What is Quality Use of Medicines?
Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) is one of the central objectives of Australia's National Medicines Policy.
QUM means:
• Selecting management options wisely;
• Choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary; and
• Using medicines safely and effectively.
The definition of QUM applies equally to decisions about medicine use by individuals and decisions that affect the health of the population.
The term ‘medicine' includes prescription, non-prescription and complementary medicines.
Quality Use of Medicines in Australia
Australia's National Strategy for Quality Use of Medicines outlines the principles, partners, building blocks and approach for achieving QUM in Australia. The goal of the National Strategy for QUM is to make the best possible use of medicines to improve health outcomes for all Australians. This recognises that many people maintain their health without using medicines, while for others, medicines play an important role in maintaining health, preventing illness and curing disease. The Pharmaceutical Health And Rational use of Medicines (PHARM) Committee promotes and reviews the National Strategy for QUM in Australia and oversees its implementation.
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