management with Webster-paks
For those juggling multiple prescriptions, pharmacists also offer tools to make daily medication management easier—like Webster-paks.
Here’s how it works:
A trained packing team prepares your weekly Webster-pak.
A pharmacist checks every pack for accuracy and safety.
Medications that are stable and suitable for packing—like most tablets and supplements—are included. Others, like insulin, are managed separately.
These packs are ideal for people recovering from illness, no longer driving, or simply feeling overwhelmed by complex medication schedules. The benefits are significant:
Clearly organised and easy-to-follow pack
Fewer medication errors and improved compliance
Better communication between GPs and pharmacists
Optional add-ons like pill crushers, cutters, or weekend packs
Support for safe medication practices, including “Don’t Rush to Crush” guidelines
Even More Support Behind the Counter
Medication packing is just one part of a broader set of services pharmacists offer. You can also access:
Free home delivery for prescriptions
Electronic script tracking and refill reminders through services like MedsAdvisor
Advice on medication and supplement interactions, including potential side effects or lifestyle considerations
Pharmacists are especially valuable in spotting interactions that may go unnoticed—such as those between antidepressants, calcium supplements, or iron—and adjusting care plans accordingly.
A Team-Based Approach to Wellness
As Emily noted, “A good pharmacist looks beyond the box of pills. They consider drug-drug interactions, food interactions, even lifestyle factors—and they do it in partnership with the rest of the healthcare team.”
This team-based approach is central to organisations like Community Care Chemist, where Emily has worked for nearly nine years. “We genuinely care about our clients,” she said. “Whether you’re a formal caregiver, a family member, or someone trying to stay on top of your own health, we’re here to help.”
Pharmacists are one of the most accessible and underutilised resources in healthcare. From simplifying medication regimens and identifying risks to offering tools like Webster-paks and participating in team care planning, they play a crucial role in keeping people healthier at home.