Background: Recently, it was found that of the complaints in Australian aged care facilities between July 2019-June 2020, 45% related to the medication administration process and its outcomes, particularly missed doses (omissions). However, little is known in terms of medication administration trends, and the scale of medication omissions (doses prescribed but not administered by the next dose time) in Australia.

Aim: This project is the first large-scale investigation into medication administration trends across Australian aged care facilities. It aims to describe these administration trends and how and why medications are omitted in aged care facilities.

Methods: A retrospective review will be conducted of medication administration data spanning approximately 700 Australian aged care facilities (March 17th 2023 to March 18th 2024) from across all states and territories. Administration trends will be analysed using R Studio, including identifying which medications are most administered. Frequencies and rates of omitted medications will be calculated, identifying which medications have high omission rates, and a summary of reasons for omissions will be presented.

Results: Key findings and insights on the circumstances surrounding medication administration and omissions will be presented.

Conclusions/Implications: The findings from this study will allow for the identification of strategies to support effective clinical decision-making, medication safety, resident input into medication administration, and quality improvement. It is important that we better understand the frequency and the trends in how and why medication administration, including omissions occur nationally, so that we can ensure that policies and guidelines are fit for purpose.