Table 1 Summary of recommendations: Consultation for Establishment of NPS [12]

Delineate its role from those of APAC, PHARM and others and that chairs of these groups be invited to attend NPS Board meetings as a means of sharing information

Provide national leadership in promoting consistency of information in independent medicines information products

Coordinate the development of a National Medicines Information Phone-Line Network for consumers and health professionals

Consult with medical educators to encourage an increased focus on quality prescribing

Coordinate a National Academic Detailing Program, linking with Divisions of General Practice

Provide national leadership to increase the level of computerised prescribing by GPs and other medical practitioners

Provide leadership in developing incentives for high quality prescribing

Explore and develop means for providing locally relevant prescriber feedback

Auspice a program of research of initiatives to improve continuity of care across sectors and between professions

Explore models to improve communication between GPs and pharmacists

Coordinate a national communications and community awareness strategy to support QUM for consumers

Develop constructive partnerships with pharmaceutical industry to further safe and appropriate use of medicines

Find options for making services available to consumers and for supporting consumer based activities.