Building on previous work by North Western Melbourne PHN, the Palliative Care Access to Core Medicines (PCAM)  project provides a localised palliative Core Medicine List (CML) for end-of-life care. Informed by evidence-based practices, Australian state CMLs and local palliative care providers' input, the CML aims to enhance access to palliative care medicines when needed most.

Background

The South Eastern Melbourne, Eastern Melbourne, and North Western Melbourne Primary Health Networks have partnered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) to improve end-of-life care by removing access barriers to vital medicines. The CML streamlines the prescription, supply, and usage of medicines for end-of-life symptoms, enabling pharmacists and prescribers to anticipate availability and reduce the need for multiple pharmacy visits.

How to use the CML

With almost 50 pharmacies in the south east region agreeing to stock the CML, we anticipate this resource will significantly improve accessibility to essential medicines. Please explore SEMPHN’s newly dedicated PCAM webpage for the complete CML and map, which will help you identify the location of participating local community pharmacies.

We have also created a downloadable PDF list of all participating pharmacies which can be printed and distributed to your patients, carers and family members.

Webinar

The dedicated webpage offers a recorded webinar on anticipatory medicines and medication management for end-of-life care. This is available for general practitioners (with RACGP CPD points), community pharmacists, and other health professionals.

Help improve access to end-of-life medicines when most needed by visiting the SEMPHN PCAM page.