J M O'Hara Research Wrap Up
Optimising the Implementation of the Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist in Rural and Remote Western Australian Aged Care Facilities
The J M O’Hara Research Fund supports pharmacy research that contributes to patient care, professional practice and the future of pharmacy in Western Australia. In 2023, the fund supported research led by Dr Andrew Stafford exploring the implementation of the Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) program within rural and remote residential aged care facilities across WA.
About the project
The project explores the implementation of the ACOP program within rural and remote residential aged care settings across Western Australia, with a focus on understanding the barriers, enablers and practical considerations involved in delivering pharmacy services in these environments.
Why this research matters
Medication safety and quality use of medicines remain critical priorities in residential aged care.
Rural and remote aged care facilities often face additional challenges including workforce shortages, limited access to healthcare services and reduced access to specialist support. These challenges can increase the complexity of medication management for residents and healthcare teams.
The Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist program represents an important opportunity to improve medication safety, support multidisciplinary care and strengthen the role of pharmacists within aged care settings. Research exploring how these services can be effectively implemented in rural and remote Western Australia is essential to ensuring equitable access to high-quality pharmacy care across the state.
Key findings
Dr Stafford recently presented an update on the project, highlighting emerging insights into the implementation of the Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist program within rural and remote aged care facilities.
The project has explored factors influencing the successful integration of onsite pharmacists into aged care teams, including communication pathways, workforce considerations and the unique needs of rural and remote healthcare settings.
The findings highlight the important role pharmacists can play in supporting medication safety, multidisciplinary care and quality use of medicines within aged care environments, particularly in areas where access to healthcare services may be limited.
The full report and summary report are available below.
Applications for the 2026 J M O’Hara Research Grant are now open.
The J M O’Hara Research Grant supports pharmacy research projects that contribute to practice, patient care and the profession in Western Australia.
Applications are now open for the 2026 funding round.
More information about eligibility, application requirements and key dates is available here.