The AIHI Aged Care Consumer Panel has been recognised for its Outstanding Consumer Advisory Group Impact on Health and Medical Research, highlighting the vital role of consumer voices in shaping safer, more effective aged care. The People’s Choice Award is part of the Australian Consumer Partnerships in Research Awards held by AccessCR.

Since its formation in September 2023, the eight-member panel has worked closely with researchers on projects funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Their input has directly influenced the design and delivery of BESTMED Connect, a web app now used by families and aged care providers to improve medication safety.

BESTMED was the industry partner developing the web app. Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT and BUPA Aged Care have supported the project with piloting, testing and data collection activities.

The Panel continues to contribute to:

• enhancing medication management reviews in nursing homes
• an ARC-funded citizen science study on aged care experiences
• a new MRFF project using AI to reduce unnecessary medication use in residential care
• co-authoring research publications to share findings with the broader community.

Project lead Professor Johanna Westbrook thanked Phil Offer, CEO of BESTMED, for BESTMED’s ongoing collaboration and frontline commitment to improving aged care.

AIHI extends its sincere thanks to the Panel members:

• Fiona Clay
• Imelda Gilmore
• Christopher Hurley
• Eileen Lam
• Jane Marshall
• Karen Martin
• Robyn Nolan
• Nino Totino.

Watch this video to meet members of the Panel.

The Aged Care Consumer Panel is facilitated by Associate Professor Magda Raban and Dr Rajendra Gyawali.

Research Team members include: Professor Johanna Westbrook, Associate Professor Magda Raban, Dr Rajendra Gyawali, Dr Amy Nguyen, Ms Rachel Jenkins, Ms Marea O’Donnell, Dr Nasir Wabe, Dr Sandun Silva, Professor Ling Li, Dr Bayzidur Rahman, and Dr Isabelle Meulenbroeks.

For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Chrissy Clay.