Why Understanding MIMS, CMI, and Patient Education Leaflets is Essential for Doctors
Knowing how to use MIMS, Consumer Medicine Information (CMI), and Patient Education Leaflets is crucial for providing high-quality patient care and meeting medico-legal requirements. These tools help doctors make safe prescribing decisions, educate patients effectively, and ensure compliance with Australian healthcare standards.
For doctors preparing for the Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI), demonstrating a solid understanding of MIMS, CMI, and Patient Education Leaflets can leave a positive impression on examiners. The ability to integrate these resources into clinical practice shows competence, professionalism, and a commitment to patient safety.
Key Reasons to Use MIMS in BestPractice Clinical Software and How to Use It
MIMS, or Monthly Index of Medical Specialties, is an essential drug information database integrated into Best Practice clinical software. It provides accurate and up-to-date medication details, helping healthcare professionals make safe and informed prescribing decisions.
Key Reasons to Use MIMS in BestPractice
Ensures Safe Prescribing and Reduces Medication Errors
- Provides detailed drug information, including dosages, indications, and contraindications
- Alerts doctors to potential drug interactions, allergies, and adverse effects
- Helps prevent duplicate therapy and medication-related complications
Saves Time with Quick and Reliable Drug Information
- Instantly provides comprehensive medication data within the consultation screen
- Reduces the need to cross-reference external sources
- Supports faster, evidence-based decision-making for busy general practitioners
Supports Clinical Decision-Making
- Displays Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, PBS, status for medications
- Helps doctors select the most suitable drug based on safety, effectiveness, and cost
- Provides formulary information for hospitals and private clinics
Enhances Patient Safety and Education
- Includes Consumer Medicine Information, CMI, which can be printed or emailed to patients
- Ensures patients receive clear instructions on medication use, possible side effects, and interactions
- Supports medication adherence by improving patient understanding
Ensures Compliance with Australian Healthcare Standards
- Keeps doctors aligned with Australian medical guidelines and prescribing regulations
- Integrates with electronic prescribing, streamlining script generation and dispensing
- Ensures consistent and standardized medication data across clinical practices
How to Use MIMS in BestPractice
- Open Best Practice and navigate to the prescribing module
- Search for a medication by entering the drug name or condition
- Review interactions and contraindications by clicking on drug monographs
- Check PBS status to confirm whether the medication is subsidized and suitable for the patient
- Print or email Consumer Medicine Information to provide clear medication instructions
- Use MIMS data when prescribing to ensure safety and effectiveness
Take home message
MIMS in Best Practice is a powerful tool that supports safe prescribing, efficient workflows, and better patient education. By using MIMS, doctors can reduce medication risks, save time, and improve patient care outcomes.
Key Reasons to Have Patient Education Leaflets in BestPractice Clinical Software
Providing patient education leaflets within BestPractice clinical software enhances patient understanding, safety, and engagement. These resources support effective communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring better health outcomes.
1️⃣ Improves Patient Understanding & Informed Decision-Making
✔ Explains medical conditions, treatments, and procedures in clear, simple language.
✔ Helps patients understand their diagnosis and available treatment options.
✔ Reduces confusion and empowers patients to take control of their health.
2️⃣ Enhances Medication Adherence & Safety
✔ Provides easy-to-follow instructions on medication use, dosages, and side effects.
✔ Reduces medication errors, missed doses, and misuse.
✔ Helps prevent adverse drug reactions by educating patients on interactions.
3️⃣ Saves Time & Improves Workflow for GPs
✔ Quickly generate and print leaflets within Best Practice software.
✔ Reduces the need for lengthy verbal explanations during consultations.
✔ Ensures standardized, evidence-based information is provided to every patient.
4️⃣ Supports Legal & Ethical Compliance
✔ Aligns with Australian healthcare guidelines on informed patient care.
✔ Helps meet the duty of care obligations by providing accurate, documented health information.
✔ Reduces the risk of miscommunication or misunderstandings in patient care.
5️⃣ Encourages Preventative Health & Self-Management
✔ Educates patients on lifestyle modifications, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
✔ Encourages proactive health decisions, reducing hospital visits and complications.
✔ Supports ongoing patient engagement, especially for long-term conditions.
Take home message
Having patient education leaflets in Best Practice ensures clear, consistent, and accessible health information for all patients. This improves treatment adherence, patient engagement, and overall healthcare quality while also supporting GP efficiency and compliance.
Key Reasons for CMI in BestPractice:
✅ Patient Education & Safety
- CMIs help patients understand their medications, dosages, potential side effects, and interactions.
- Provides easy-to-read, evidence-based information directly from approved sources.
✅ Legal & Ethical Compliance
- In Australia, regulatory bodies such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recommend providing CMIs with prescription medications.
- Helps GPs and pharmacists meet professional and medico-legal responsibilities.
✅ Improved Medication Adherence
- Patients who understand why and how to take their medication are more likely to follow their treatment plans.
- Reduces the risk of missed doses, overdoses, or unnecessary discontinuation.
✅ Efficiency for Healthcare Providers
- Auto-generated CMIs save time for GPs and pharmacists.
- Ensures consistency in patient information, reducing the risk of miscommunication.
How CMI Works in BestPractice
- When prescribing a medication, GPs can print or email the CMI directly to the patient.
- CMIs are sourced from official medication databases to ensure accuracy.
- Patients receive reliable, non-technical explanations of their medicines.
