Improving Use of Medicines and Medical Tests in Primary Care

Lynn Weekes was the founding Managing Director of NPS MedicineWise, an organisation which strives to improve use of medicines. In her role at NPS MedicineWise. Lynn has a strong belief in the need for behaviour change programs to have patient concerns at their heart and relevance for health professionals and a sense of service in their conduct.  Lynn originally trained as a pharmacist, did her undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney, and practiced in community, hospital, policy and research settings. Lynn holds a Masters in Pharmaceutics and a Doctorate in Community Medicine. Her thesis  explored the decision-making function and performance of Drug and Therapeutics Committees. She is also a Non-Executive Director of the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand, and the Return of Unwanted Medicines program  and Chair of the Academic Board of the Australian Health and Science Institute.  Lynn was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to Quality Use of Medicines.

Chapter 1. Introduction. Why is Improving Use of Medicines and Medical Tests Important?.- Chapter 2. Theoretical Bases of Interventions to Improve Use of Medicines and Tests.- Chapter 3. Interventions Supporting Consumers to Achieve the Best From Medicines and Tests.- Chapter 4. Evidence for and Implementation of Academic Detailing.- Chapter 5. Evidence for Audit and Feedback.- Chapter 6. Choosing Wisely – Clinicians as Agents for Change.- Chapter 7. A Program to Improve Management of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.- Chapter 8. Program to Improve Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care.- Chapter 9. Raising Community Awareness: The Role of Public Relations in Health Communication.- Chapter 10. A Program to Improve Use of Antithrombotic Medicines and Reduce the Incidence of Stroke.- Chapter 11. A Program to Reduce Imaging for Acute Low Back Pain.- Chapter 12. A Program to Reduce Ankle and Knee Imaging.- Chapter 13. Evaluation of Multifaceted Programs.- Chapter 14. Lessons for Success.