04/06/2026
We are pleased to share the findings from a project supported by the PSWA J M O'Hara Research Fund.
Led by Dr Andrew Stafford, the research explored the implementation of the Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) program in rural and remote Western Australia.
The research identified medicines safety challenges within these settings, reinforcing the importance of access to the ACOP program for aged care residents in rural and remote communities. While pharmacist interest in ACOP roles is strong, structural barriers such as remuneration, travel requirements and credentialling continue to influence implementation.
The findings contribute to the evidence base informing how the ACOP program can be optimised to support equitable access across Western Australia.
A project summary and full report are now available on the PSWA website.
https://pswa.org.au/news/2026/5/27/j-m-ohara-research-wrap-up