Improving Medication Management in Indonesian Aged Care Homes: Research Priority Setting with Stakeholders
Yulisna Mutia Sari Grace Wangge

Date and Time

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Theme / Track

Health, medical and integrated care

Presentation Format

Background: Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations are experiencing rapidly aging populations. The Indonesian Government recently announced a national initiative of aged care homes to support older people not able to live independently or receive family care. Medication-without-harm is the topic of the World Health Organization Third Global Patient Safety Challenge. The objective of this study was to prioritise research questions for improving medication management in public and private aged care homes in Indonesia. Methods: In April 2025, a 20-person expert consensus panel was convened comprising general practitioners, geriatricians, neurologists, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, public health practitioners, aged care home managers, Ministry of Health representatives, ASEAN organization representatives, and a family caregiver. The panel used modified nominal group technique to identify and prioritise research for improving medication management in aged care homes in Indonesia. Results: The panel identified 47 research priorities that were consolidated into 15 policy and 20 practice priorities for voting. The highest ranked policy priorities focused on necessary regulations and clinical guidelines; essential medication lists for older people; and policies to support development and use of drug formulations acceptable for residents of aged care homes. The highest ranked practice priorities emphasised digital health technologies; medication safety monitoring; and enhancing communication among families, aged care home staff and prescribers. Conclusion: The findings lay the groundwork for a culturally- and context-specific research roadmap for improving medication management in Indonesian aged care homes. This will guide researchers and research funding organisations in aligning future studies with policy and practice priorities.

Keywords

Evidence Based Policy, Integrated Care, Medications, Residential

Authors

Professor Simon Bell, Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
Clara Kushartanto, Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
Dr Esthika Dewiasty, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Dr Rocksy Situmeang, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Banten, Indonesia
Imran Pambudi, Directorate General of Primary and Community Health, Indonesian Ministry of Health