More Australians are using medication to address a variety of health conditions. While medications can be life-saving, they also carry risks – especially for older Australians.
A Sydney researcher aims to address this. Macquarie University’s Dr Nasir Wabe received a $4.4 million grant. The funding will go towards developing an artificial intelligence (AI) medication management platform for aged care.
So why is overmedication in aged care an issue, and how will the project help address it?
What is the issue?
Experts have identified four main issues with the current management of medication in aged care. These are:
• Polypharmacy: Polypharmacy happens when a person is prescribed too many different medicines. In many cases, this occurs unintentionally. Nearly half of all aged care residents take ten or more medications daily. This increases their risk of side effects and hospitalisations.
• Inappropriate medicines: As we get older, our bodies and health needs change. Medicines that were once helpful may stop working or even cause harm. Experts estimate that 50 per cent of aged care residents are on medications that may no longer be suitable for their age or health condition.
• Lack of coordination: Decisions around medications often don’t involve all of the key people. All parties should be involved in key decisions, including General Practitioners (GPs), pharmacists, aged care nurses and family members. Not doing so can lead to gaps in care.
• One-size-fits-all approach: We all have different needs as we age. Medication plans are not always personalised to match each resident’s needs, preferences or goals of care.
What are the consequences of overmedication?
Overmedication can impair memory, making residents feel less alert. It also raises the risk of complications, including falls and hospital admissions.
Despite this, medical professionals are often unwilling to deprescribe medication. They may be hesitant to do so for fear of negative medical consequences. Additionally, there may be limited communication between members of an individual’s care team.
What will the project involve?
The Medical Research Future Fund awarded the money to Dr Wabe and a team of Australian Institute of Health Innovation researchers to embark on a five-year project. The project aims to address the health issues associated with the overprescription of medication for aged care residents.
The project will centre on the development of a platform called AiCT Med. The platform aims to assist medical professionals in identifying, tailoring and monitoring deprescribing programs for aged care residents. The aim of the program is not to replace health care workers, but to help them make better, more informed decisions.
A trial will be undertaken to see if the program can improve the health and well-being of aged care residents while reducing costs for providers.
Don’t dismiss the importance of medication
Experts say that medication has a vital role to play in addressing medical issues, which can become more common as we age. However, health care workers should prescribe medications in moderation to avoid unintended impacts.
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Individuals should not stop taking prescribed medication without first seeking urgent medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Article References
Clarke, A (7 April 2025) ‘Macquarie University researcher awarded $4.4 million to tackle medication overuse in aged care using AI’, Aged Care Insite, accessed 28 April 2025.
Shultz, S (24 April 2025) ‘AI project to address over-prescribing in aged care’, Aged Care Insite, accessed 28 April 2025.