The Palliative Care Access to Core Medicines (PCAM) project supports palliative care in the community by increasing access to essential medicines for people who wish to die at home or in an aged care setting.
The project recruits community pharmacies, which agree to stock the medications most commonly prescribed to control symptoms experienced by people in the final period of their lives. Doing so eases access to these vital medicines, making the process of acquiring them simpler for the families and carers of the dying, as well as reducing discomfort and suffering.
The medications stocked comprise the Core Medicines List, which was drawn up after consultation with palliative care experts. Participating pharmacies are displayed on a PCAM-specific map, allowing prescribers, patients and carers to quickly locate the most convenient supplier.
View the map of participating pharmacies in the greater Melbourne area below, along with the core medicines list and an educational webinar for GPs and other health professionals.
Pharmacies that wish to stock the list of medicines can apply to join the project using this form.
Pharmacies that stock the core medicines
Click this link to view the map in a new browser tab.
Core medicines list for community palliative care patients in the NWMPHN region
Medicine Category | First Line Medicines | Minimum Quantity to stock | Indication/(s) for use in terminal phase patients |
Anxiolytic
|
Clonazepam 2.5mg/mL (0.1mg/drop) Oral Liquid
Midazolam 5mg/mL Injection (If an injection is required or preferred) |
10mL bottle
5 or 10 ampoules
|
Agitation associated with delirium
Anxiety associated with dyspnoea |
Antipsychotic | Haloperidol 5mg/mL Injection | 10 ampoules
|
Agitation
Nausea, vomiting
|
Anticholinergic | Hyoscine butylbromide 20mg/mL Injection | 5 ampoules
|
Respiratory tract secretions
Noisy breathing |
Antiemetic | Metoclopramide 10mg/2mL Injection | 10 ampoules | Nausea, vomiting |
Analgesic
(High potency opioid) |
Morphine (sulfate or hydrochloride) 10mg/mL and/or 30mg/mL Injection | 5 ampoules | Dyspnoea
Pain |
For prescription support, please contact your local specialist palliative care service or the Victorian Palliative Care Advice Service on 1800 360 000.
Webinar: Anticipatory medicines and medication management for end-of-life care
This recorded webinar equips GPs, community pharmacists and other health professionals with knowledge about anticipatory medicines and medication management for end-of-life care. It provides information and resources regarding the practical and legal aspects of prescribing and supplying medicines for end-of-life care.
The webinar outlines the establishment of a local evidence-based core list to improve timely access to palliative care medicines for patients. The presenters also consider non-pharmacological options and referral pathways to support end-of-life care.
1.5 Educational Activity RACGP CPD hours are available for GPs.
Access the webinar by registering here. When prompted, enter the password $ZniZ9N= to view the recording. Attendance certificates will be sent via email within 2 weeks of viewing the webinar in its entirety, and RACGP CPD hours will be lodged within one month.